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Young People

The term "young people" in this context describes people aged 12 to 24 years. Young people represent 4,610 people or 14.6% of the population the Bega Valley Shire.

Young People

BVSC is committed to meaningful youth engagement and empowerment, and views this as critical in developing sustainable, wide spread, high impact positive outcomes for young people in our Shire.

Young peoples’ input is valued - their ideas, visions, participation, leadership, will help shape the present and future of our community.

Supporting Youth

Bega Valley Shire Council recognises that Council plays a role in:

  • the planning and implementation of policies
  • facilitating partnerships with and between other service providers
  • consulting with young people and the community
  • researching issues affecting young people and the community
  • advocating and representing community interests to State and Federal Government.

Council Community Engagement team also work on issues that affect young people. Council currently plays an advocacy, facilitation and community development role in relation to young people in the Shire. 

To contact us, email youth@begavalley.nsw.gov.au

Youth Speak Survey 2020 report - read the results

Text: Tell us what you think

Bega Valley Shire Council conducted its first annunual survey of young people aged 12 to 25 in June 2020. This year’s survey had a special focus on young people’s voice, bushfire recovery and youth led projects.

269 Respondents aged 12-25 years

52% female, 43% male, 5% self-describe

5% identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

Top 3 most important issues in the Bega Valley today

  • Mental health 60%
  • Alcohol and drugs 44%
  • Bullying 36%

Top 3 barriers to achieving post school goals

  • Lack of jobs 58%
  • Lack of higher education 54%
  • Mental health 26%

Top 3 project ideas for the Bega Valley

  • Improved sporting facilities
  • Dedicated youth spaces
  • More youth activities and events

Recommendations

  • Young people should be supported to remain engaged in education and transition to further education and employment.
  • Schools need to be resourced to prevent and combat bullying and to deliver more targeted drug and alcohol education
  • Investment is required in improved mental health supports for young people with a focus on prevention and early intervention
  • Young people’s voices need to be included when forming evidence-based policies and in the co-design of programs for young people 

 

Youth Week

National Youth Week (NYW) is the largest celebration of young people in Australia. Thousands of young people aged 12-25 from across Australia get involved in NYW each year.

Street Smart Handbook

Link to the the Street Smart Handbook.Council are proud to support the Street Smart handbook Program.

The Street Smart handbook is a practical life guide for 16 and 17 year old school leavers that is designed to help prepare today’s youth for life after school.

The handbook covers important topics from sexual health and the effects of drug and alcohol abuse to legal rights and applying for a loan. It also offers information specific to the school leaver to prepare them for entering the workforce.

The Street Smart Handbook is distributed to Year 11 students through local High Schools with copies also available at the front counter of the Bega Valley Shire Council Administration building and at PCYC Bega. You may also access the online version.

Library Services

Link to Bega Valley Shire Library.Visit the Bega Valley Shire Library - Services for details on the HSC lockdown, study guides and much more.  The libraries also provide a free WiFi and access to online books. Play, read, listen, watch, participate...

 

 

 

© Bega Valley Shire Council 2025

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