Agenda of Youth Advisory Committee

Youth Advisory Committee

Meeting Date: Wednesday, 05 May, 2021

Location: Council Chambers, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time: 10:00am

Please note: Council’s Code of Meeting Practice permits the electronic recording and broadcast of the proceedings of meetings of the Council which are open to the public. Your attendance at this meeting is taken as consent to the possibility that your image and/or voice may be recorded and broadcast to the public.

Agenda

1. Election of Chairperson (every meeting)

2. Acknowledgement and Welcome to Country

3. Apologies

4. Confirmation of Minutes

· Youth Advisory Committee - 10 February 2021........................................................... 1

5. Declarations of Interest

6. Presentations

YA21.5........ Presentation - Community Wellbeing Plan Update

Ryan Schulter – Acting Social Infrastructure Planning Manager - To present on Shoalhaven City Council Community Wellbeing Plan

7. Reports

YA21.6........ Youth Advisory Committee Planning Day - Climate Change & Environment 6

YA21.7........ Youth Advisory Committee Planning Day - Activities for Young People....... 8

YA21.8........ Youth Advisory Committee Planning Day - Mental Health and Sexual Health.... 10

YA21.9........ Youth Advisory Committee Planning Day - Gender Neutral Initiatives....... 11

YA21.10...... Youth Advisory Committee Terms Of Reference......................................... 12

YA21.11...... Update on Actions - May 2021..................................................................... 19

8. General Business

Youth Advisory Committee – Wednesday 05 May 2021

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Membership

Chairperson – Appointed by Committee at each meeting

All Councillors

Member for Gilmore – Fiona Phillips MP or nominee Matthew Norris

Member for Kiama – Gareth Ward MP or nominee Sebastien Riou

Member for South Coast – Shelley Hancock MP or nominee Jacob Williams

Representative - Shoalhaven Local Area Command NSW Police

Representative - Sanctuary Point Youth & Community Centre

Representative - Bay and Basin Community Resources

Representative - Nowra Youth Centre

Representative - Police Citizens Youth Club

Representative - Regional Development Australia

Representative - Shoalhaven Business Chamber

Representative - 330 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets

Pallas Retimana

Hannah Schofield

Sienna Miller

Cassandra O’Carroll

Hannah Johns

Khy Antoniazzo

Veronica Burt-Leonard

2 voting representatives from each local High School

Quorum – 6 members

Purpose

a) To represent the interests and views of young people to Council and the Community

b) To provide an opportunity for young people to discuss issues of concern to young people

c) To provide a mechanism for young people to make representations to organisations and various spheres of Government requesting appropriate action to improve facilities and services available to young people

d) To give young people experience in Local Government and community affairs

e) To create greater awareness and appreciation within the general community of the needs and talents of young people

f) To provide a mechanism for young people to address youth issues themselves

Delegated Authority

Act within adopted budgets aligning with Council’s strategic plans and documents to deliver youth programs and activities that meet the needs of local young people.

Minutes of the Youth Advisory Committee

Meeting Date: Wednesday, 10 February 2021

Location: Council Chambers / Microsoft Teams

Time: 10.11am

The following members were present:

Clr Patricia White

Ulladulla High School – Representatives - Emanuelle Kneeshaw, Ebony Wellman (Remotely)

Shoalhaven High School – Representatives - Darcy Conolan, Charlie Butler

St John the Evangelist Catholic High School – Representatives – Phoebe Szymoniozek, Elly Simms

Mr Michael Paine – Manager Community Connections

Others present:

Ulladulla High School - William Stewart, Jaslyn Mackenzie (Remotely)

Shoalhaven High School - Jasmine Blundell, Roshan Devulapally

St John the Evangelist Catholic High School – Kiah Shine

Carly McWalters – Community Capacity Builder

Charlie Butler was nominated and elected as Chairperson for the meeting.

Charlie Butler gave an Acknowledgement to Country.

Apologies / Leave of Absence

An apology was received from Lilli Stiff-Marr.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Minutes of the Youth Advisory Committee held on Wednesday 26 February 2020 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declarations of Interest

Nil

Reports

YA21.1 Community Grants Program 2021 Update

HPERM Ref: D21/31121

Carly McWalters – Community Capacity Builder provided an overview of the report. There were no exceptions to the report.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Youth Advisory Committee:

1. Receive this report on The Community Grants Program 2021 for information.

2. Nominate the following representative to sit on the Youth Inclusion Grant assessment panel:

a. [insert name]

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Youth Advisory Committee:

1. Receive this report on The Community Grants Program 2021 for information.

2. Nominate the following representative to sit on the Youth Inclusion Grant assessment panel:

a. Representatives from St John the Evangelist Catholic High School

b. Representatives Ulladulla High School

c. Representatives from Shoalhaven High School

CARRIED

YA21.2 Youth Advisory Committee Membership Expression of Interest - Member Recommendation Report

HPERM Ref: D21/32797

Recommendation

That the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) recommend to Council that:

1. Membership appointments are offered to applicants who are not eligible to fill the 18 places delegated to school students.

2. Applicants who currently attend High Schools to attend the Youth Advisory Committee as part of school delegations.

3. Remaining vacant position to be kept open and young people from the workplace or traineeships given priority to ensure YAC is represented by a diverse range of young people.

4. A second Expression of Interest to be conducted to fill the remaining vacant member position following the review of Terms of Reference (TOR) at the YAC planning day in March.

REcommendation (By consent)

That the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) recommend to Council that:

1. Membership appointments are offered to applicants who are not eligible to fill the 18 places delegated to school students:

a. Sienna Miller

b. Cassandra O’Carroll

c. Hannah Johns

d. Khy Antoniazzo

e. Veronica Bert-Leonard

2. Applicants who currently attend all local High Schools to attend the Youth Advisory Committee as part of school delegations.

3. Remaining vacant position to be kept open and young people from the workplace or traineeships given priority to ensure YAC is represented by a diverse range of young people.

4. A second Expression of Interest to be conducted to fill the remaining vacant member position following the review of Terms of Reference (TOR) at the YAC planning day in March.

CARRIED

YA21.3 Youth Advisory Committee - Planning Day

HPERM Ref: D21/33721

The following suggestions (raised in General Business) were made in relation to the Planning Day:

· Go through the Get Involved Page

· The link be forwarded to the YAC members for any project or policy that is out for public consultation.

· Tree and Land Management:

o Fire Hazard Reduction (RFS)

o Logging

o Asset Protection Zones (APZ)

o Bushfire Recovery

· Transport

o Condition of local roads

· Youth employment

· Housing costs

· Mental Health Services

o Waitlists for Headspace

o Alcohol and drug use

· Capacity of Ulladulla High School – making representations to local members of Parliament regarding the possible use of the former Anglican College (Ulladulla)

· Incentives towards renewable energy and solar panels

· Extend an invitation to Takesa Frank to guest speak in relation to logging in the Shoalhaven

· Report writing and how to get an item on the YAC Agenda

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Youth Advisory Committee

1. Members attend a planning day to review the Terms of Reference and re-evaluate how Council works with young people moving forwards.

2. Put forward topics for discussion at the planning day.

3. Suggest a suitable time and day for the meeting.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Youth Advisory Committee:

1. Members attend a planning day to review the Terms of Reference and re-evaluate how Council works with young people moving forwards.

2. Put forward the following topics (including but not limited to) for discussion at the planning day:

a. Go through the Get Involved Page

b. The link be forwarded to the YAC members for any project or policy that is out for public consultation.

c. Tree and Land Management:

i. Fire Hazard Reduction (RFS)

ii. Logging

iii. Asset Protection Zones (APZ)

iv. Bushfire Recovery

d. Transport

i. Condition of local roads

e. Youth employment

f. Housing costs

g. Mental Health Services

i. Waitlists for Headspace

ii. Alcohol and drug use

h. Capacity of Ulladulla High School – making representations to local members of Parliament regarding the possible use of the former Anglican College (Ulladulla)

i. Incentives towards renewable energy and solar panels

j. Extend an invitation to Takesa Frank to guest speak in relation to logging in the Shoalhaven

k. Report writing and how to get an item on the YAC agenda

3. Hold the Planning Day on Wednesday 31 March 2021 at a time to be established.

CARRIED

YA21.4 Update on Actions - February 2021

HPERM Ref: D21/33735

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That:

1. The Youth Advisory Committee Receive the Status Report for information.

2. The following action be removed from the Action Table due to the time that has lapsed since the introduction of the project.

a. In relation to YA19.12, the Committee recommend the Representatives make representations to the next available agenda of the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee and report back to the Youth Advisory Committee afterwards.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That:

1. The Youth Advisory Committee Receive the Status Report for information.

2. The following action be removed from the Action Table due to the time that has lapsed since the introduction of the project.

CARRIED

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 11.42am.

CHAIRPERSON

Youth Advisory Committee – Wednesday 05 May 2021

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YA21.6 Youth Advisory Committee Planning Day - Climate Change & Environment

HPERM Ref: D21/164708

Department: Community Connections

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Reason for Report

To address topics arising from the Youth Advisory Committee Planning Day and identify proposed actions.

Recommendation

That the Youth Advisory Committee provide recommendations to Council to advocate and address topics arising from the Youth Advisory Committee Planning Day relating to Climate Change and Environment:

1. To be added at the YAC Meeting - Insert Recommendations here:

Background

At the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Planning Day held 31 March 2021, the Committee raised several topics and issues for review. 11 topics were identified by the group and 4 were selected as priority areas. Climate Change and Environment received 9 votes as a topic for review at YAC.

Topics identified as important to the young people within Climate Change and Environment were:

Bushfire Response and Mitigation

· Bushfire hazard management

· More focus on regeneration of cleared / fire affected land

Development

· Promotion of eco-friendly lifestyles

· Leaving the wild areas alone – build elsewhere / know the risks / stop deforestation

Sustainability

· Environmentally friendly changes – litter reduction / renewable energy

· Environmentally sustainable Council-owned buildings

· Sustainable choices for our community

Community Projects / Community Led Initiatives

· Encouraging more Community gardens

· More community owned / run environmental projects

Wildlife Conservation

· Pest control

· Endangered species – Koalas

Protecting Our Natural Environment

· More trees / plants along our coast and around our waterways

· Litter / pollution

· Healthy oceans

· Global warming

Infrastructure

· Provision of more public refillable water stations

Youth Advisory Committee – Wednesday 05 May 2021

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YA21.7 Youth Advisory Committee Planning Day - Activities for Young People

HPERM Ref: D21/164924

Department: Community Connections

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Reason for Report

To address topics arising from the Youth Advisory Committee Planning Day and identify proposed actions.

Recommendation

That Youth Advisory Committee provide recommendations to Council to advocate on topics arising from the Youth Advisory Committee Planning Day relating to Activities for Young People:

1. To be added at the YAC Meeting - Insert Recommendations here:

Background

At the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Planning Day held 31 March 2021, the Committee raised several topics and issues to review. 11 topics were identified by the group and 4 were selected as priority areas. Activities for Young People received 9 votes as a topic for review at YAC.

Topics identified within Activities for Young People were:

Spaces and Places

· Safe “hangout” spaces for young people – cafés / meeting places / events / job opportunities.

· More retail shops in the Nowra region.

· Bigger shopping centre with a wide variety of retails stores, like Stockland Shellharbour.

· Outdoor gyms with weight machines and other suitable equipment.

Activities

· More community activities – movie nights / dances / markets.

· Activities for teenagers – more leisure facilities, laser tag, gaming arcade, skate parks, go-karting.

· Encourage physical activity in young people.

· More activities that include disabled youth.

· Concerns regarding lack of social events / activities for teenagers.

· More things to do on weekends.

Social Connection

· Social meetings such as YAC – more open and available to all, not just Student Council (SRC) representatives.

Events

· Music festivals.

· Social and educational cultural events – Professional speakers / film festival / activities that will increase and promote cultural awareness.

· Musical performances.

Youth Advisory Committee – Wednesday 05 May 2021

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YA21.8 Youth Advisory Committee Planning Day - Mental Health and Sexual Health

HPERM Ref: D21/164967

Department: Community Connections

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Reason for Report

To address topics arising from the Youth Advisory Committee Planning Day and identify proposed actions.

Recommendation

That Youth Advisory Committee provide recommendations to Council to advocate on topics arising from the Youth Advisory Committee Planning Day relating to Mental Health and Sexual Health:

1. To be added at the YAC Meeting - Insert Recommendations here:

Background

At the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Planning Day held 31 March 2021, the Committee raised several topics and issues for review. 11 topics were identified by the group and 4 were selected as priority areas. Mental Health and Sexual Health received 6 votes as a topic for review at YAC.

Topics identified within Mental Health and Sexual Health were:

Access to Services

· Being able to see a Doctor without a parent or guardian present.

· Options for youth to be able to take ownership of their own health.

· Lack of availability for face-to-face mental health support.

· More accessible support services for rural areas.

Mental Health

· More mental health facilities.

· Student mental health.

· Mental Health support networks for the entire Shoalhaven region, particularly in the more remote areas – mental health / LGBTQIA / counselling and therapy services.

Advice and Awareness

· How to better deal with the impacts of bullying, regarding diversity.

· Impact of mental illness on daily life.

· Lack of mental health awareness.

Sexual Health

· Pregnancy / STIs & STDs information.

Youth Advisory Committee – Wednesday 05 May 2021

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YA21.10 Youth Advisory Committee Terms Of Reference

HPERM Ref: D21/156820

Department: Community Connections

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Attachments: 1. Youth Advisory Committee - Terms of Reference ⇩

Reason for Report

To provide the Youth Advisory Committee with proposed amendments to the Terms of Reference POL21/29 for endorsement.

Recommendation

That Youth Advisory Committee

1. Endorse the proposed amendments to the Youth Advisory Committee Terms of Reference and submit to Council for adoption.

Options

1. The recommendation is adopted as written:

Implications: The Terms of Reference (TOR) will be updated and provide the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) an agreed way forward as detailed in this report.

2. The recommendation is not adopted, and an alternative recommendation is provided.

Implications: The proposed TOR will not be updated and the YAC will be required to provide an alternative proposal.

Background

In December 2020, an Expression of Interest was conducted to fill the 6 vacant community member positions of the YAC. At the 10 February 2021 meeting the Committee accepted the recommendations of Council and endorsed 5 new community members. Following this a Planning Day was held on 31 March 2021 to induct new members, review the TOR, and set the direction for the Committee. The agenda for the day was as follows:

1. Aims and goals

a) Why are we here?

b) What is the goal of the Committee?

c) What do you want the Committee to be known for?

2. Terms of Reference review

a) Membership - who will be involved?

b) Training - how will we achieve our goals?

c) Meetings - where and when will we meet? What format will meetings take?

3. Setting direction

a) Issues and opportunities

b) Training opportunities - advocacy, report writing, communications skills?

4. Induction Training

a) Function of the YAC

b) Submitting reports

c) Council processes

As part of these discussions’ members have proposed some changes to the TOR which are included in the attachment. Amendments include:

1. Membership appointments

Age range

i. Increase range of school students from Year 9 to Year 7.

ii. Increase age range of community members from 12-25 years – previously this was 15-21 years of age.

2. Period of membership

a) Annual review – setting direction and membership review.
Membership will be reviewed every 12 months.

b) Diversity of the committee
Ensure targeted recruitment to maintain a diverse representation of young people.

3. Training

a) Induction and Planning Days
An annual induction and planning day will be held.

b) Skills development and training opportunities
Council will provide opportunities for members to build capacity and skills -
funded from existing Youth Advisory Committee budget.

4. Chairperson

a) Nomination in advance

The Chairperson will be nominated at the end of each meeting for the next.

b) Training/support

Council staff will work with the nominated chair, prior to the meeting to ensure they understand the responsibilities and requirements of chairing a meeting.

c) Agendas

A summary page will be provided additional to the full agenda.

5. Meetings

a) Format

To encourage participation, a round table discussion question will be posed at the start of each meeting.

b) Venue

Venues will be rotated across the Shoalhaven to ensure that the meetings are inclusive and accessible to all.

c) In-person/online

Preference is for in person attendance at meetings, but the committee felt it was important to continue to provide alternative methods of attendance (i.e., online).

Members raised several issues and opportunities which will require further consultation. This consultation will be undertaken over the next 3 months to engage with YAC members and schools to discuss other topics arising at the planning meeting including:

· Membership structure – consideration of an open memberships to the committee

· Establishing working groups

· Training and skills development – specifically what training would be useful for the young people to fulfill their roles on the committee.

· Promotion opportunities

· Advocacy work.

A detailed Planning Day summary report will be submitted at the next meeting to outline the outcomes of this consultation and any further amendments to the TOR.

Community Engagement

YAC were consulted on the proposed changes to the TOR at the Planning Day in March. Thirteen Committee members of the YAC attended including 2 community members and 11 school delegates.

Policy Implications

Information shared during the planning day was taken into consideration for the proposed amendments to the TOR. Should the YAC wish to make any future changes to the TOR, a recommendation to Council will be required.