Regional youth workers to converge on Warrnambool and break down the challenges facing young people

Youth workers across the south-west coast share clients, problems and funding but most have never met each other. That’s a problem an upcoming youth conference, held in Warrnambool next month, aims to fix. 

❓What happened: Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) is hosting the conference on June 9 and 10 at the Deakin Hydrogen Hub in Warrnambool. The Beyond Borders: Breaking Down the Silos event is inspired by the desire to break down walls between youth sector workers to make the most of shared funding and opportunities. 

🗣️:“We all work for and are young people. We are their advocates and champions, and need to be working together.” Zoe Damman, YACVic Rural Development Coordinator, told the Brolga. 

📑What’s on: The event will feature keynote speaker Katie Acheson, former CEO of Youth Action and lead youth lived experience consultant for the United Nations World Youth Report. 

There will be several panels featuring youth workers and young people working in community programs, alongside table discussions. A few of the issues set to be unpacked include youth participation, climate change, technology advances, mental health and consent. 

Acheson will also be delivering an interactive workshop.

👥What people said: Damman said the event was an opportunity to hear about relevant issues from the group it directly impacts. 

🗣️: “Our young people are not just one thing, none of us are”, said Damman. “This is a holistic approach to who we are as a community and we might be addressing multiple needs and multiple barriers with just one program.”

Damman said the multidisciplinary approach of the conference helped deal with the complexity of issues facing young people, from social cohesion to public services. 

• “There are cross-benefits. We know that by being involved in a choir, you’re addressing social isolation as well as creativity and joy. Or transport. It provides improved access to study and employment, but also better access to community buildings, book clubs or volunteering opportunities.”

• “It’s not just one thing, it’s complex and intersectional in all kinds of ways.” 

⌚What next: Tickets are available here, and cover the entire two days plus catering. 

Young people working, volunteering and in advisory and leadership roles are welcome to attend and can register for free if they're under 25. 

Header Image: A logo designed by a local young artist, Chelsea.