The Territory Labor Government is creating a safer Territory by working with communities to develop local solutions to local issues.
The Palmerston Youth Action Plan is the result of six months of discussions with young people in Palmerston who have identified their priorities and key areas for improvement.
The Palmerston Youth Action Plan outlines seven goals, these include:
- Young people aresupported to be leaders in their community and have a say in their future
- Create a safe, inclusiveyouth space for young people in Palmerston. Provide a range of opportunitiesfor young people to join in activities that are fun and engaging
- Develop a PalmerstonYouth Resource Map for young people and their families so they know where toget help and access support
- Improve communityawareness of trauma and its impact on young people
- Improve culturalconnectedness throughout the community
- Support young people toremain in school and stay engaged in education and training
- Promote the good thingsthat young people are doing in Palmerston
The Territory Labor Government is investing in keyactions to support these goals. They include:
- A Palmerston Youth Drop-In Centre which will provide safe and engaging activities for young people in Palmerston at night and link them to support services
- A Youth Participation Skills and Strategies Forum for service providers working with young people
- A Palmerston Youth Skills Centre to provide practical life skills and work-ready training
- A Youth Services Map so that young people, families and service providers know where to get help and support
- Increase community awareness about how to identify and respond to young people impacted by trauma
- Enhanced public spaces through art, music and performance to increase cultural and community pride
- Provide young people with a positive community voice to change the negative perception of young people in Palmerston
The Territory Government is also investing$450,000 annually to fund Palmerston after-hours youth services and schoolholiday programs.
The creation of the Palmerston Youth Action Planwas guided by local decision-making principles and developed by the PalmerstonYouth Local Action Group.
As noted by Minister for Territory Families, Dale Wakefield
The Territory Labor Government supports localsolutions to local issues, by local people. The Palmerston Youth Action Plan wasentirely driven by the Palmerston community.
Palmerston is a young city with 42% of thepopulation under the age of 25 years. To grow Palmerston as a community, it is essentialthat young peoples concerns and ideas for their community are heard.
As a Government, we will be supporting theirgoals by investing in key initiatives such as establishing a Palmerston YouthDrop-In Centre, a Palmerston Youth Skills Centre, and creating moreopportunities where young people can be part of the decision-making process.
As noted by Member for Brennan, Tony Sievers
Palmerston is a city with huge potential forgrowth. The Territory Labor Government is investing in this growth and involvingour young people in decision-making is an important step.
Young people in Palmerston want to be part ofthe solutions and they have come up with ideas to tackle the challenges thatpeople in Palmerston face. As a Government, we are tapping into the enthusiasmand creativity of our young people to help shape the bright future ofPalmerston.
NOTE: Link toPalmerston Youth Action Plan: http://www.youth.nt.gov.au/publications.html
