To coincide with Mental Health Week the Buninyong Youth Advisory Council launched its Youth Resources Booklet for Ballarat and the region at headspace Ballarat.

Six members of the Buninyong Youth Council and the Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle met with members of the headspace youth reference group to hand over the first copies of the Youth Resources Booklet.

The booklet provides an easy go to guide for youth resources available to Ballarat and the region including legal services, workplace rights, mental health, life skills such as paying taxes or getting your licence and health and education support.

The booklet started from when the Buninyong Youth Advisory Council first met first meeting where they asked, ‘Do all young people know the resources available to them locally?’ From this discussion they identified ‘access’ as the 2020 theme. The guide was developed by the Council and involved them researching all services available and summarising them in the booklet. The guide was written by young people for young people which makes it different.

The Buninyong Youth Advisory Council is made up of ten young people aged 16-22 from the Buninyong electorate which includes parts of Ballarat, Moorabool and Golden Plains Shires. The Council is designed to empower young people to play a more active role in public life – it provides participants with the opportunity to build their understanding of government and the role and responsibilities of a Member of Parliament.

The group meets to discuss local issues, learn about the democratic system and how they can more confidently participate in the decision-making processes. It has given them the opportunity to meet community leaders and develop their own campaigns such as the Youth Resources Booklet.

We are calling for young people to consider applying to become a member of the Buninyong Youth Advisory Council for 2021.

Applications close on Sunday 23 November 2020, please email [email protected] to show you interest and we will send you an application form.

 Quote attributable to Eve Joyce Buninyong Youth Council

“As a young person in Buninyong I knew there were organisations available but didn’t know how to find them. Our Youth Resources Booklet puts them in one place for easy access and advice. It was designed and researched by local youth, for local youth, that makes it different.”

“Before I nominated for the Youth Council, I didn’t know I could make a difference, but now I know I can lead and how to contribute to issues I care about.”

Quote attributable to Finlay Yap Buninyong Youth Council

“It is easy to think that Buninyong youth don’t understand the social and financial expectations of us, but we do understand, we just need to know where to go for help and guidance. The Youth Resources Booklet offers that.”

“Joining the council was an incredible eye-opener about leadership and how decisions that affect young people aree made. I would encourage anyone who is interested to nominate for the 2021 group.”

 Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“Establishing the Buninyong Youth Advisory Council was not just about building future leaders but creating an environment where Buninyong Youth can lead right now.”

“I’m incredibly impressed how the group identified a need, found the resources and put it all together.”

“I will be posting out the booklet to local neighborhood houses and services to help young people know about the services they can access.”

“If you are interested in your community and want to make a difference please apply to become a member of the 2021 Buninyong Youth Advisory Council.”

Quote attributable to Janelle Johnson CEO Headspace Ballarat

“headspace Ballarat is very excited for the release of the Buninyong Youth Advisory Council’s Youth Resources Booklet. It is wonderful to see young people passionate about making a difference in the lives of other young people in their community.”

 “headspace Ballarat is sure that this new initiative will make a positive difference in the lives of young people, it is so important to ensure that young people’s voices and opinions remain front and center in the development of services that support them.”  

 A copy of the Youth Resources Booklet can be downloaded here.