Our ask: we urgently seek the restoration and prioritisation of funding for programs for young people
Yarra Ranges Council and regional organisations in our community have been hard-hit due to the rapid loss of long-term grant funding, significantly impacting our young people and their support networks.
Mental health and family cohesion has been declining, magnifying stress caused by frequent natural disasters and Covid pandemic disruptions to schooling and social connections. In our metropolitan-classified municipality there are significant rural and remote areas where limited telecommunications and internet coverage cause ongoing deep impacts to our young people and their families.
We urgently seek the restoration and prioritisation of funding for programs, ensuring the continuation of equitable access, safe spaces and meaningful participation for young people aged 8 –25. This critical life stage is marked by identity formation, mental health vulnerability and pivotal life choices.
Council seeks to work with the State and Federal Governments to ensure that our region’s vulnerable young people have access to the services, supports and opportunities they need.
Young people who are supported and empowered can build the resilience, confidence and social connections to ensure a positive impact on their own future and our community.
Strategic actions
- Expand the Mental Health & Wellbeing Local model to support the mental health needs of children and young people. Outreach to Upper Yarra and Valley areas is a priority (Federal/State).
- Work with partners to establish spaces for young people - fostering connection, support and leadership that are also safe, inclusive and trauma-informed. (Council/State/ Federal/Community).
- Embed gender equitable and culturally safe pathways for young people from diverse backgrounds to actively participate in shaping policies, programs, and community initiatives— ensuring their voices are genuinely heard and reflected in decisions (Council/State/Federal).
- Develop strategic priorities and actions focusing on the future health and wellbeing of young people in their transition through the middle years (8-12) (State).
Key statistics
- Residents between 15-24 years are 12% of our population (18,344)
- 16% of 15-19 year-olds are not engaged in work and/or education, compared to 13% across Greater Melbourne
- Only 15% of young people attend higher education, compared to 28% across Greater Melbourne but 10% of young people attend vocational education, compared to 5%
- Mental and behavioural conditions were the 2nd highest reason for hospital admission among young people
- Yarra Ranges’ statistics for youth suicide are more than 50% higher than our neighbouring councils