Published Sunday, 31 August, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Minister encourages youth to drive policy
Communities and Youth Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr will tomorrow be meeting some of the young people who are helping develop a Mackay Regional Council youth policy and other initiatives tailored for the Mackay, Sarina and Mirani townships.
“With a $40,000 State Government grant, the upcoming Take Me Seriously 2 forum in November will give younger people a stronger voice in decision making,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“It’s the second forum, with the first one held in the previous separate council areas. Now it is time to develop a whole-of-region policy and I applaud the council for its leadership,” she said.
“The forum will enable young people to develop the youth policy in partnership with council, as well as work together to identify opportunities for community and other projects that young people want to drive and be involved with.
“I know local young people are already doing terrific things in the area, such as providing the entertainment at last week’s Seniors Week celebrations, as well as being involved in Australia Day citizenship ceremonies.
“The forum, like this weekend’s Bligh Community Cabinet, is about listening to people and taking on board what residents – of all ages – have to say.
“The Bligh Government, and council, want to ensure young people have the opportunities to learn new skills and continue to play vital roles in our communities.”
Mackay Member of Parliament Tim Mullherin said Mackay Regional Council should be applauded for bringing young people together from the three former and now amalgamated shires.
“One of the main purposes of the symposium is to discuss and create new youth policies that will act as catalysts for future activities for the region’s young people,” he said.
“The event presents a golden opportunity for local young people to talk about what’s concerning them, as well as have important input into how government – at all levels – can best work with them to achieve positive outcomes for the region,” he said.
Media welcome: 2.30PM, Mackay Regional Council, Reception Rooms, Gordon Street.
Media contact: Harry Landman (Minister Nelson-Carr’s office) on 0407 637 510
“With a $40,000 State Government grant, the upcoming Take Me Seriously 2 forum in November will give younger people a stronger voice in decision making,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“It’s the second forum, with the first one held in the previous separate council areas. Now it is time to develop a whole-of-region policy and I applaud the council for its leadership,” she said.
“The forum will enable young people to develop the youth policy in partnership with council, as well as work together to identify opportunities for community and other projects that young people want to drive and be involved with.
“I know local young people are already doing terrific things in the area, such as providing the entertainment at last week’s Seniors Week celebrations, as well as being involved in Australia Day citizenship ceremonies.
“The forum, like this weekend’s Bligh Community Cabinet, is about listening to people and taking on board what residents – of all ages – have to say.
“The Bligh Government, and council, want to ensure young people have the opportunities to learn new skills and continue to play vital roles in our communities.”
Mackay Member of Parliament Tim Mullherin said Mackay Regional Council should be applauded for bringing young people together from the three former and now amalgamated shires.
“One of the main purposes of the symposium is to discuss and create new youth policies that will act as catalysts for future activities for the region’s young people,” he said.
“The event presents a golden opportunity for local young people to talk about what’s concerning them, as well as have important input into how government – at all levels – can best work with them to achieve positive outcomes for the region,” he said.
Media welcome: 2.30PM, Mackay Regional Council, Reception Rooms, Gordon Street.
Media contact: Harry Landman (Minister Nelson-Carr’s office) on 0407 637 510