Young Queenslanders urged to speak out and be heard

Young people are being urged to register for the inaugural Queensland Youth Conference next month and have a say on how the State Government shapes its youth-related policies and services.

As part of the United Nations’ International Youth Day on Sunday, Youth Minister Warren Pitt has a clear and simple message for young Queenslanders: “Come on – get involved. Be a voice for your generation.”

“This conference is a great opportunity for delegates to share their wealth of knowledge, skills and experience in youth issues,” Mr Pitt said.

“I hope we are inundated with young Queenslanders and youth workers wanting to attend the conference, which gives people a real opportunity to influence the way government and its agencies respond to and work with young people.

“A limited number of subsidies are also available for regional and remote youth attendees, so I encourage young people to sign up now so they can speak out on behalf of their peers.”

Young Queenslanders aged 12 to 25, youth workers, other professionals and volunteers who work with young people can now register online to attend the conference, to be held at the Novotel Brisbane from 5–7 September.

Mr Pitt said the conference would focus on four streams:
• participation in decisions that affect young people’s lives
• youth justice
• overcoming challenges and adversity for young people at risk, and improving their health
• development and leadership opportunities for young people.

“Be challenged and inspired by 2007 Young Australian of the Year Tania Major, 2006 Queensland Young Achiever of the Year Jess Wellard and the 2007 Suncorp Young Queenslander of the Year Lars Olsen,” he said.

Visit www.communities.qld.gov.au/youth/ for the conference program and registration details.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280