Griffith Youth Advisory Group Impresses Councillors

Earlier this year, a passionate group of young locals was formed to help shape the future of Griffith after the city’s Councillors recognised that young people needed to be more involved in community decisions.

This group was established to give the young people of Griffith and surrounding villages a strong voice.

The Youth Advisory Group (YAG), comprised of around 30 young people, has been speaking up about issues they care about and actively developing activities tailored to 12 to 24-year-olds.

Council secured funding from the Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative - Large Grants (Regional NSW) to reconnect young people in Griffith to the community after two years of COVID-19-related disruption, with the ConnectYOUth2680 initiative developed.

Around 20 members of the YAG impressed Councillors at a recent workshop with an overview of their achievements so far.

Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran said he was blown away by what these young leaders had accomplished in such a short time.

“The future of Griffith is in great hands if these young people are anything to go by,” Mayor Curran said.

“We have an excellent leader in Lara Rossetto and the enthusiasm shown was inspiring.”

To date, the YAG has delivered a Youth Festival, participated in a co-design workshop, collaborated in the design and rollout of a comprehensive Youth Survey and resultant targeted workshops, developed a ‘Terms of Reference’ and commenced planning and execution of a calendar of youth-oriented events throughout the year.

At the Ordinary Meeting on June 27, Council endorsed the Terms of Reference and the ConnectYOUth2680 Youth Impact Report and Action Plan.

The Youth Impact Report and Action Plan are based on information collected from over 450 young people in the Griffith Local Government Area and contain the most comprehensive data set surrounding young people in the city.

“This is a huge step forward in our commitment to supporting our young community members,” Mayor Curran said.

“It’s clear to see that these energetic young people are already making a difference and creating positive outcomes for all young people in Griffith.

“The ConnectYOUth2680 project has been a game-changer, proving that young people are eager to be involved in Council activities.

It has set the stage for an ongoing youth program that could pave the way for a Youth Council in the future.”

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• Local Council