The Department of Social Services recognised United Nations International Youth Day earlier this week (Wednesday 12 August) by celebrating the contribution of young people across Australia.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Senator Richard Colbeck said while the COVID-19 pandemic was putting a lot of demands on young people “across every State and Territory there are shining examples of young people offering hope in hard times”.
Senator Colbeck said a range of projects were providing support and showcasing the important role young people were playing across the community.
“In Tasmania, the West Tamar Youth Advisory Council has been supported to transfer its activities online due to COVID-19,” the Senator said.
“In Far North Queensland, Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good (pictured), an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth-led volunteer group, aims to empower young people through workshops, training, storytelling and advocacy opportunities.
“In Victoria, the University of Melbourne Pathways to Politics Program for Women aims to increase female participation in politics.”
Senator Colbeck said that nationally, the Country to Canberra project was empowering rural teenage girls to reach their leadership potential, running programs that provided education, leadership and mentorship opportunities.
He said a program had also been launched by the Commonwealth to help all young Australians reach their full potential, providing Youth Advocacy Support Grants to organisations advocating on behalf of young people, especially those from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds.
“Projects like these give a voice to our young people,” he said.
“They help keep young Australians connected in a physically-distant world and they remind the community just how important it is for young people to actively participate in and contribute to our society,” the Minister said.
