Community leaders ‘lend an ear’ to needs of regional youth: Minister

North Queensland youth and local youth organisations are gathering in Townsville this Friday to share their experiences, concerns and bright ideas with community leaders.

Communities and Youth Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the Regional Youth Engagement Conference was an important event, with up to 100 youth representatives attending, following recent forums in the towns of Ayr, Charters Towers and Ingham.

“Put on by the Youth Network (North Queensland) with $40,000 in Bligh Government funding, these forums and conference are giving an important ear to young people and encouraging them to take on leadership roles in their communities and regions,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“As part of this open dialogue, young people aged 14 to 17 years have been discussing issues that are important to them, and speaking with local leaders,” she said.

“On Friday, these young people will be coming together in an open and honest forum to present their suggestions for the future.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said common themes to emerge from the workshops to date included the need for young people to feel safe in their communities, as well as having local activities they can take part in.

Speaking at Regional Parliament in Cairns today, Ms Nelson-Carr said the Youth Network was one of 10 organisations statewide to receive a youth engagement grant.

The Department of Communities is providing a total of $400,000 in funding in 2008-09 to support local groups, such as the Youth Network and the Queensland Youth Council.

“This funding provides opportunities for young Queenslanders to raise issues important to them at these forums, and it also enables them to get involved in developing and implementing solutions to address these issues,” said the Minister.

“Young people can and do make wonderful contributions to our communities. If our communities are to thrive, we need to work to keep young people in their hometowns and taking up leadership roles.

“Involving young people in the decision-making process gives them a sense of belonging and encourages them to make a difference as we build tomorrow’s Queensland.”

The Regional Youth Engagement Conference will be held at the Riverway Arts Centre on Friday, October 31, and is hosted by the Townsville Youth Council.

Media contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280.