OPEN Symposium 2024: Youth day recordings

Yarra City Council: Richmond Youth Hub: The creation of a youth-led space which enhances safety, supports social connection and fosters positive pathways for young people in a public housing setting.

Presented by Adrian Lucas-Healey & Zac Lovett

This presentation from Yarra City Council explored how the Richmond Youth Hub fosters empowerment by creating a safe, culturally enriching space designed with and for young people.

Key Insights:

• Youth-Led Community Building: Empowering youth by entrusting them with Hub development fosters ownership, trust, and sustained engagement in a culturally sensitive space.
• Supportive and Inclusive Environment: The Hub promotes informal, non-hierarchical relationships and offers adaptable programming that responds to youth feedback, creating an accessible and supportive environment.
• Holistic Development and Sustainability: Through skill-building programs, cultural identity reinforcement, and ongoing resource advocacy, the Hub ensures comprehensive youth development and community resilience.

The Richmond Youth Hub exemplifies how community-led, culturally sensitive youth initiatives can empower young people and strengthen community bonds through safe, inclusive spaces.

Keywords: Youth participation, co-design

54 Reasons: Message From East Gippsland (MFEG) and the follow-up Great Ideas Project (GIP)

Presented by Virginia Vincent & Banjo Jackson

The presentation shared insights from 54 Reasons “Message from East Gippsland and the follow up Great Ideas Project” focuses on elevating the voices of children and young people living in the region, and share their perspectives, concerns, and ideas with local decision makers.

Key Insights:

• Empowering Youth Voice: By promoting agency and inclusivity, the project ensures children and young people actively contribute to community development, with a focus on marginalised voices.
• Community Collaboration and Trust: Through partnerships with local councils and genuine listening, youth perspectives are translated into actions, fostering trust and meaningful participation.
• Celebrating and Integrating Youth Ideas: Educational integration and public recognition of youth contributions highlight their role in creating innovative, community-driven solutions.

54 Reasons’ work in East Gippsland through the ‘Great Ideas Project’ shows the power of youth involvement, creativity, and collaboration in building vibrant, inclusive communities.

Resources:

• Messages from East Gippsland: Listening to the voices of children and young people
• Great Ideas Projects: Follow up report

Keywords: Youth participation

RMIT & Afri-Aus Care: The Junior Rhinos: A Co-Designed, Primary Prevention Approach for Young People at Risk of Entering the Justice System

Presented by Dr Rachel Goff & Dr Sarah Williams (RMIT), and Selba-Gondoza Luka & Abraham Kuol (Afri-Aus Care)

This presentation from RMIT & Afri-Aus Care showcased the innovative “Junior Rhinos Program”, a community basketball initiative for at-risk youth that combines sports, mentorship, and educational support to build community engagement and structure.

Key Insights:

• Community-Led Co-Design: By involving community members in program development, Junior Rhinos fosters ownership and aligns with local needs, enhancing engagement and outreach.
• Mentorship and Cultural Resonance: Mentors with shared backgrounds provide relatable guidance, while basketball and culturally relevant activities help reduce youth isolation and build trust.
• Holistic and Preventative Approach: Emphasising Ubuntu philosophy and multi-system collaboration, the program combines educational support and preventative strategies to offer positive alternatives to justice system involvement.

By centering on collaborative design and culturally responsive activities, Junior Rhinos connects with youth through mentorship, sports, and education, aiming to positively impact educational and social outcomes.

Keywords: Youth participation, culturally responsive practice

Junction Support Services: Diverge – The chance to take a different path

Presented by Annie Shirley & Hazel Vaughan

Junction Support Services presented Diverge, a transformative program for youth that emphasises experiential learning and community engagement. The program is designed to empower young people through hands-on activities, allowing them to share their journeys, develop essential life skills, and envision positive futures.

Key Insights:

• Experiential Learning Focus: The program emphasises hands-on learning through outdoor activities and community involvement.
• Positive Outcomes and Growth: Participants experience improvements in mental health, social skills, and future aspirations, with personal testimonials reflecting their transformative journeys.
• Holistic, Transformative Impact: The program celebrates individual backgrounds, fosters confidence, and empowers youth to build new narratives and envision positive futures.

The Diverge program demonstrates the power of holistic and engaging methods in empowering youth and supporting their growth within the community.

Keywords: Youth participation, youth justice

Blue Light Victoria: Unlocking potential: Inspiring, Engaging and Equipping Young Victorians

Presented by Carolyn McSporran & Ollie Scott

Blue Light Victoria presented their DASH program, designed to empower upper primary students by promoting personal growth, safe decision-making, and strong social connections through active community engagement.

Key Insights:

• Empowerment and Responsibility: DASH instills a sense of agency in students, encouraging them to address local issues and take on projects that enhance their community, fostering pride and active citizenship.
• Strengthening Community Ties: By partnering with local organisations, including police and emergency services, DASH enhances community connections and builds trust, creating a supportive environment for students.
• Inclusivity and Mental Health Focus: The program supports neurodiverse and diverse-background students, promotes inclusivity, and integrates mental well-being to build resilience and emotional intelligence for future challenges.

The DASH program serves as a model for youth engagement and development, fostering community involvement and empowering students as active citizens.

Keywords: Youth participation