New report from Early Start and Barnardos Australia gives families a voice in the services and spaces that affect their daily lives
New research by the University of Wollongong’s (UOW) Early Start, commissioned by Barnardos Australia‘s Communities for Children Shellharbour program and released this week (Thursday 3 September), set out to answer a simple but powerful question: what do young people and families in the Shellharbour region need to thrive?
After hearing from more than 250 children, young people, parents, Aboriginal leaders, schools and community services providers the answers were clear: a sense of community; improved safety; increased access to services; more spaces to play and be themselves; and more opportunities to connect with each other and with the environment.
Early Start social work researcher Dr Chye Toole-Anstey said the Shellharbour Communities for Children Consultation Report is intended to be a practical tool that helps turn community voices into meaningful change for children and families.
“We wanted to untangle the threads that bind a family to the community. What do they love about Shellharbour, but also what challenges do they face?” Dr Toole-Anstey said.
“Families in Shellharbour are the experts in their own lives. The people we spoke to provided us with such valuable feedback that will truly inform the future of the region and build a community that families genuinely want to live in.”
The research encompassed the Shellharbour Local Government Area, which is projected to grow considerably by 2041, placing increasing demand on local services, infrastructure and support systems.
While Shellharbour is valued as a family-friendly community with strong local connections, beautiful outdoor spaces and trusted local services, many families are experiencing increasing financial and social pressures. Among the key findings:
- Cost of living and financial pressure is the number one challenge facing families;
- Housing affordability is a significant concern for many;
- More than half of respondents said more mental health support is needed, both for parents and for children and young people;
- Nearly half of respondents said Shellharbour needs more safe places for young people;
- Families want more affordable activities outside school hours.
As the Australian Government-funded Communities for Children Facilitating Partner in Shellharbour, Barnardos Australia commissioned the research to ensure local children, young people and families are at the centre of conversations about future community investment, programs and services.
Barnardos Program Manager Melissa Andrews said the research highlights the importance of ensuring community voices are at the centre of planning and investment.
“We didn’t complete this research simply to hear from children and families – we wanted their voices to influence decisions. The real value of this work is what happens next and how organisations, services and decision-makers use these insights to strengthen outcomes for children and families,” Ms Andrews said.
“One of the most important aspects of this project is that children were included in the conversation. When children have a say in decisions that affect their lives and communities, that is a protective factor in itself.”
The release of the report comes ahead of National Child Protection Week, which begins this Sunday (6 September). This year, National Child Protection Week focuses on listening to children and turning conversations into action, which contributes to safer, more connected communities.
