Inaugural forum an opportunity to address challenges facing Great Southern’s youth sector

The inaugural Great Southern Youth Sector Forum has been hailed as an “invaluable opportunity” with hopes it will be become an annual event.

The forum, which took place on August 30, was attended by 60 people representing a variety of groups with interests in the youth sector.

Those taking part included youth workers, service managers, executives, Youth Minister Dave Kelly and Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie.

Youth Affairs Council of WA Great Southern project officer Kim Schroeder said common challenges were raised throughout the forum.

Those challenges included limited housing options, crisis accommodation and transitional housing, and the need for better access to mental health services.

The need to create opportunities for youth participation and leadership, greater levels of collaboration between agencies and services, and alternative pathways to education and employment were also highlighted by many in attendance.

“The forum was an invaluable opportunity for Regional YACWA to better understand the state of play for the regional sector in the Great Southern,” she said.

“The information gathered at the forum will inform the council’s ongoing regional activities and advocacy work over the next eight months.

“It will also be incorporated into our pre-budget submission to be delivered to Government later in the year.”

A report on the forum will be distributed to attendees, as well as members of the sector and decisions-makers at the State and Federal levels.

Mr Kelly said he was pleased to be able to attend the inaugural forum.

“The Youth Sector Forums run by YACWA in regional WA, are a great opportunity to discuss issues in the youth sector, determine future directions and engage in a dialogue with the State Government,” he said.

“The forum saw some great ideas brought to the table and discussion around some really important issues for young people in the Great Southern, including access to youth services and housing.

“YACWA have done a great job in organising the forum — they play a crucial role in supporting and empowering young Western Australians right across the state..”

The Albany forum followed a similar forum in Katanning held a month prior.

The Central Great Southern Youth Sector Forum in Katanning was attended by 36 people representing 22 different organisations.

“YACWA hopes to host these community consultations as a yearly event, should ongoing funding be secured to do so,” Mr Schroeder said.