Info sessions to help shape youth recreation opportunities

Northern Grampians Shire Council leaders are inviting the municipality’s youth to help shape the future direction of active recreation opportunities in the region.  

Council’s new youth recreation project officer, Ler Ka Paw Say, is heading up the Moving Outside the Lines project, which is aimed at engaging young people to co-design and deliver activities in local spaces such as parks, libraries and sporting facilities. 

The 18-month endeavour, funded by VicHealth, also aims to strengthen the voices of youth in decision-making.  

As part of the project, council will host Youth Recreation Info Sessions at St Arnaud Library on Tuesday, September 1 and Stawell Library on Wednesday, September 2. 

Both sessions will run from 4pm to 5pm and involve an explanation about the Moving Outside the Lines project. 

Mayor Karen Hyslop encouraged young people aged between 12 and 18 to attend one of the sessions to learn more about what was in store.  

“We’re hoping people will come along and share some of the ideas they have for active recreation opportunities in the shire and learn how together, we can help turn ideas into reality,” she said.  

“At the info sessions we will be encouraging interested youth to sign up to join a working group, which will then lead the Moving Outside the Lines project and its outcomes for the next 12 to 18 months. 

“The group’s focus will be on all things active recreation – activating our open spaces and encouraging young people to get, or stay, active.” 

Cr Hyslop said food and drinks were available at the information sessions and asked people to RSVP their interest for the St Arnaud event here and Stawell event here.

“Come along and learn more about the program and what we’re hoping to achieve together,” she said.  

“The biggest thing is that this program is currently a blank canvas. What we work on, how we prioritise it, what we want to achieve with the youth members is all to be confirmed, as it needs to be led by the participants.  

“This is a true co-design opportunity for youth. Participants of the working group will gain valuable, hands-on experience – with support from council – with skills such as leadership, problem solving, community engagement, reporting, goal setting and so on. 

“These things look great on university and job applications and give people exposure to fields of work they may enjoy as career paths.” 

Mr Say has more than 10 years’ experience working with young people from diverse communities. 

“Throughout my career, I have developed and co-designed projects with young people, ensuring their ideas and voices are at the centre of every initiative,” he said.  

“I have successfully planned and delivered a wide range of programs and events that have encouraged participation, built community connections, and empowered young people.” 

Successful projects include leading large-scale soccer tournaments with more than 500 participants; pool tournaments; cooking competitions; and a youth podcast providing a platform for young people to share their stories, experiences and perspectives. 

“I am passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for young people,” Mr Say said.  

“I believe every young person deserves access to engaging recreational activities that reflect their interests and aspirations.  

“I look forward to supporting and guiding young people in Northern Grampians Shire to achieve their goals while working closely with the wider community to deliver inclusive and impactful recreation programs.”