On Tuesday, the 30th of May, YO Bendigo celebrated the launch of the Youth Action Plan 2023-2024. The Youth Action Plan is a document that contains 24 actions grouped into five broad categories that aim to support The City of Greater Bendigo’s young people to be: healthy and well, safe and secure, able to take part, connected to culture and community, and to have a liveable future. The plan provides a clear and achievable outline that guides the city’s commitment to young people and aligns with the City of Greater Bendigo’s Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025. The plan aims to empower young people to be inspired, heard, and valued. The City of Greater Bendigo Youth Council oversaw and co-developed the Youth Action Plan.

The event was MCed by Deputy Youth Mayors Lilly Correll and Remus Brasier, who did a terrific job engaging those in attendance. To begin the formalities, City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf gave a speech voicing her support for The City of Greater Bendigo’s young people and the Youth Action Plan.

Youth Mayor Ryan Peterson gave a speech explaining how young people the leaders are not only the of tomorrow but are already taking the reins and leading today. He went on to say how the Youth Action Plan will allow young people to build the critical skills that are necessary for a positive future for themselves. He explained how the plan commits to the City of Greater Bendigo to allow the continuation of the successful youth programs that it runs such as Ambedo Magazine, Youth Council, YO Events and micro-credential workshops. He also explained how young people a critical part was in developing the plan and were involved in every stage of its process. Ryan mentioned how the Youth Council were co-developers in the process and will now oversee its implementation. To conclude his speech, he thanked all involved in the planning process of the Youth Action Plan and thanked The City of Greater Bendigo Council for their ongoing support for the plan and thanked all in attendance.

To conclude the evening’s formalities Ella Filsell and Connor Findlay from YO Bendigo spoke about their experience with YO and how it created a positive impact on their lives. Connor is the editor for Ambedo Magazine, a magazine written by young people for young people. He says his experience working on the Ambedo magazine has improved his confidence in writing and as well as allowing him to develop his social capabilities. Thanks to YO Media he now has more understanding of personal expression, and this gives him a clearer view of creativity.

Ella Filsell also spoke about her experience being involved in the YO Media Team. Ella explained how YO Bendigo is always providing young people with positive experiences and programs to engage with. Ella applied for YO Bendigo’s first traineeship and was successful, she is now 3 months into the job and is honing her skills whilst getting to be analytical, and creative, using her strengths and developing her weaknesses.

The formalities then concluded and those in attendance could socialise whilst eating delicious food. Bendigo’s singer/songwriter Ryan McPartlane also performed some original music whilst playing some well-known songs and he was applauded for the performance he gave on the night; he is a talent.

All in all, it was a successful evening celebrating the young people of The City of Greater Bendigo. Congratulations to everyone involved.

To view the Youth Action Plan, Click Here