New strategy aims to make region a better place for young people
Published on 04 March 2025
For the first time, Moyne and Warrnambool have created a combined youth strategy to help create better spaces, encourage participation and foster a greater sense of belonging amongst the region’s young people.
The Moyne and Warrnambool Youth Strategy was adopted by the Moyne Shire Council on Tuesday 25 February 2025 and the Warrnambool City Council on Monday 3 March 2025.
Extensive consultations were undertaken with young people across the region, as well as with the various adults in their lives, with almost 400 people joining in-person conversations and over 450 responses to an online survey.
Additionally, a group of 20 young people formed a co-design panel to help shape the strategy, with panel member Lily Potter expressing her excitement for the future.
"Being awarded a voice in the development of the Youth Strategy has left me feeling hopeful, motivated, and empowered to help others as a young person,” she said.
“We are shaping the future of Warrnambool and Moyne by connecting youth to all areas of our amazing community.”
Warrnambool Mayor Cr Ben Blain said that young people don’t differentiate between Warrnambool and Moyne, with many accessing services in both, so it made sense to work together on a Youth Strategy.
“This is a really exciting strategy because it has been shaped by the aspirations of hundreds of young people across Warrnambool and Moyne,” he said.
“As well as online feedback, there were 41 in-person sessions, so very well done to the staff of both Councils for working so hard to ensure that this process engaged with so many people, as well as to the members of the youth co-design panel for their invaluable insights.
“There are a lot of very positive initiatives outlined in the strategy from improving street furniture to creating a free public art wall through to looking at ways community groups can better attract young volunteers.
“The establishment of a youth advisory board is a particularly important outcome, and I look forward to their input in the months and years ahead.
“The feedback from the young people surveyed was that they really love where they live. By giving them more opportunities to get involved and feel connected, we can make Warrnambool and Moyne better places for them right now, as well as encouraging them to stay in our region long-term.”
Moyne Shire Mayor Cr Karen Foster said the collaborative Youth Strategy gave a voice to the wishes and needs of young people.
“I would like to echo Cr. Blains comments and praise the extensive consultation undertaken across a range of young people from 12- 25yrs of age,” Cr. Foster said.
“Our young people look to Council to help connect them with opportunities and resources, and to advocate for their needs with State and Federal governments.
“We know that young people want to feel accepted in their community, to feel that they belong while having the safety and freedom to express their ideas and identities.
“This is not something Councils can deliver alone - we need our entire community behind us on this and I look forward to working with not only our neighbours at Warrnambool, but also with our broader regional community to ensure we have the spaces, places and programs set-up to help our young people thrive.”
The Moyne and Warrnambool Youth Strategy can be viewed on both the Warrnambool City Council and Moyne Shire Council websites.