Youth Advisory Committee

 

 

Meeting Date:     Wednesday, 16 November, 2022

Location:            Jervis Bay Rooms, 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 / Welcome to Country

3.    Apologies

4.    Confirmation of Minutes

·      Youth Advisory Committee - 17 August 2022.............................................................. 1

5.    Declarations of Interest

6.    Presentations

YA22.23...... Office for Regional Youth NSW - Regional Youth Insights Report 2022

The Regional Youth and Community Coordinator at the Office for Regional Youth, Andrew Britton, will provide a presentation to the YAC on the Regional Youth Insights Report 2022.

 

7.    Reports

YA22.24...... Update on Actions - November 2022............................................................. 6

YA22.25...... Youth Advisory Committee Leadership Workshop...................................... 12

YA22.26...... Youth Inclusion Grant - Community Grants Program 2022 Update............ 14

YA22.27...... Notification of Council Resolution - Youth Advisory Committee Re-establishment...................................................................................................................... 17

8.    General Business


Logo, company name

Description automatically generated

 

 Youth Advisory Committee – Wednesday 16 November 2022

Page  

 

Membership

Chairperson – Appointed by Committee at each meeting

All Councillors

Member for Gilmore – Fiona Phillips MP or nominee Sophie Phillips

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

Representative – Headspace

Representative - University of Wollongong – Shoalhaven

Representative – Country Universities Centre – Shoalhaven

Representative - CareSouth

Nathan Woodcock – Community Member

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, 17 August 2022

Location:            Jervis Bay Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time:                   10:00AM

 

 

The following members were present:

 

Mr Lachlan Congram – Country Universities Centre – Southern - Chairperson

Clr Moo D'Ath (remotely)

Clr Paul Ell – left meeting at 11:36am

Clr John Wells (remotely)

Clr Tonia Gray (remotely) – left meeting at 11:04am

Ms Sophie Phillips representing Ms Fiona Phillips - MP

Ms Veronica Burt-Leonard (remotely)

Craig Sutton - St John the Evangelist Catholic High School

Sophie Weller - St John the Evangelist Catholic High School

Georgia Coleman - St John the Evangelist Catholic High School

Serena McDonald - St John the Evangelist Catholic High School

Jessica Hart – Shoalhaven High School

Jorja Henderson – Shoalhaven High School

Hazel Marr – Nowra Youth Centre

Lily Wright – UOW Shoalhaven (remotely)

Nathan Andrews – Vincentia High School (remotely)

Destiny Pavitt – Vincentia High School (remotely)

Erin Clohessy - Vincentia High School (remotely)

Lisa Gilbert - Vincentia High School (remotely)

Ebony Wellman – Ulladulla High School (remotely)

Karina Maya – Ulladulla High School (remotely)

Manu Maya – Ulladulla High School (remotely)

 

Others Present:

 

Carly McWalters – Team Leader – Community Capacity Building

Jessica Richardson - Community Capacity Builder

Monica Kincade - Community Capacity Builder

 

The Chairperson gave an Acknowledgement of Country.

 

 

 

Apologies / Leave of Absence

 

An apology was received from Clr Patricia White.

 


 

 

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (Georgia Coleman/Serena McDonald)

That the Minutes of the Youth Advisory Committee held on Wednesday 18 May 2022 be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

 

Declarations of Interest

 

Nil.

 

 

Presentations

 

YA22.17     Open Round Table Discussion - Employment and Transport Challenges and Opportunities for Young People in the Shoalhaven

HPERM Ref: D22/315448

There was discussion between YAC members, arising from the following Prompt Questions:

1.   Introduce yourself and let us know how you arrived where you are today? I.e. Bus, car with parents, cycle, walk etc.

2.   Are you currently working, studying and/or volunteering? Please briefly detail

3.   Have you encountered any challenges in getting to and from your work, school, recreational activities etc?

4.   What have you found easy/ helpful about getting to and from your work, school, recreational activities etc?

5.   Have you encountered any challenges in engaging in employment, training or volunteering opportunities?

6.   What have you found easy/ helpful about engaging in employment, training or volunteering opportunities?

7.   Is what you hear from your friends/ peers similar to what you have said already?

8.   Is there anything else you would like to share with the group today?

 

The main issues that arose from this discussion were:

·    Lack of public transport throughout the Shoalhaven district, particularly wheelchair-friendly public transport.

·    Reliance on private transport for youth to travel to school and places of employment.

·    Challenges around obtaining employment in different locations due to limited transport options and limited vacancies in some of the smaller villages within the Shoalhaven.

 


 

 

YA22.18     Transport for New South Wales Presentation

HPERM Ref: D22/315380

Transport for NSW Communities & Place Project Team gave a presentation on the 16 Regional Cities Services Improvement Program and the broader Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan. 

·    The aim of the 16 Regional Cities Program is to provide better bus connections for residents in regional areas for work, school, health, social and recreational activities.

·    There will be over 250 additional weekly services throughout the Shoalhaven.

·    The new services are scheduled to commence from Monday 29 August.

A copy of the presentation is attached to these Minutes. Related links to today’s presentation are shown below:

https://future.transport.nsw.gov.au/plans/illawarra-shoalhaven-regional-transport-plan

https://transportnsw.info/contact-us/feedback/bus-feedback

https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/about-us/contact/complaints-and-feedback

https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/zero-emission-buses

https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/system/files/media/documents/2021/zero-emission-bus-transition-strategy.pdf

https://www.energysaver.nsw.gov.au/reducing-emissions-nsw/electric-vehicles/electric-vehicle-fast-charging-master-plan

 

 

YA22.20     Action Table Update - August 2022

HPERM Ref: D22/331723

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Youth Advisory Committee accept and receive the Update on Actions report for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Youth Advisory Committee:

1.    Consider the Action - Nomination of Chairperson for the Next Meeting as complete and remove this action from the Action Table.

2.    Accept and receive the Update on Actions report for information.

CARRIED

 

 

YA22.19     Shoalhaven Community Investment Committee Presentation

HPERM Ref: D22/315429

Brooke Gould representing the Shoalhaven Community Investment Committee provided a presentation to the YAC to explore collaborative and sustainable solutions to youth unemployment.

The presentation included a description of the committee’s purpose, an outline of the Youth Employment Action Plan and an opportunity for engagement with the YAC on identifying youth focused responses to meeting needs and gaps in the service area.

The following issues were discussed:

·    The biggest challenge for youth in obtaining employment is the limited transport options available, as well as having to fit work around school hours and other commitments.

·    Limited vacancies for work opportunities, especially in small villages across the Shoalhaven.

·    Easy access to information on employment rights for young people separate from the place of work would be beneficial. This could be incorporated into careers information at school for the current situation rather than focussing on future career information.

·    Links on school websites to external websites for employment rights and opportunities would be helpful for students.

A copy of the presentation is attached to these Minutes, as well as information regarding the Hire List to register for employment.

 

Note: Clr Tonia Gray left meeting at 11:04am.

 

 

Reports

 

YA22.20     Action Table Update - August 2022

HPERM Ref: D22/331723

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting.

 

 

 

General Business

 

YA22.21     YAC Leadership Workshop

HPERM Ref: D22/315453

RESOLVED (By consent)

The Community Capacity Building Team advised that the proposed date for the YAC leadership workshop is Sunday, 2 October, based on the survey results from the previous informal meeting.

After further discussion the new proposed date is Wednesday, 12 October.

CARRIED

 

 

Note: Clr Paul Ell left meeting at 11:36am.

 

YA22.22     Election of Chairperson for Next Meeting

HPERM Ref: D22/341394

RESOLVED (By consent)

It was resolved that a student representative from St John the Evangelist Catholic High School will chair the next meeting to be held on Wednesday, 16 November 2022.

CARRIED

 

 

 

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 11:49am.

 

 

Lachlan Congram

CHAIRPERSON


 

 Youth Advisory Committee – Wednesday 16 November 2022

Page 0

 

 

YA22.24     Update on Actions - November 2022

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/431876

 

Department:       Community Connections

Approver:           Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles 

Attachments:     1.  Attachment 1 - Action Table Report - November 2022 - Youth Advisory Committee  

Reason for Report

To provide the Youth Advisory Committee with a progress report on outstanding actions.

 

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Youth Advisory Committee:

1.    Accept and receive the Update on Actions report for information.

2.    The following actions are considered complete and removed from the action table

a.    YA22.18 - Transport for New South Wales - TfNSW - Presentation - 16 Regional Cities Services Improvement Program

b.    YA22.19 - Shoalhaven Community Investment Committee Presentation - Youth Employment

c.    YA22.20 - Action Table Update - August 2022

d.    YA22.21 - YAC Leadership Workshop - 12 October 2022

e.    YA22.22 - Chairperson - Next Meeting - 16 November 2022 - St Johns Representative

 

 

Options

1.    Adopt the recommendation as written.

Implications: The Youth Advisory Committee is updated on progress of actions and recommendations made at previous meetings.

2.    Request more information.

Implications: Members of the Youth Advisory Committee request further information.

 

Background

This report is to update the Youth Advisory Committee on outstanding actions from previous meetings. All actions have been completed. Attachment 1 provides information regarding the status of actions and resolutions made at previous meetings.

Subject to the Group concurring that satisfactory progress has been made to complete the item on the October 2022 Action Sheet Report, the Group is requested to adopt the Recommendation to note completion of:

a.         YA22.18 - Transport for New South Wales - TfNSW - Presentation - 16 Regional Cities Services Improvement Program

b.         YA22.19 - Shoalhaven Community Investment Committee Presentation - Youth Employment

c.         YA22.20 - Action Table Update - August 2022

d.         YA22.21 - YAC Leadership Workshop - 12 October 2022

e.         YA22.22 - Chairperson - Next Meeting - 16 November 2022 - St Johns Representative

Should YAC members require further information on the status of the actions in the table attached, Council staff will provide as requested.

 

Community Engagement

It is important that the members of the Youth Advisory Committee are kept informed on progress towards the completion of actions and projects. This report provides a structured approach to facilitate this information exchange.

 


 

 Youth Advisory Committee – Wednesday 16 November 2022

Page 0

 


Graphical user interface, text

Description automatically generated

Text

Description automatically generated

Text

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Table

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

 


 

 Youth Advisory Committee – Wednesday 16 November 2022

Page 0

 

 

YA22.25     Youth Advisory Committee Leadership Workshop

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/432499

 

Department:       Community Connections

Approver:           Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles  

Reason for Report

To provide a report for the Youth Advisory Committee on the outcomes of the Leadership Workshop held on 13 October 2022.

 

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Youth Advisory Committee:

1.    Receive this report on the Leadership Workshop 2022 for information.

2.    Accept the use of YAC budget to cover the $1,500 costs of the workshop.

 

 

Options

1.    Adopt the recommendation as written.

Implications: The Youth Advisory Committee receive the report and approve the use of YAC funds for the delivery of the workshop.

2.    Request more information.

       Implications: Members of the Youth Advisory Committee request further information.

 

3.    Amend the recommendation.

       Implications: Members of the Youth Advisory Committee propose amendments to the recommendation.

 

Background

The Community Capacity Building Team held a leadership workshop with YAC members to take an empowering strengths-based approach to meeting the following requirement in the Youth Advisory Committee Terms of Reference: 

3.3.3 Training: a) Annual induction and training opportunities will be offered to members to assist in skill development. Topics will be voted on by the Committee and could include Advocacy, Networking, Public Speaking, Speech Writing, the inner workings of Council etc. This leadership program will work towards meeting this requirement of the TOR’s.

 

Event Details

This Leadership Workshop guided the YAC Members to develop their own personal leadership development plan, reflect on their personal leadership style and develop strategies to strengthen and build the qualities they wished to possess. Developing these leadership qualities for the Members in a safe, inclusive and encouraging environment will equip them to be more confident participants in the YAC Meetings and strengthen their skills as leaders in our community. 

Council was excited to partner with Avalon Bourne from Sonder Youth who supported by facilitating the workshop and ensuring the sessions were engaging. Avalon runs the local Changemakers program and has a background in international relations and has been lucky enough to work on community-led change projects.

When: Thursday 13th October

Time: 9:15am to 2:15pm

Where: Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre – Gallery Room

18 Youth Advisory Committee members attended the workshop and all members reported strong to significant improvements across the leadership outcomes and all felt supported through the workshop. Participants feedback included:

“I had a wonderful time, can’t wait for the next one”.

“It was a thoughtful, grounding activity”.

“Thank you to everyone that helped make this day happen, I really enjoyed and appreciated it”.

The outcomes for the day included:

·      Young people build on their leadership skills

·      Young people become active and engaged participants in YAC meetings

·      Young people develop a sense of purpose and confidence to raise their voice on the issues that matter to them

·      Relationship building between YAC members – particularly in breaking down barriers between school cohorts and community members

 

Community Engagement

YAC members were consulted on the content and format of the workshop to ensure that a youth driven approach was taken. Through this consultation the YAC identified the following focus areas: 

·      Self-assessment

·      Leadership styles 

·      Self-confidence 

·      Advocacy

·      Teamwork 

·      Personal Development Plan

The workshop was developed and run to address the six areas listed above.

 

Financial Implications

The workshop expenditure came to $1,500.00, it is proposed that this can be fully funded from the YAC budget allocation.

 

 


 

 Youth Advisory Committee – Wednesday 16 November 2022

Page 0

 

 

YA22.26     Youth Inclusion Grant - Community Grants Program 2022 Update

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/432587

 

Department:       Community Connections

Approver:           Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles  

Reason for Report

To update the Youth Advisory Committee on the Youth Inclusion Grant - Community Grants Program 2022.

 

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Youth Advisory Committee:

1.    Receive this report on The Youth Inclusion Grant - Community Grants Program 2022 for information.

2.    Endorse the use of $5,000 from the Youth Advisory Committee budget to support the six (6) successful grant applicants:

a.    Headspace - Headspace Nowra Movie and Market Extravaganza! - $2,000

b.    The Flagstaff Group – Tradie Training Program - $2,000

c.    Kangaroo Valley Lions Club Inc. Youth Project – Kangaroo Valley Youth Group Launch Events - $2,000

d.    Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra – Aboriginal Mural for SAHSSI's Nowra Women's Refuge - $1,835.25

e.    Nowra Youth Services Inc. Trading As Nowra Youth Centre - NYC Cooking Program - $1,500

f.     Treading Lightly Inc. - Treading Lightly Inc. Youth Environmental Immersion & Team Building Day - $2,000

 

 

Options

1.    Adopt the recommendation as written.

Implications: The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) receive the report and approve the use of YAC funds to support the Youth Inclusion Grant Recipients.

 

2.    Request more information.

       Implications: Members of the Youth Advisory Committee request further information.

 

3.    Amend the recommendation.

       Implications: Members of the Youth Advisory Committee propose amendments to the recommendation.

 

Background

Shoalhaven City Council’s Youth Inclusion Grants program delivers flexible small-scale grants to fund a range of projects that will support communities to deliver community programs and initiatives that have a positive youth development focus and give young people the opportunity to develop a range of skills. Grants need to address young people’s identified needs in an innovative way and increase young people’s connection, representation and belonging to the community.  

The Youth Inclusion Grant Program provides small grants of between $500 and $2000. The program supports collaborative efforts between community groups and organisations that are based in the Shoalhaven Local Government Area to deliver local projects that support the vision of Council.

 

Program Aim

To break-down barriers and increase young people’s (aged 12-25 years) access to and inclusion in the community, to increase the social and economic participation of young people in the Shoalhaven community and enhance wellbeing and a sense of community belonging for young people in the Shoalhaven. 

 

Program Objectives

To empower young people to: 

·    recognise and celebrate the contribution young people make to their local community

·    overcome barriers to participating in the community 

·    build community-based partnerships and networks

·    feel a greater sense of belonging within their community 

·    feel empowered, as their ideas and opinions are respected, considered, and acted upon 

·    gain relevant training to support their participation by providing young people with knowledge and skills to strengthen their ability to participate in their local community such as developing teamwork, communication, decision-making, and leadership skills

·    feel more confident within themselves and their abilities, having expanded their knowledge and skills 

·    seek further opportunities to participate and stay engaged in their community 

 

Assessment

The Community Capacity Building Team at Council assessed the grant applications and provided the following recommendations for successful applicants:

 

Organisation

Project Name

Outcome

Recommendation

Headspace Nowra

headspace Nowra Movie and Market Extravaganza!

Successful

2000.00

The Flagstaff Group

Tradie Training Program

Successful

2000.00

Kangaroo Valley Lions Club Inc. Youth Project

Kangaroo Valley Youth Group Launch events

Successful

2000.00

Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra

Aboriginal Mural for SAHSSI's Nowra Women's Refuge

Successful

1835.25

Nowra Youth Services Inc. Trading As Nowra Youth Centre

NYC Cooking Program

Successful

1500.00

Treading Lightly Inc.

Treading Lightly Inc. Youth Environmental Immersion & Team Building Day

Successful

2000.00

11,335.25

The Assessment Panel commented that these projects would provide opportunities for Youth Inclusion across the LGA.

 

Community Engagement

The priority Areas for this grant program were based on the priority areas set by the Youth Advisory Committee in the last 12 months.

•        Sustainability and climate change

•        Activities for young people

•        Sexual health and mental health support

•        LGBTIQ+ Inclusion

 

Financial Implications

The Youth Inclusion Grants came to a total of $11,335.25.

$5,000 of the funding required will come from the Youth Advisory Committee Budget to supplement the funds from the Community Grants Budget. This will allow for a wide range of diverse activities to be provided to the maximum amount of young people across the Shoalhaven.

 

 


 

 Youth Advisory Committee – Wednesday 16 November 2022

Page 0

 

 

YA22.27     Notification of Council Resolution - Youth Advisory Committee Re-establishment

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/447088

 

Department:       Business Assurance & Risk

Approver:           Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles   

Reason for Report

Advise of Council’s resolution in relation to the membership and re-establishment of the Youth Advisory Committee.

 

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Youth Advisory Committee receive the Notification of Council Resolution – Youth Advisory Committee Re-establishment report for information.

 

 

Options

1.    As recommended.

Implications: The membership structure as resolved by Council is adopted for the period to 30 September 2023.

 

2.    Propose a different membership arrangement.

Implications: Should the Youth Advisory Committee wish to make an alternative recommendation in relation to membership, this would need to be reported to Council for consideration/endorsement.

 

Background

Each year, Council reaffirms all its Committees for the next 12 months - Council has the option to: reaffirm its Committees; make any change to the membership, purpose, delegation, quorum, and the number of meetings required for those Committees; or disband Committees.

This report is provided to inform the Group members of the resolution of the Council. Should the Group wish to make any changes to the above, a recommendation to Council will be required to that effect.

At the Ordinary meeting on 26 September 2022 Council resolved as follows:

Meetings per year – Four (4) and others as required

Commencement time – between 10am – 12pm

Quorum – Six (6)

Terms of Reference: POL22/71

Amended: 11 April 2022

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

Delegation:

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.

Chairperson – Appointed by Committee at each meeting

2022-2023 Councillor/Staff Membership

All Councillors

Community / Organisational Representatives

Six (6) Young people aged between 12 and 25 years

High School Representatives: 2 students selected as voting members, and up to 3 other students from each local high school are invited to join Member for Gilmore or nominee

Youth representatives from the community and social service sector

Tertiary Education Representatives

Member for Gilmore or nominee

Member for Kiama or nominee

Member for South Coast or nominee

 

Policy Implications

 There were no amendments to the Terms of Reference by this resolution.