The 2023 NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) visited Albury in April. At their regional meeting, the YAC engaged in consultations, visited local organisations and enjoyed learning about Aboriginal culture by the Billabong Creek. Their highlights included spending time with Boys to the Bush and their meeting at the Retro Lane Cafe. Check out what the YAC got up to in Albury on the ACYP instagram: @acypnsw
YAC Recruitment is open
ACYP is calling all young people who are passionate about addressing the issues that impact them and their peers to apply for the 2024 NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC). YAC members will have the opportunity to engage with NSW Government and provide advice on the development and implementation of youth related policy throughout their 12-month term. Applications close on May 21st.
Youth Week University event
In line with the 2023 NSW Youth Week theme of 'Connect. Participate. Celebrate.' ACYP hosted a Youth Week event with St Andrew's College. University students engaged in a panel discussion with four young leaders and change makers - Angelique Wan, Marlee Silva, Rohan Browning and Steve Dresler. It was also an opportunity for ACYP to hear from the students about their thoughts on cost of living.
Youth Week School visits
During Youth Week Zoë visited schools to speak with students about advocacy, leadership, NSW Youth Week and the issues that are important to them and their peers. Throughout the interactive school sessions, high school students had the opportunity to ask Zoë questions, learn more about the work of ACYP and raise issues that matter to young people in their area.
Youth Week Polling
In the lead up to Youth Week, ACYP surveyed children and young people from across NSW about their experiences in 2023 and the issues that matter to them. Results from this year’s polling indicate that 74% of children and young people feel positive about life in general – up from 65% in 2022. The main issues raised were cost of living pressures, bullying and mental health. Young people are encouraged to share their voice here.
Youth Homeless Matters Day
The Hon. Rose Jackson, MLC and members of the ACYP team attended the Yfoundations Youth Homelessness Matters Day Block Party at Oasis Youth Services on Youth Homelessness Matters Day. Across Australia, almost 40,000 young people aged 15-24 presented - on their own - to homelessness services in the last year. Youth Homelessness Matters Day raises awareness and public discussion about child and youth homelessness.
Team in the Northern Rivers
The newly established RecoveryYouth Support Service kicked off consultation with young people living in the Northern Rivers around their disaster recovery journey. The team held a consultations with children and young people living in the Ballina Pod Village, held a BBQ at the Coraki Pod Village, spent the day at Acmena Juvenile Justice Centre and held consultations at the first youth event in Casino in 4 years!
Meet our team
Over the next few months we will be sharing profiles of our team. Here are four of the faces you will see around our office or on the road!
I joined ACYP as the team administrator for the RecoveryYouth Support Service team. We’re a team of six and I report directly to the Advocate. We’re here to deliver a tailored youth-focussed Recovery Support Service for children and young people who have experienced natural disasters. I have two kids and two Cavoodles – yes, I am a tragic dog mum – yes, I have a camera to watch them and yes, they do have a few articles of clothing – please don’t judge.
Originally a front-line social worker from the UK, I’ve spent the last 20 years working with disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people. I’m passionate about making a difference in the lives of all children and young people, and for advocating on their behalf. As a Senior Advisor and part of the ACYP team, I focus on embedding the voices of children and young people in all decisions that affect them.
I’m a Senior Youth Specialist with the RecoveryYouth Support Service team based in Northern NSW. We provide support to children and young people impacted by the recent floods. We are based in Lismore and travel throughout the Northern Rivers region. I grew up in Melbourne but have been living and working in the Northern Territory home for the past 4 years. My hobbies include yoga, being outside in nature and exploring new places.
I’m a Participation Officer and working on all things YAC. I have experience working and volunteering with and for children and young people in the legal, health and research sectors. Born and raised in Western Sydney, I started my journey as a YAC member at my local council. In 2022, I received the Western Sydney Young Woman of the Year Award. I’m a plant fanatic who loves photography, bullet journaling and reading.
Young People, use your voice
Cost of Living survey
Participate in an online consultation about the cost of living on 14 June - We want to hear from you about how you are coping with recent increases to day-to-day costs and your ideas about what the government could do to better support you. Click here to register.
YAC Student Voice survey
Our 2023 Youth Advisory Council want to hear from you about how to empower students to have to their say at school. This 5-10 min survey is open to anyone aged 12 to 24 years. Click here to complete the survey.
Thank you for your continued support. If you would like to know more about anything in this newsletter or have any questions, please get in touch by emailing acyp@acyp.nsw.gov.au.
Zoë Robinson Advocate for Children and Young People
Office of the Advocate for Children & Young People, Ground Floor, 219-241 Cleveland Street, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012, Australia, 02 9248 0970, acyp@acyp.nsw.gov.au