Help Council understand what it is like living on the Northern Beaches as a young person and plan a future so they feel empowered to participate in community life in a way that matters to them.

Youth Voice is seeking feedback from local young people aged 12-24 on eight key focus areas – connection, belonging, equity, housing, participation, economic security, mental health and safety.

These areas were identified in collaboration with young people during development of Better Together – Council’s social sustainability strategy and are essential to them participating in community life.

Between the ages of 12 and 24, young people experience multiple transitions, more so than any other time in their lives. To make these transitions successful, young people need to understand where they can get support during these times.  

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said before Council can craft a plan to support young people, we want to better understand how they experience life on the Northern Beaches. 

  “Youth Voice is a guiding star – a navigational tool for the community as we work together to achieve positive change for young people. By helping secure young people’s place on the Northern Beaches, we also secure everyone’s future. After all, the young people of today will be the decision makers, innovators, and caretakers of our world tomorrow.

“We can help young people to nurture their resilience and set them up to be able to cope and adapt to change throughout their lives in healthy and sustainable ways if we get it right at critical transition stages.

"We'd especially like to hear from young people and their friends and families, but welcome anyone to visit our questions board online and add their voice by sharing a story in writing, a photo or a video about any of the focus areas. By adding your voice to the project, you can help us build a future for young people together,” Mayor Regan said.

Any young person who enters a photo will be automatically entered into the Youth Voice Photo Competition and be in the running for some prizes as part of Northern Beaches Youth Week.

Council’s Youth Team will also be out and about in coming weeks speaking to the community about Youth Voice.

To find out more and have your say visit our website. Feedback closes on 31 May 2022.

“Young people contribute so much to our community – it’s time we listen to what they have to say,” Mayor Regan said.