Youth get boost in policy

CARDINIA’S youth received a boost last week when the council unveiled its Youth Policy and Strategy last Thursday.
An increased range of recreational facilities, a youth specific facility, employing more youth workers and a bus to reach youth in isolated townships are among the policy’s main objectives.
Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Ronald officially launched council’s Youth Policy and Strategy 2007-2011 at a gathering of young people, parents, teachers, education officials, representatives of government agencies and service providers on Thursday. Cardinia’s Young Citizen of the Year Adam Ballis, the event’s MC, said it was vital that young people had access to community services and facilities.
Director of the Office for Youth James Montgomery said he was impressed with the council’s policy as it put “young people in the centre”.
Cardinia’s youth population is expected to increase from 12,865 young people (2006) to 25,110 in 2021.
Cr Ronald said council would work in partnership with the State and Federal Governments to ensure that young people had the services and facilities they needed to get the best start in life.
Council’s Youth Policy and Strategy 2007-11 can be viewed at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au.