To coincide with International Youth Day on 12th August, Council is launching its 2021 Surf Coast Youth Census in partnership with social enterprise Youth Gurus.
“We’re aiming to hear the voices of 2000 young people across the shire from the hinterland to the coast,” said Surf Coast Shire Mayor, Councillor Libby Stapleton. “This will be the largest collection of young people’s opinions ever completed in Surf Coast Shire.”
The census aims to better understand young people aged 10 – 25 who live within the Surf Coast Shire. It will look at their health and wellbeing, challenges they face, and their interests. The study will also delve into the impacts that COVID-19 has had on young people.
The findings of the census will support organisations, the community and the Surf Coast Shire Council to better understand young people across the shire and inform future action plans, programs and services for young people.
“While we might think we know what our young people want, this information will test our presumptions so we can plan for their futures with a certainty around their needs,” said Mayor Stapleton. “That’s why it’s so important for all young people aged 10-25 in the shire to speak up and fill out the Youth Census.”
The Youth Census is divided into three separate questionnaires for young people to complete depending on their age (10-14, 15-19 and 20-25) as well as community deep dive sessions for young people to attend in each council ward to discuss the findings and explore opportunities to increase support.
The Youth Census forms part of Council’s COVID recovery program.
The questionaries are accessible via https://www.surfcoastyouthcensus.com.au/
