Council will establish a new youth engagement model to better communicate and connect with young people and learn their priorities for the Shoalhaven.
The new Youth Impact Project and the dissolution of the Youth Advisory Committee were endorsed by Council at its meeting on Tuesday night.
"The new youth-led model focuses on flexible, face-to-face engagement rather than formal committee meetings and was shaped by consultation with nearly 200 local young people," said Mayor Patricia White.
Council conducted a review of the Youth Advisory Committee, which found this model was not meeting the needs of young people, Councillors, Council staff or community partners.
"Young people told us they want to be heard, respected and involved earlier in decision-making," Cr White said.
"They want genuine opportunities to influence decisions, see the impact of their input and be involved in shaping projects from the beginning - the key is 'nothing about young people, without young people'.
"We've listened and we're confident this new model will provide a greater number of young people with more opportunities to have their say and contribute to the region's future in an accessible, inclusive and meaningful way through place-based engagement," she said.
Co-design sessions were held in July and August 2026 to gather feedback on a new youth engagement model.
The sessions involved YAC members, 120 students from Nowra Christian School, Shoalhaven High School, Vincentia High School, Ulladulla High School and Shoalhaven River College, and representatives from Firefly, Mission Australia and headspace. A further 75 surveys were completed at community events.
The results showed 83% of participants preferred in-person engagement while the same percentage recommended the Youth Impact model, which includes face-to-face sessions with students and community groups.
The Youth Impact Project reflects contemporary best practice in youth engagement. It's designed to increase representation by creating flexible opportunities to shape decisions, strengthen relationships with young people, and provide Council with more timely and relevant insights from across the region.
Regular updates on the project will be provided including how youth feedback has influenced Council decisions and outcomes.
A report will be presented to Council in January 2028 on the implementation and effectiveness of the project from the perspective of Council staff and participants.
Pictured above: Council Youth Empowerment Project Officer Skye Phillips gathers feedback from Shoalhaven High School students about a new youth engagement model.
