Student leaders from across the region came together on 25 and 26 March for the Campaspe Youth Summit, a two-day event focused on leadership, collaboration and youth-led solutions to local issues.
The summit comprised of workshops designed to help young people identify the issues that matter most to them, understand why these issues are important, and develop meaningful solutions for their communities.
Held at Mercure Hotel Echuca and Parkland Golf Club in Kyabram, the summit brought together students from Echuca College, St Joseph's College, Kyabram P-12, St Augustine's College, Rochester Secondary College and Cohuna Secondary College across the two days. Participants explored pertinent topical issues such as bullying, cost of living, mental health, drugs and alcohol, violence and climate change.
Students strengthened their leadership, collaboration and public speaking skills through ideation and presentation workshops facilitated by Crazy Ideas College.
Campaspe Shire Mayor, Cr Daniel Mackrell attended the Echuca summit to hear what matters most to young Campaspe residents.
"Through guided discussions and group activities, students examined what is already working in their communities, when and why existing approaches are effective, where gaps or limitations exist, and how local action and partnerships could support positive change.
"Students then showcased their skills during pitching sessions, presenting their ideas directly to the panel of councillors and community leaders.
"It was incredibly beneficial to hear the ideas and lived experiences shared by such passionate and engaged students, and to see the confidence with which they presented their perspectives," the mayor said.
Wednesday's program in Echuca included engagement with Campaspe Shire Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell, Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh MP, Echuca Police Acting Inspector Della Nihill, Clinical Lead at headspace, Olivia Walker. Thursday's sessions in Kyabram featured Campaspe Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Tony Marwood, Peter Walsh MP, Council's Director Communities, Jo Bradshaw, and Victoria Police Youth Specialist Officer Shane Roberts,
"The continued success of the Campaspe Youth Summit shows the value of investing in meaningful youth engagement.
"When we create space for young people to contribute to local conversations, we gain valuable insights that help shape better outcomes for the whole community," Cr Mackrell added.
The Youth Summit forms part of Campaspe Shire Council's ongoing commitment to youth engagement and leadership development, and was made possible through Victorian State Government Engage! funding.
