Shire of Denmark announces planning and development for inaugural youth strategy

Teenagers and young people in Denmark can get paid up to $600 to help the shire develop its first youth strategy. The Shire of Denmark has announced the start of preliminary work on an extensive community consultation to develop the youth strategy, which it hopes to complete by 2025. People aged 15-25 who wish to shape the strategy can apply by July 7 to the Youth Affairs Council WA — which is supporting the shire — to participate as paid youth researchers. Shire president Kingsley Gibson said the strategy’s development was in line with the community’s expectations for improvement in the provision of local youth services. “Services and facilities for youth is one of the key community priorities identified in our strategic community plan,” he said. “We take those priorities seriously, so the aim of building a youth strategy is to develop a deeper understanding of the needs and priorities, and to set out a road map for us to follow as we get to work delivering on this important community priority in the months and years ahead. “I hope this fresh approach to youth engagement will encourage young change makers in our community to participate.” Six applicants will be selected as peer researchers to help design a survey and interview questions. They will receive full training from YACWA, a certificate, and a payment of up to $600. The consultation period will include workshops, interviews, a postcard campaign, and a roundtable focusing on solutions. Peer researcher applications at www.yourdenmark.wa.gov.au/youth-voices close on July 7.