By KATH GANNAWAY
YARRA Ranges councillors have endorsed the council’s draft Child and Youth Strategy for the next 10 years, putting it out for public comment.
Mayor Fiona McAllister, at the 13 May council meeting, said she was thrilled to see the development of the strategy and the council’s commitment to better outcomes for young people and youth.
The strategy was put forward by the director of Social and Economic Development as “a key council priority” with a vision that “Yarra Ranges will be a place where every child and young person will be able to thrive, reach their potential and actively participate in decision making”.
Action plans that support identified outcomes around children, young people and their families getting the support they need in a timely way, adequate infrastructure, access to services and improved outcomes for those experiencing vulnerability were mapped out to achieve these goals.
The strategy identifies three regions – hills, urban and valley, with data revealing diverse needs.
The data ranges from population forecasts to breastfeeding and immunisation, to gender equality and family violence.
Comparative data is given for 13 to 25-year-olds against the Victorian state averages on issues such as mental health, bullying, academic outcomes, alcohol consumption, sexual activity and crime.
Information is also given on vulnerability and wellbeing, service gaps and youth mental health which was identified as a key priority with a “high rate” of psychiatric hospitalisation, along with very high rates of reported psychological distress.
In terms of infrastructure, the report states that the availability of childcare and medical services were routinely reported to be in short supply, with access to tertiary education a current gap that could widen.
“The data for us (as a shire) is still very mixed,” Cr McAllister said.
“We know there are pockets of disadvantage and pockets of high need, and this should never drop off our agenda.”
The draft strategy is open for 42 days from Wednesday 14 May for comment and can be viewed in the council agenda of 13 May as an attachment.
For details on how to make a submission, or to request a hard copy, email r.wright@yarraranges.vic.gov.au , or phone 1300 368 333.
