Children and young people leading healthier communities

We have partnered with VicHealth on a three-year project to strengthen the creation of a community where children and young people are able to grow up active, healthy and socially connected.

Out of the 16 fast-tracked local government areas included in the partnership, East Gippsland’s approach will focus on a coordinated and collaborative approach dedicated to children young people’s health and wellbeing.

Communities in East Gippsland have been hard hit by drought and bushfire in recent years.

East Gippsland Shire Council is using a place-based approach to build on the strengths and networks present in communities, with the ultimate aim of supporting children and young people to have a seat at the decision-making table to lead the planning and design of healthier communities.

Under 25s represent approximately a quarter of East Gippsland's population and face several barriers to leading healthy lifestyles.

The VicHealth partnership will build Council's capacity to work closely with local children and young people to understand, identify and prioritise actions that will drive change to generate improved system outcomes in the areas they have identified - including food systems, physical activity and social connection.

What are we doing?

We will be working with children and young people aged 5-25.

A working group has been established to increase the reach and effectively utilise strengths. It comprises our staff and external partners who work with and have a direct interest in supporting young people.

Deakin University has delivered systems thinking training as a core module of the project, which builds on previous systems thinking education.

This training will also strengthen and develop capacity within Council and external partners to:

• Authentically and meaningfully engage with children and young people
• Use a systems approach to guide development, and prioritise and implement actions identified by children and young people

Stage One of the project involves workshops with young people to better understand the barriers they face and determine their priorities and potential solutions.

The following stages will involve working with children and young people to lead projects and actions based on the findings and previous work that has been done in this area.

A series of evidence-based health promotion modules will be available to support Council to implement action at the local level to create healthier communities for children and young people.  

The VicHealth Local Government Partnership health promotion modules will provide guidance to create policies, programs and processes for lasting changes in our community. The modules will support implementation and action following the workshops.

Where can I learn more about the project?

To learn more about the partnership project with VicHealth, visit the VicHealth website

View the VicHealth health promotion modules

If you would like to be involved, contact us.

FReeZA

FReeZA is an innovative youth development program that provides opportunities for Victorians aged 12-25 across metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria to enjoy live band gigs, dance parties and other cultural, recreational and artistic events that are drug, alcohol and smoke-free in supervised and safe venues.

Being part of the FReeZA committee is a chance to develop a broad range of skills organising events for young people. It will also build your self confidence, create and develop professional relationships, and provide opportunities to explore various education and employment pathways in the music industry.

FReeZA is an innovative youth development program providing young people between the ages of 12 and 25 with the opportunity to attend affordable and accessible events.

Join the East Gippsland FReeZA committee

By participating in a local FReeZA committee you will be given the chance to make decisions and lead the staging of events, while also broadening networks within the community by connecting with local businesses, schools and other organisations.

Joining a FReeZA committee will also build your self-confidence, create and develop professional relationships, and provide opportunities to explore various education and employment pathways in the music industry.

The other types of events that you can also get involved with through your local FReeZA committee include staging of BMX/skate comps, hip-hop showcases, art and short-film competitions, DJ dance events, theatre productions and local community events, and music festivals and live band gigs - including this year's Battle of the Bands (see below).

We encourage applications from across the shire!

Apply to join the committee here

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FUTURE PROOF: young people, disaster recovery and (re)building communities

Future Proof is a collective impact project led by the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, bringing together eight local councils, two Aboriginal CCOs, two LLENs, and Victoria University to drive recovery outcomes for fire-affected young people and communities in Eastern Victoria.

Young people play a critical role in disaster recovery and in future-proofing fire-affected communities.

The Future Proof project brings the unique experiences, perspectives and capabilities of young people to the rebuilding of their communities. It recognizes the importance of place-based activities and youth work principles, ensuring engagement, support and training connects young people and delivers youth-led community recovery projects in a flexible way.

Training opportunities are available for all young people 12-25 years in bushfire-affected areas, across East Gippsland and further afield, to build resilience locally for the future.

The project supports developing and sustaining local human infrastructure, through qualifications and industry linkages. Youth employment outcomes will be evident in emergency management and resilience, community services, youth development and mental health, which are vital for community-led recovery and resilience.

Included will be first aid, youth work, community services, emergency response and mental health first aid as part of a range of options providing the skills local communities need. Across East Gippsland, dedicated Council staff will source opportunities for young people to engage with qualification and employment pathways, along with other education and training.

With ongoing support from the Gippsland East LLEN and additional engagement opportunities from East Gippsland Shire Council, participants will feel supported throughout the program, gaining formal qualifications to ease the transition to employment.

For more information about Future Proof please contact Tara Wilson: taraw@egipps.vic.gov.au.

This project is a partnership between East Gippsland Shire Council and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria.

This project received grant funding from the Australian Government.

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Youth Ambassadors are a group of young people aged 12-25 living, studying and working across East Gippsland who are committed to create change in their community.

The Youth Ambassadors have a unique opportunity to influence, lead change and to assist Council in understanding the needs of young people.

Becoming a Youth Ambassador provides a platform for young people to discuss issues, create and lead projects for young people, have meaningful engagement with the established Council and have a say about the future of their community.  Their mission is to ensure young people are engaged and feel as valued citizens in the community.

Youth Ambassadors participate in free training and development opportunities, community consultations and events as well as develop and implement their own action plan with goals and ambitions they work towards achieving each year.

Youth Ambassador Terms of Reference

Youth Ambassador Action Plan 2022-23

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East Gippsland Youth Art Prize gives aspiring and emerging youth aged 12-25 to show case their artistic talents.

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Need more information?

Contact Chloe Peters - Youth Project Support Officer at feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au

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Winners

2023

Category winners

Media 2D

‍Forget Me Not - Kayla Jackson

Media 3D

‍Bust - Danielle Moss

Media Digital/Photography

‍Wonderland - Jorja Box  

Media Indigenous Category

‍Birth of Baby Girl - Jordyn Tattersall

Age 12-15

‍Frost - Rusty Harris  

Age 16-20

‍Between Worlds - Lily Nickless

Age 21-25

‍I’m Stressed - Romy Robertson  

Special judges mention:  

Portrait of Adam Clayton - Keara Cross

Unusual Situations - Leah Brutovic

Street Vibes - Danielle Boucher

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2022

12-15 years

Danielle Moss, Innocence

16-20 years ‍

Imrahn Canary, Dreams

20-25 years

‍Chris Lanyon, Escape to the Arty Loft

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2021

12-15 years

Lily Rose Hall Krause, Confusion

16-20 years

Natasha Steed, Rantu’s Fury

20-25 years

Joint winners: Chris Lanyon, Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share; Harley Kewish, 200826: leave your flowers.

Special portraiture category winner: Rheanna Williams, Image HUMAN.

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2020

12-15 years

Kierah Van Uden, The Little Things

16-20 years

Sinead MacDonell, Painting of My Sister

20-25 years

Harley Kewish, Ode to the Anthropocene

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The Gippsland Youth Services Directory includes information and contact details for services and organisations that support young people and families across Gippsland.

Visit the Youth Services Directory website.

What are children and young people's rights?

• Regardless of your age, everyone deserves fair treatment, but young people are often vulnerable to discrimination and harassment. In Victoria, it’s against the law for people to treat you unfairly or bully you because of your age.
• Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities recognises that children have the same rights as adults with added protection according to their best interests.
• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) describes what children and young people should be able to expect, no matter where they live.
• Some of these rights include the right to be safe, the right to go to school, the right to have enough food and water, and the right to have a say in things that affect them.

2. Why are these rights important?
   • These rights are important because they help make sure that all children and young people can grow up happy, healthy and safe. They help to protect us and make sure we are treated fairly.
   • Understanding our rights helps us to know when something isn't right and gives us the confidence to speak up and ask for help if we need it.

3. Feeling safe in your environment
   • Feeling safe means feeling comfortable and secure in your surroundings, whether it's at home, at school, or in your community.
   • When you feel safe, you can focus better on learning, playing, and enjoying life. Feeling safe also means being free from things like bullying, violence, or abuse.
   • It's important to talk to someone you trust if you ever feel unsafe or if something is bothering you. This could be a parent, a teacher, a counsellor, or another trusted adult.

4. How can we support each other's safety?
   • We can support each other's safety by being kind, respectful and looking out for one another.
   • If we see someone being bullied or treated unfairly, we can speak up and stand by them. We can also report any unsafe situations to adults who can help.
   • Remember, feeling safe is everyone's right, and we all have a role in helping to make sure it happens for ourselves and others.

By understanding their rights and the importance of feeling safe, young teenagers can become empowered to advocate for themselves and others, creating a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.

Some useful links:

Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission

Sexual Health & Wellbeing Services

Family Violence

Youth Services Directory

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