The Port Macquarie Hastings is home to approximately 12,670 young people, aged between 10-24 years, as recorded in our last census of 2021.
Understanding and responding to youth issues is crucial because the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Investing in their well-being and development not only benefits them, but also has a positive impact on the future of our communities. By addressing the unique challenges faced by young people, such as mental health, education, employment, and social integration, local governments can help create a supportive environment where young people can thrive and contribute to society.
Council is committed to ensuring that the Port Macquarie-Hastings is a community for all and that includes our young people aged 12-25. As a Council we want to see a community that offers everyone a great quality of life and the opportunity to realise their potential as part of a flourishing society, and to do this we need to be able to understand the needs of our youth as they are our future. The establishment of the Hastings Youth Voice is an avenue to encourage youth to get involved and have a voice in what happens in our community.
The Hastings Youth Voice members will work together to develop a youth voice within the community and share that voice with Councillors and Council Staff. It comprises of young people who are from different schools, colleges, universities and other youth based organisations from across the Port Macquarie-Hastings area who have varied interests and represent the diversity of young people living in the Port Macquarie-Hastings area.
The NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) plays an important role in advising the NSW Government on issues that are relevant to young people across the state. Membership of the YAC is open to all children and young people between 12 and 24 years of age residing in NSW. For more information visit the website: ACYP | Youth Advisory Council YAC (nsw.gov.au)