The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale Council says a future where young people are heard, supported and able to lead is at the heart of the Shire’s new Youth Plan 2025–2028.
Shaped by the voices of local youth, the plan outlines clear actions to improve wellbeing, strengthen access to services, and open more doors for young people to contribute, connect and create change in the community, the Council said in a statement.
More than 130 of the Shire’s young people provided feedback and input to shape the plan, with their top challenges reported as public transport, cost of living, education, family and social issues, and health concerns.
The delivery of the plan over the next three years will be guided by a framework, developed with a focus on practical and achievable actions, and underpinned by the values of the Shire’s Council Plan 2023-33.
These include actions to help young people better understand and get involved in the community, and to empower young people to participate in community programs, events and services. Actions have also been developed to expand the focus of the Shire’s programs, events and services to respond to young people’s changing interests and needs.
“Our young people are already making a big impact in our community, and this plan is about recognising that and backing them to go even further,” said Shire President, Rob Coales.
“We didn’t want to guess what they need. We asked, we listened, and we built this plan with them. It’s about making sure they have the support, opportunities and safe spaces to grow, lead and thrive.
“At the same time, it’s about giving them a real say in decisions that affect their lives. The Shire’s Youth Plan is a commitment to work alongside them, not just for them, and I’m excited to see the ideas, energy and leadership they’ll bring over the next three years.”
View the Shire’s Youth Plan 2025-2028, here: https://www.sjshire.wa.gov.au/Profiles/sj/Assets/ClientData/Document-Centre/Youth_Plan_2025-2028_A4_Booklet_Final_V2_-_Digital.pdf.
