Currently in its third year, Have Your Say Day is happening this year on Wednesday 29 May at Glen Street Theatre, Belrose from 6-8pm.
The free, youth-led event, initiated by Council’s Youth Advisory Group (YAG) in 2022 and developed with a network of local school leaders known for 2024 as the Beaches Leadership Team (BLT), allows young people to present on crucial issues affecting their peers.
It’s an opportunity for them to share their collective voice and speak directly to local decision makers.
For 2024, members from 10 public and independent schools will be speaking on 8 topics informed by results from a comprehensive survey of over 600 local young people to provide key insights on the challenges and concerns of young people living on the Northern Beaches.
Have Your Say Day also partners with Youth Action NSW, the peak body for young people, in the lead up providing an Appreciative Inquiry workshop to provide a strengths and solutions based approach to assist them in the development of their presentations.
From mental health and education to environmental sustainability and community engagement, Have Your Say Day seeks to impact the wellbeing and future of young people in the community.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said she is eager to hear the views of young people across the Northern Beaches.
“We’re impressed with our community’s youth being so conscientious and interested in what is happening around them and wanting to share their voice. Now we need to listen.”
The BLT have invited leaders and decision-makers in the community, including State MPs, Local Government Councillors, teachers, student-support-officers and youth support services to contribute to meaningful discussion that will drive positive change within the community.
The members of the BLT are responsible for planning the event from start to finish, including forming working groups responsible for marketing collateral, invitations, survey creation and distribution as well as researching, writing and presenting their speeches on the night. Members have been meeting regularly since November 2023 to prepare for the event, and they receive support and resourcing from Northern Beaches Council staff throughout the process.
Date: Wednesday 29 May 2024
Time: 5:30 pm doors open.
Presentations and Q&A - 6:00-8:00pm
Networking and food to follow.
Location: Glen St Theatre, Blackbutts Rd, Belrose NSW 2085
Free Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/have-your-say-day-2024