General News
18 September, 2023
New youth network needs local voices
NORTH Central LLEN has put out the call for young people to share their passion for a thriving region as members of a new rural youth network. The partnership between North Central LLEN, YouThrive Victoria and Northern District Community Health will...
NORTH Central LLEN has put out the call for young people to share their passion for a thriving region as members of a new rural youth network.
The partnership between North Central LLEN, YouThrive Victoria and Northern District Community Health will involve youngsters from the Loddon, Buloke and Gannawarra Shires and St Arnaud.
Rural Youth Network facilitator Tori Gentle said the local group will be a chapter of the state-wide collective through YouThrive to build “a sense of community and connection for young rural and regional Victorians to expand social networks and provide access to useful resources and opportunities”.
“The state-wide RYN is building a new type of community where the best of your local community is blended with the best of online opportunities,” she said.
“The goal is for rural and regional communities to benefit from having connected, resilient and informed young people ready to contribute to their communities.
Funded through YACVic’s Umbrella Program, the network will build on the achievements of the North Central Youth Advisory Council and will provide opportunities for young people who work, study, play, and stay in the region to thrive in education, work, and life.
Members will be a representative voice of young people and there will be opportunities for young people to grow their skills and confidence and develop and expand their leadership and advocacy abilities.
There are also plans to establish a range of shared interest groups, events and other opportunities for connection across the region and beyond.
“To help us get started, we are looking for some young people who are willing to complete an online survey, participate in a one-to-one meeting with me (in person or online), and attend two online meetings with the project team,” said Tori.
“They need to be willing to work collaboratively and effectively in a team and openly contribute to the conversation about how to make Buloke, Loddon Gannawarra’s rural youth network better for young people. In return they will receive a $50 voucher, with the potential for a paid ongoing role as a member of the permanent project advisory committee.” The network is open to people aged 16 to 25.