cumberland youth strategy...birthplace just over half of the youth in cumberland were born in...

Cumberland Youth Strategy 2017 - 2021

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WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO LISTEN TO YOUNG PEOPLE?With 1 in 5 people in the Cumberland local government area aged between 12 and 25, young people form a substantial and valuable part of our community, and offer diverse perspectives on the issues affecting them. In the process of developing this Strategy, Council heard from many young people from diverse backgrounds across Cumberland. All of the young people involved in the consultation process offered a little bit of insight into their world. Some of the stories of these young people are featured in this document, and they are incredible and inspiring. With 38,000 young people living in our area, one can only imagine the plethora of unique voices and experiences within our community that deserve to be heard and valued.

As this Strategy is implemented, we hope that young people’s voices and perspectives remain at the centre of any and all actions undertaken.

“Focus on young people - they are the future.”“Give everyone opportunities to have a say.”“Understand what the younger members of the community are thinking or need.”“Hear and listen to opinions and recommendations of young people.”

WHAT DID YOUNG PEOPLE IN CUMBERLAND TELL US? Young people have aspirations - Young people care about their future. They have strong concerns for their education, employment and wellbeing. They experience many challenges in their day-to-day lives, including lack of learning opportunities and support, and difficulty seeking and securing employment. Despite the many barriers, young people have high aspirations for their future.

Young people want to be engaged - Young people want to be occupied with productive and engaging activities such as sport, youth programs and community events. Young people are also eager to play a role in shaping their community. Many voiced their interest in being involved in decision-making, volunteering and youth leadership programs.

Young people value their diversity - Young people recognise and value the unique, diverse and multicultural community they live in. They want opportunities to celebrate, share and learn about the different cultures and perspectives within their community.

A message from young people…Written by youth representative, Susan Chen

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WHAT IS OUR VISION FOR CUMBERLAND?“Our vision for Cumberland is to become the best place for young people in NSW. This means that Council fosters a community of young people that are engaged and connected, feel valued and supported, share a sense of pride in their local community, and have the resources and opportunities to shape outcomes for themselves and the community around them.”

What we want Cumberland to be“A community which exemplifies how successful multiculturalism and diversity can be”

“[A place where ] youth are well represented and heard and are valued members of the community”

“A community that cares for the needs of young people”

“Multicultural and peaceful while giving the youth the best opportunity to receive the best education and attention”

“A safe, fun and enjoyable community that is accessible to everyone”

“[A place where] everyone has equal access to education, emotional and mental support, and a place where people feel a part of society”

“A Council that celebrates people’s cultural background and traditions but seeks to be progressive and innovative in servicing the community”

WHAT DO YOUNG PEOPLE WANT COUNCIL TO DO TO SUPPORT THEM?

Support youth involvement in community events and provide more community events which bring everyone together.

Provide more safe places for young people to hangout, including youth centres and programs which support vulnerable young people.

Provide more affordable and accessible sporting facilities catering to the needs of young people.

Involve young people in decision making and create more opportunities where young people are empowered to learn, engage, and take action to make positive change in their community.

Provide more employment support and help when young people leave school.

Provide free wi-fi and more study hubs in Council libraries.

Help with their education, help with their mental wellbeing.

Contents

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Introduction ................................................................. 5

Snapshot of young people

in Cumberland .............................................................. 6

Council facilities supporting young people ............ 8

Community Engagement.......................................... 10

How this strategy was developed ............................10

What young people told us ................................13

Council’s role in delivering better

outcomes for young people ................................... 18

Action Plan .................................................................. 19

Priority 1: Employment .............................................22

Priority 2: Education .................................................20

Priority 3: Health and Wellbeing ..............................25

Priority 4: Community Connection ...........................28

Priority 5: Safety .......................................................31

Monotoring and evaluation ..................................... 33

Acknowledgements ................................................... 35

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WHY HAVE A YOUTH STRATEGY?The Cumberland Youth Strategy provides a clear direction for Council and partners over the next four years to support better outcomes for young people and make Cumberland a vibrant place of opportunity where all young people are supported to learn, be safe, belong, work and contribute.

WHAT ARE THE KEY PRIORITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE?Young people in Cumberland have identified the following five priorities for action over the next four years:

1. Employment2. Education3. Health & wellbeing4. Community connection5. Safety

WHAT IS COUNCIL’S ROLE IN IMPLEMENTING THIS STRATEGY?To build a great community for young people, Council will focus on helping young people access and experience local opportunities to live, learn, work, stay healthy, be safe and feel included in their community.

This strategy is a whole of community plan for delivering better outcomes for young people in Cumberland. There are already many organisations, groups and individuals who are working hard in this community to deliver services for young people and cater to many different needs and priorities.

Council’s role is to support, strengthen and take to scale the important work which is already happening locally.

We do this through building capacity of local groups, service providers and other stakeholders.

Introduction

Changing the story of “disadvantage” Consultations with over 1,600+ young people to develop this Strategy have highlighted that young people in Cumberland have enormous talent, resilience, ideas and skills.

Young people said that they do not want to be labelled as “disadvantaged” and that their lives and experiences are diverse and usually very different from the negative stereotypes of youth in Western Sydney portrayed in the media.

Council acknowledges that while there are many young people in Cumberland who may be facing social, geographical and economic disadvantage, this is not the way local young people want to be described.

Council recognises that whilst many young people in the community experience multiple barriers to accessing local support and opportunities, this Strategy focuses on the actions that Council will take, in partnership with young people and stakeholders, to tackle the barriers that exclude, marginalise and prevent young people from reaching their full potential.

Some of the barriers many young people experience on a daily basis include:

• Poor and/or unaffordable public transport services;

• Access to local jobs, insufficient opportunities for young people to obtain work experience and/or have the support they need to find and apply for jobs;

• Not enough resourcing in schools to support young people who are struggling to learn including newly arrived young people;

• Stress at home, including intergenerational issues, families unable to support young people in further education, family separation across different countries, domestic and family violence;

• Mental health issues for young people as well as young people caring for family members with mental or other health issues;

• Housing insecurity and risk of homelessness;

• Food insecurity;

• Visa uncertainty and lack of support for young people seeking asylum;

• Language and cultural barriers for people who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, particularly newly arrived young people.

Council is committed to working in partnership with young people, parents and families, religious groups, community groups, service providers and other levels of government to address inequality and improve outcomes for all young people in the Cumberland community.

We aspire for Cumberland to be the best place for young people in NSW.1 in 5 people in the Cumberland local government area are aged between 12 and 25 years old, with the number of young people predicted to reach 52,376 in 2036.

BIRTHPLACEJust over half of the youth in Cumberland were born in Australia. 41% of young people were born in over

FUTURE POPULATIONThe youth population of Cumberland is forecast to grow.39,027 in 2016 52,376 in 2036

24.63%IslamRELIGIOUS BACKGROUND

Roman CatholicNo religion

HinduismBuddhism

23.36%10.68%

5.6%4.6%

SPEAK ENGLISH AS THEIR FIRST LANGUAGE

ONLY 31%

OTHER LANGUAGES SPOKEN INCUDEArabic ............ 18%Cantonese ..... 5.61%Mandarin ....... 5.33%Turkish ........... 4.46%Dari ................ 2.13%Tamil ............... 2%Vietnamese .... 1.99%Hazaraghi ....... 1.63%Hindi .............. 1.58%Korean ........... 1.55%

Snapshot of young people in the Cumberland local area

11.5%OF PEOPLE AGED 15-24 YEARS OLD ARE NOT EMPLOYED OR ATTENDING AN EDUCATION INSTITUTE

This is higher than Western Sydney (10.8%) or Greater Sydney (8.1%).

41%

150 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

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GirraweenToongabbie

Pendle Hill

South Wentworthville

Guildford West

Guildford

Granville

SouthGranville

Auburn

Chester Hill

Regents Park

BeralaRookwood

Lidcombe

Merrylands Merrylands

West

Mays Hill

Woodpark

Greystanes

Smithfield

Fairfield

Yennora

Pemulwuy

ProspectWentworthville

Westmead

Holroyd

39,027

1 in 5Residents in Cumberland LGA are aged 12-25 years old (20.2% of total population)

Train Station

Higher Education

School

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DEFINITION OF YOUNG PEOPLE: PEOPLE AGED 12-25 YEARS OLD

YOUNG PEOPLE IN CUMBERLAND

Council facilities supporting young people

47 1 1PARKS WITH SPORTSFIELDS

INDOOR BASKETBALL CENTRE

5SWIMMING POOLS

POLICE CITIZENS YOUTH CLUB (PCYC)

1SKATE PARK

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GirraweenToongabbie

Pendle Hill

South Wentworthville

Guildford West

Guildford

Granville

SouthGranville

Auburn

Chester Hill

Regents Park

BeralaRookwood

Lidcombe

Merrylands Merrylands West

Mays Hill

Woodpark

Greystanes

Smithfield

Fairfield

Yennora

Pemulwuy

ProspectWentworthville

Westmead

Holroyd

Youth recreation facilities

Skate/BMX facilities

Libraries

Sport and recreation

Aquatic Centres

COUNCIL FACILITIES SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE IN CUMBERLAND

Youth recreation facilities

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HOW YOUNG PEOPLE WERE ENGAGED Youth SurveyOnline and face to face surveys were conducted with young people to identify key interests and priorities for young people in Cumberland.

1,014 young people surveyed (Phases 1 & 2)Phase 1: 714 young people surveyed to identify key priorities Phase 2: 300 young people surveyed to inform Action Plan

Face to face consulataions with young peopleIn-school and external focus groups, in-depth consultations and an open forum were conducted with young people (including youth-led consultations) through existing programs, community groups and events.

651 young people participated in focus groups and in-depth consultations Phase 1: 286 young people participated in focus groups to identify key prioritiesPhase 2: 365 young people participated in in-depth consultations and an open forum to inform Action Plan

Youth Collective and social media campaignYoung people were involved in shaping the development of the Strategy every step of the way, including:

• Advising on the best ways to engage local young people;

• Advising on the development and implementation of the strategy;

• Undertaking paid and voluntary work surveying young people;

• Being youth spokespeople at events and for media engagement;

• Developing a social media engagement strategy;

• Facilitating focus group consultations;

• Documenting the strategy development process;

• Analysing findings and contributing to writing the strategy;

• Communicating the key priorities of the strategy with decision-makers.

Local young people aged 16 to 24 were recruited to inform and document the development of the strategy

Community engagement

How this Strategy was developedThis Strategy was developed over eight months throughout 2016/2017 and involved:

• 1,600+ young people from across Cumberland;

• Service providers and community organisations (social, sport and recreation, volunteer groups);

• Parents and families;

• Faith-based organisations;

• Youth-facility managers;

• Schools; and

• Council staff.

Council also involved children 8 – 12 years old who will be transitioning into young people over the implementation phase of the Strategy.

The engagement process involved two key phases:

PHASE 1: YOUTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT CONSULTATION (September - November 2016)PHASE 2: YOUTH STRATEGY CONSULTATION (January - March 2017)Young people and stakeholders were engaged from across Cumberland and provided feedback by filling in a survey, attending a forum, focus group or interview, or through social media to provide input into the development of the Strategy.

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as well as to implement youth-led consultation. Volunteer and paid roles were provided including youth reporters/social media managers, youth ambassadors, youth analysts, filmmakers and a photographer.

18 young people recruited (Phases 1 & 2)‘Shape Cumberland’ interactive social media campaign (Phase 2)

HOW STAKEHOLDERS WERE ENGAGEDYouth service providers surveyAn online survey was distributed to over 500 service providers operating in the Cumberland area. This included funded and volunteer run youth or community services, faith-based organisations, sport and recreation groups, education and health institutions. The survey sought to identify priority youth needs, services and facilities.

33 youth services and community groups completed the survey (Phase 1)

Youth service provider interviewsInterviews and/or facility visits were conducted with a cross-section of stakeholders and youth facility managers.

17 key stakeholders and youth facility managers interviewed (Phase 1)

Open forums4 open forums were held to consult with service providers, community groups, parents/families and schools.

81 participants (Phase 2)

Community surveys, future forums and focus groupsA telephone survey, online survey, four community forums and three focus groups were held between September and October 2016 to examine community attitudes towards Council’s current and future services and seek input into the vision and priorities for the future of Cumberland. Youth-specific data was collected as part of the process.

600 residents participated in phone survey (Phase 1)762 online surveys completed (Phase 1)176 people engaged in community forums (Phase 1)30 residents participated in focus groups (Phase 1)

Consultation with staffAn internal consultation session was held with representatives from across Council in March 2017 to provide feedback on the Youth Strategy Action Plan.

20 staff consulted

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CHILDREN AGED 8 – 12 YEARS OLD TOLD US…They want to have spaces where they can play, have fun and make friends. They feel most safe when they are with their families, friends, teachers and neighbours who they know and trust. Knowing that there are Police and security cameras in their community also helps them to feel safe. They love using technology to learn and play. School, religious groups, friendly neighbours, sport and creative arts groups help them to feel connected to their community as well as celebrating their culture and family background. Playing sport, spending time outdoors, good lifestyle and nutrition help them to feel happy and healthy.

Things that make them worried include the pressure of homework and tests, speeding cars, bullying, strangers, discrimination (cultural/racial), what they hear in the news and limited access to healthy food.

To make our community better, together we need to:• Clean up the environment – there is too much

rubbish and spaces which are not cared for;

• Make our community spaces bright and beautiful;

• Help people in need in our area – people who are experiencing homelessness, people who can’t afford food, families who can’t afford to provide school resources for their children;

• Help families who are having a tough time - families who find the rent too expensive, parents who can’t speak much English;

• Provide more fun and free community events and activities.

“I feel like I belong in my community when I celebrate”

YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 13 – 18 YEARS OLD TOLD US…Education plays a significant role in their lives. Young people are starting to think about their future options – preparing to finish school and thinking about what happens after school. Young people aged 15 and onwards are either considering or actively trying to find employment. High school can be a challenging time when young people experience intergenerational conflict at home. They also want more sport and recreation programs, and girls would like to see more girls-only sport and recreation groups as well as other programs. Stress and pressure around HSC and exam periods is a big concern for young people in this age group.

To make our community better, together we need to:• Provide more local spaces in libraries or community

centres where young people can study;

• Provide extra study and relaxation spaces in local libraries during the HSC period for year 12 students;

• Create a youth mentoring program where university students provide study support for young people doing different HSC subjects;

• Provide qualified people and programs which link with study support to help young people cope with stress and mental health issues;

• Provide more free sport or affordable and recreation which young people can join, including girls-only programs;

• Promote opportunities for young people to access job search support and employment through schools;

• Increase community events which celebrate cultural diversity.

YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 19 – 24 YEARS OLD TOLD US…Their main priority is employment including finding jobs, applying for jobs, interviewing for and keeping a job. Having opportunities where they can build skills and work experience to strengthen their job applications is also a priority. Many young people said they felt that being associated with Western Sydney carried negative stigmas, and could even cause them to miss out on being selected for jobs in other areas of Sydney.

To make our community better, together we need to:• Work with young people and media partners to

tackle and counter the negative perceptions about youth in Western Sydney;

• Provide more opportunities for young people to gain volunteer roles, work experience and/or obtain local casual or part time employment;

• Increase support for young people seeking employment such as 1:1 or small group advice including help with resume writing and applying for jobs;

• Work with young people to advocate on issues which Council cannot directly control (such as access to transport and education).

What young people told us

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YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY TOLD US…They would like more free and fun cultural festivals and small neighbourhood community events like movie nights for young people. Young people from culturally diverse backgrounds sometimes feel shy to tell others about their culture and it can be hard trying to fit in between two different cultures. Support for parents – with language and other services was highlighted as a key area for support. Young people seeking employment face many barriers including employers being reluctant to provide facilities or flexible support to people with disability. Young people who are unemployed and on Centrelink payments can be socially isolated as they cannot afford transport to participate in community activities.

To make our community better, together we need to:• Help with transport so that young people with

disability can participate and become independent (this includes help to navigate, afford and access public transport and driving lessons);

• Include more accessible learning resources in libraries eg. braille section;

• Provide more free/affordable sport programs which help young people to feel included even if they are not the best player;

• Provide safe spaces and support for young people experiencing bullying;

• Provide healthy eating options for young people at school and in youth programs;

• Provide mentoring programs where young people can get 1:1 support and make friends;

• Focus on reducing barriers to participation and this will enable young people with disability to access community services and local opportunities.

YOUNG PEOPLE FROM CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS TOLD US…They feel culturally safe in such a multicultural community. They want more opportunities and support to celebrate and showcase their culture and opportunities to build understanding of other cultures.

To make our community better, together we need to:• Provide spaces where young people from

culturally diverse backgrounds can meet and access programs to strengthen their cultural identity;

• Provide funding for programs and events which support young people to network and build cross-cultural understanding through sport, creative arts, music, food, literature and storytelling;

• Provide capacity-building programs for small and emerging communities to enhance their ability to deliver local youth-led programs and initiatives;

• Improve promotion of events and activities which celebrate and strengthen cultural identity;

• Work with local young people and community leaders to address intergenerational conflict and strengthen young people’s relationships with parents;

• Develop culturally-informed mental health, domestic and family violence and other community education initiatives which are led jointly by young people and community elders/leaders.

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YOUNG PEOPLE FROM REFUGEE BACKGROUNDS OR SEEKING ASYLUM TOLD US…They want to make the most of the opportunities available in the community and contribute to the successful settlement of their families and communities. English language fluency is one of the most important steps to accessing these opportunities for all people who are newly arrived. Young people need support that encourages improved understanding about their rights and the law, and more practical support such as form-filling assistance. They also need free, easily accessible spaces, activities and programs where they can make friends, get help when they need it and relax.

To make our community better, together we need to:• Advocate for access to education and language

support for young people who may not be ‘eligible’;

• Provide 1:1 or small group tutoring support after hours through local libraries for young people in high school or university, including bilingual support where feasible;

• Support improved relationships with the Police (young people often feel like they are being unfairly targeted);

• Support the provision of specialised English language classes which have a real-life application and which provide training pathways to gaining work experience and securing employment;

• Provide safe spaces for young people to connect, make friends and build their English language confidence.

LGBTIQA+ YOUNG PEOPLE TOLD US…Mental wellbeing, job search support, celebrating and listening to LGBTIQA+ young people, creative arts programs and volunteering opportunities are important to them. Challenges they face include the cost of living being too high, difficulty finding local employment, judgement towards young people who are LGBTIQA+ and inadequate public transport services.

To make our community better, together we need to:• Provide more programs for young people facing

financial difficulties;

• Provide employment support programs;

• Improve visibility and accessibility of areas used by young people, such as youth centres and train stations;

• Increase the number of spaces and groups for LGBTIQA+ young people where they can be supported and meet other young people;

• Increase free/affordable sport and recreational options;

• Increase the number of programs for young people around mental health;

• Provide training for service providers and organisations on how to better meet the needs of LGBTIQA+ young people.

“I find it hard to feel respected in the community because of the perceptions and judgement of LGBTIQ+ young people”

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PARENTS AND FAMILIES TOLD US…They want to be involved in supporting their children to have better outcomes and opportunities. Council and services providers need to improve transparency and trust with parents and families. Families in our community are either time-poor (with long working hours) or can be experiencing multiple barriers to connecting with the wider community (such as language, cultural, geographic and financial barriers). Many parents do not feel comfortable taking their children to youth programs because of lack of awareness and confidence in youth programs including and negative stigmas associated with youth centres. It is also very hard to find out what programs and activities are happening in their local area as communication is disjointed.

To make our community better, together we need to: • Continue to provide free/affordable and local school

holiday and after hours’ youth activities and programs;

• Improve and promote public spaces and facilities such as parks, pools, sport and recreational facilities and the availability of youth programs;

• Support place-based initiatives which meet local needs and encourage parents, schools, young people, service providers and Council to work together;

• Improve openness and transparency of facilities where youth programs are run – in terms of the build environment but also through ‘open days’ where parents can meet staff and service providers;

• Continue to have events which celebrate community’s diversity and bringing people together.

SCHOOL STAFF TOLD US…Schools are already doing some exceptional work to support parents and young people. Many schools are going the extra mile to provide services to families such as English classes, parent cafes, breakfast clubs and community liaison workers. Council can add value to the work schools already do in a number of simple ways to increase support to parents and students.

To make our community better, together we need to:• Assist schools with transport for orientation programs

which link parents to community and Council services;

• Educate parents about Council and local youth services at key points in the school calendar such as orientation days;

• Coordinate initiatives where schools, service providers, government agencies and community groups can network to build strategic partnerships;

• Support free breakfast programs at all schools across the area;

• Provide ‘people power’ such as volunteers or partners who can connect and expand existing school programs.

SMALL AND VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY GROUPS TOLD US…More support is needed to build the capacity of small and voluntary community groups to deliver services and programs which meet the needs of young people of the specific groups they work with. Multicultural events and festivals (small scale and large scale) which celebrate and showcase local food, art and music and foster cross-cultural interaction are valued.

To make our community better, together we need to:• Continue to provide funding opportunities and

capacity building programs for small and emerging groups;

• Provide community organisations with training on governance and assist groups to become more sustainable;

• Continue to provide community facilities which local groups can use for low/no cost;

• Provide youth-specific networking opportunities for small and emerging voluntary organisations;

• Link cultural groups together so that they can build cross-cultural understanding and pool their resourcing to deliver larger scale events and programs;

• Support programs and events which promote cross-cultural understanding and celebrate the talents and cultural diversity of Cumberland.

SERVICE PROVIDERS TOLD US…Council can provide a critical role in facilitating networks amongst services, community groups, schools and other government agencies to form strategic partnerships to deliver services for young people. There is also a need for coordinating communication directly with young people and cross-promoting services to young people and families across Cumberland.

To make our community better, together we need to:• Coordinate communication directly with young

people through social media;

• Cross-promote information about youth programs and services directly to parents;

• Build understanding between parents, culturally diverse communities and service providers;

• Increase the number of free, accessible and local programs for young people and families;

• Bring together young people, families, community groups, youth services and schools to advocate on systemic issues (e.g. transport, education, settlement, domestic and family violence, housing and employment).

Sport/recreation activities (e.g. Soccer, basketball, dance)

Community festivals

Study or learning support groups/tutoring (e.g. Homework help or language classes)

Programs/activities where I can get individual support (e.g. Counselling, financial support, food, advice)

Creative arts activities which are family friendly

Volunteering at community events

Activities which bring people from different cultures and backgrounds together

Programs which are male/female only

Employment support programs

Environmental groups and activities

Other (please specify)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

59.8%54.2%54.2%

36.4%

23.4%

19.6%

15.0%

23.4%

17.8%

11.2%

26.2%

38.8%

THE KINDS OF PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES WHICH APPEAL TO YOUNG PEOPLE?

Social media

Friends

Community/youth centre

School

Posters in public places

Other (please specify)

Flyers or newsletters

Local groups (e.g. sports groups, community groups)

Council website

Local paper

Other local organisations’ websites

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

43.0%

36.4%

18.7%

89.7%

41.1%

23.4%

15.0%

13.1%

6.5%

15.0%

12.1%

HOW YOUNG PEOPLE FIND OUT ABOUT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THEIR COMMUNITY?

WHAT HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE TO ATTEND PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES?

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

59.8%

37.4%

22.4%

60.7%

40.2%

33.6%

No cost

Friends attending

Located close to where I live/study/work

Close to public transport

Other

Family is supportive for me to attend

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GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1 Respectful: Council will treat young people with dignity, equality and mutual respect.

2 Youth-led: Council will listen to and respond to the needs, priorities and

solutions young people identify and ensure ongoing involvement of young people in designing, implementing and evaluating programs, facilities and services for young people.

3 Affordable: Council will support and deliver initiatives, services and programs for

young people and their families which are free or low cost.

4 Accessible: Programs, services and events will be delivered in accessible locations,

at times which work best for the community, consider religious, linguistic and cultural needs, cater for transport needs and be accessible for young people with disability.

5 Responsive: Council will develop participation, monitoring and evaluation

mechanisms to improve its accountability and responsiveness to the needs of young people.

6 Collaborative: Council will work in collaboration with families, schools,

community groups, service providers and other levels of government to ensure sustainable and effective outcomes for young people.

7 Safe: Workers will be qualified, skilled and cross-culturally competent to work with

young people; volunteers will be trained and closely supervised; and Council will provide youth-friendly and safe spaces for young people.

Council’s role in delivering better outcomes for young people

To build a great community for young people, Council will focus on helping young people access and experience local opportunities to live, learn, work, stay healthy, be safe and feel included in their community.Council’s role is to support, strengthen and take to scale the important work which is already happening locally. We do this through building capacity of young people, local groups, service providers and other stakeholders. This includes: providing training, community facilities and grants; streamlining service provision through building partnerships; and providing a coordinated platform for communication between services and directly to young people.

In this strategy, Council’s role in taking action varies depending on our sphere of influence.

Of the needs young people identified, there are some which are within the core business and functions of Council (such as facility provision or library services). There are some needs which Council cannot meet on our own, but we can share responsibility and collaborate with other stakeholders to address (such as improving collaboration between service providers and community groups to deliver culturally appropriate initiatives). There are also many systemic or attitudinal issues which impact young people in our LGA, which we cannot directly control, but can advocate, educate and support on behalf of the community.

This strategy is a whole of community plan for delivering better outcomes for young people in Cumberland. There are already many organisations, groups and individuals who are working hard in this community to deliver services for young people and cater to many different needs and priorities.

OUR APPROACH TO CORE BUSINESSSeven key principles will guide the way Council engages key stakeholders to improve outcomes for young people in the local area. This approach seeks to ensure Council programs, services and facilities are accessible and inclusive to young people.

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Action Plan

EMPLOYMENT “I feel like being a really digital generation, our opportunities for education and employment are more accessible. But when I was trying to find part time work it was much more difficult than I expected. While there’s much

more opportunity, it’s much more competitive. When your main interface in employment is through a computer, it’s really de-motivating. One time there was this career expo in Auburn where you could get some help to write your resume. It was really helpful to have

someone sit down and help you one to one. I did finally manage to get a job. But unfortunately I had to go outside this area to get a job. I couldn’t find anything locally.”

Jeanne, 16 years, Auburn resident

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Many young people identified a need for more support in developing employment-related skills such as resume writing and opportunities to gain experience. Young people who are newly arrived face additional challenges when seeking employment. Many young people reported not understanding enough about their work rights and exploitation by employers.

Aim: To support young people to find and gain employment.

Objectives:• To increase support for young people in seeking and securing

employment.

• To provide opportunities for young people to build skills and experience (paid and unpaid) which will help them gain employment.

• To provide more employment opportunities for local young people through Council’s programs and activities.

EMPLOYMENTEmployment is a major priority for young people, with Cumberland experiencing a higher than average youth unemployment rate. Young people want to find work locally but many young people feel that there are limited opportunities for employment in the area.

STRATEGY ACTION

1.1 Increase access and improve pathways for young people to access training, work experience, job search support and employment.

Work in partnership with service providers and stakeholders to facilitate and promote job-seeking/employment support programs (including training, 1:1 support and work experience) available in Cumberland.

Develop a coordinated employment pathways program for local young people within Council and promote to local services, schools and young people.

1.2 Support coordinated advocacy to state and federal government on significant systemic barriers to young people gaining employment

Seek partnerships or funding to undertake research on transport disadvantage for local young people to inform advocacy to the NSW government.

Develop initiatives to address the lack of employment services for young people on temporary protection and bridging visa holders.

Explore opportunities to develop strategic partnerships with regional Councils to support orientation for young people living in Cumberland who are relocating on Safe Haven Enterprise Visas to regional areas.

PRIORITY 1:

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SUBURBSAUB Auburn LID Lidcombe

BER Berala MH Mays Hill

CH Chester Hill MLD Merrylands

FLD Fairfield MLW Merrylands West

GFD Guildford PDH Pendle Hill

GFW Guildford West PRO Prospect

GNV Granville PWY Pemulwuy

GRY Greystanes RPK Regents Park

GWN Girraween RW Rookwood

HBW Homebush West SGV South Granville

HR Holroyd SMF Smithfield

SWV South Wentworthville

TG Toongabbie

WMD Westmead

WNT Wentworthville

WP Wood Park

YEN Yennora

Disengaged Youth in Cumberland (aged 15 - 24 not employed or in education)Cumberland has a high proportion of ‘disengaged youth’, with 11.5% of the population aged 15 to 24 years (3,268 persons) not employed or attending an education institute. This compares to 10.8% in Western Sydney and 8.1% in Greater Sydney.

In 2011, the five areas with the highest number of disengaged youth in Cumberland are:

• Auburn 768• Auburn (South) 541• Merrylands - Holroyd 516• Guildford 453• Guildford (East) 291

Guildford (West) - Yennora has the highest proportionof‘disengagedyouth’(15.7%or164persons) in the Cumberland Council area.

Auburn has the largest number of disengaged youthnotemployedorineducation(768or13.1%).

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, 2011 (Enumerated data). Compiled and presented in atlas.id

TG

GWN

PDH

WNTWMD

HR

GRY

SMFWP

GFW

YEN

PWY

PRO

FLD

MHSWV

GFD

MLWMLD GNV

SGV

CH

AUBLID

RW

RPK

BER

HBW

3 to 5 people

6 to 9 people

10 to 15 people

16 to 25 people

26 to 37 people

SUBURBSAUB Auburn MLW Merrylands West

BER Berala PDH Pendle Hill

CH Chester Hill PRO Prospect

FLD Fairfield PWY Pemulwuy

GFD Guildford RPK Regents Park

GFW Guildford West RW Rookwood

GNV Granville SGV South Granville

GRY Greystanes SMF Smithfield

GWN Girraween SWV South Wentworthville

HBW Homebush West TG Toongabbie

HR Holroyd WMD Westmead

LID Lidcombe WNT Wentworthville

MH Mays Hill WP Wood Park

MLD Merrylands YEN Yennora

9

SUBURBSAUB Auburn LID Lidcombe

BER Berala MH Mays Hill

CH Chester Hill MLD Merrylands

FLD Fairfield MLW Merrylands West

GFD Guildford PDH Pendle Hill

GFW Guildford West PRO Prospect

GNV Granville PWY Pemulwuy

GRY Greystanes RPK Regents Park

GWN Girraween RW Rookwood

HBW Homebush West SGV South Granville

HR Holroyd SMF Smithfield

SWV South Wentworthville

TG Toongabbie

WMD Westmead

WNT Wentworthville

WP Wood Park

YEN Yennora

Disengaged Youth in Cumberland (aged 15 - 24 not employed or in education)Cumberland has a high proportion of ‘disengaged youth’, with 11.5% of the population aged 15 to 24 years (3,268 persons) not employed or attending an education institute. This compares to 10.8% in Western Sydney and 8.1% in Greater Sydney.


• Auburn 768• Auburn (South) 541• Merrylands - Holroyd 516• Guildford 453• Guildford (East) 291

Guildford (West) - Yennora has the highest proportionof‘disengagedyouth’(15.7%or164persons) in the Cumberland Council area.

Auburn has the largest number of disengaged youthnotemployedorineducation(768or13.1%).


TG

GWN

PDH

WNTWMD

HR

GRY

SMFWP

GFW

YEN

PWY

PRO

FLD

MHSWV

GFD

MLWMLD GNV

SGV

CH

AUBLID

RW

RPK

BER

HBW

3 to 5 people

6 to 9 people

10 to 15 people

16 to 25 people

26 to 37 people

Cumberland has a high proportion of ‘disengaged youth’, with 11.5% of the population aged 15 to 24 years (3,268 persons) not employed or attending an education institute. This compares to 10.8% in Western Sydney and 8.1% in Greater Sydney.


• Auburn 768

• Auburn (South) 541

• Merrylands - Holroyd 516

• Guildford 453

• Guildford (East) 291

Disengaged youth in Cumberland (aged 15 - 24 not employed or in education)

Guildford (West) - Yennora has the highest proportion of disengaged youth (15.7% or 164 persons) in the Cumberland area.


Number of disengaged young people

22

Young people identified barriers to education including stress caused by pressure at school or too much homework, language barriers, bullying, not enough quiet spaces to study after school, their basic needs not being met, financial difficulties and access to technology and the internet.

Parents identified additional barriers such as costs associated with school and tutoring, not enough after-school homework support programs, cultural differences and intergenerational issues. Schools and service providers identified engaging with parents as an ongoing challenge which can impact on a students’ ability to learn and achieve in school. Some students reported feeling worried about their parents being socially isolated because they do not speak enough English.

Many schools provide additional community education programs and wellbeing support for young people and their families. There is an opportunity for Council to work more strategically with schools, service providers, parents and higher education institutions to provide formal and informal community education support to young people.

The need for more programs to assist young people in high school, such as tutoring or homework help were identified. Programs which improved life skills and options after school such as, managing finances, applying for jobs, applying for an ABN, understanding rights and the law, were also raised. The need for English classes for parents was also suggested to assist in bridging language gaps.

Aim:To improve young people’s access to education which sets them on the path to realising their full potential.

Objectives:• To provide learning and development support which

complements formal education for young people.

• To develop strategic partnerships with local schools, tertiary education institutions and service providers to deliver educational programs which support young people to reach their full potential.

• To improve young people’s access to higher education and training opportunities.

PRIORITY 2:

EDUCATION“When I arrived in Australia in 2010 I couldn’t speak English. At first I thought I wouldn’t be able to go to uni or even pick up the language. But in just five years I have studied at an English Intensive Centre, High School and University. Australia has given me so much opportunity - I am so grateful to live and study here. I’m also currently working with a number of different community organisations. Education has empowered me to contribute to Australian society. As Nelson Mandela said, education is a powerful weapon to change the world.”

Hedayat, 24 years, Guildford resident

EDUCATIONEducation is a critical step to young people reaching their full potential and unlocking their aspirations for the future. The key places where young people receive learning support in Cumberland include at school, at home from their parents, in community settings such as libraries, through 1:1 support at local youth services, in TAFE or university and in intensive English language institutes.

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STRATEGY ACTION

2.1 Improve the provision and promotion of quality homework or study help support programs

Work in partnership with other services providers and stakeholders to expand, improve and promote homework help programs delivered in Cumberland.

Provide HSC study assistance programs in Council libraries.

2.2 Increase the number of accessible, resourced and appropriate spaces for young people to study

Increase the number of quiet, youth-specific study spaces in libraries particularly during HSC exam periods.

Provide free Wi-Fi in Council community facilities and other key locations.

Increase the number of public computers available for use in libraries and community centres.

2.3 Provide education programs and support services for young people and parents

Develop a formal partnership with local schools to enable delivery of services and programs at school facilities after-school hours.

Continue to deliver networking initiatives to connect schools, service providers and community groups to encourage collaboration and information exchange.

Work in partnership with service providers and schools to facilitate and promote programs for parents, such as form filling, English classes and social support activities.

Continue to deliver and expand Council’s ‘Welcome’ Bus Tours and community education programs in conjunction with English language colleges, community groups and local schools to introduce local newly arrived families to Council’s services and facilities.

Work in partnership with service providers and schools to facilitate and promote opportunities for general life skills training for young people.

Collaborate with schools and higher education institution to develop a network of young emerging artists/creatives and develop projects which support young artist’s professional development and recognition.

Work in partnerships with community groups to address the lack of education programs for newly arrived young people including those on temporary protection visas and bridging visa holders.

2.4 Improve communication directly to young people, parents and schools

Develop and implement a school communication and engagement strategy to provide information about Council and non-Council events, programs and activities targeting young people and families.

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING“I’m a proud Australian Lebanese Muslim. My dad came to Australian in the 1980s, and started working in the construction industry with his brother. They had nothing and little assistance from the government. Now they run a business. This taught me that with hard work, you can achieve the extraordinary. My dad is my inspiration.

I have grown up in a family of five siblings and it isn’t easy. My parents have always been supportive of my interests but they always tell me to prioritise school. As an average high school student, I feel comfortable at school and in the classroom but I find that health and well-being is not fully encouraged at school. I do well in school and with my exams however sometimes I feel my zone is outside the classroom.

I have always valued sport and physical activity, especially with the statistics of obesity on the rise. I do believe schools have failed to fully promote health and well-being but I will do my part to help others as much as I can. I try and promote living a healthy lifestyle

with my friends and family especially a healthy diet. I always maintain a healthy diet because food nourishes the body and for my intense training sessions, I am required to eat the most nutritional foods.

One time I was doing football drills, when my coach suggested I start boxing. I have been training intensely, 6 days a week for 3 years. This has taught me what school does not necessarily teach, and that is the importance of fitness, discipline and being confident with my body. I have also learnt humility and not to be pre-occupied with the opinions of others, but to remain focus on my ambitions.

I wish to pursue a career in boxing and become a world champion.

I am travelling to Bangkok in Thailand to compete in boxing at the ‘International Thai Marshal Arts Games 2017’. My father’s story instilled in me the belief that with hard work you can achieve anything, and this is what motivates me whenever things go tough.”

Aamin, 16 years, Guildford resident

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Young people define ‘health and wellbeing’ as encompassing mental health, socialising and spending time with friends, being active through sport and recreational programs, accessing parks and outdoor spaces, physical and sexual health, healthy eating and expressing themselves through arts and cultural programs.

The need for safe spaces across Cumberland where young people can engage with skilled workers and access culturally informed and affordable services was identified. Greater integration between youth services, health services, schools and community groups is also needed.

Aim:To enable young people to relax, play, socialise and find help when they need it in their local area to support their health and wellbeing.

Objectives:• To improve access to culturally-informed

services and programs that address the mental, emotional, sexual and physical health and wellbeing of young people.

• To improve access to sport and recreational facilities and activities for young people in Cumberland, ensuring their affordability and cultural-appropriateness.

• To provide arts and cultural programs and events that encourage the participation of young people in Cumberland.

PRIORITY 3: HEALTH AND WELLBEINGYoung people recognise the key role that health and wellbeing plays in developing self-confidence and accessing social, educational and employment opportunities.

30%

7%

14%

14%

of 16-24 year olds are overweight or obese (in 2015)1

of 0 - 24 year olds in NSW had a disability, 49% of these have a severe disability (2012)4

of 4-17 year olds in Australia have experienced a mental health disorder in the last 12 months (2013-14)2

of 12-17 year old school students experienced high levels of psychological distress in the last 12 months (2011)3

Snapshot of youth health and wellbeing in NSW:

1. Overweight and obesity in children aged 5-16 years and Overweight and obesity in adults, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence. Health Statistics

New South Wales. Sydney: NSW Ministry of Health.

2. Report on the second Australian child and adolescent survey of mental health and wellbeing, The Mental Health of Children and Adolescents, 2015.

3. Psychological distress by age and sex, secondary school students aged 12-17 years in NSW. Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence. Health

Statistics New South Wales. Sydney: NSW Ministry of Health.

4. Customised Report, Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, 2012

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STRATEGY ACTION3.1 Increase the

availability of health and wellbeing programs targeting young people across Cumberland

Provide school holiday programs across Cumberland and engage young people in the design, promotion and evaluation of programs.

Develop outreach programs in high needs neighbourhoods which respond to youth identified priorities.

Develop partnership to deliver additional female-only youth programs across Cumberland.

Work in partnership with service providers and stakeholders to facilitate and promote health and wellbeing programs.

Develop and implement guidelines to provide free healthy food options at Council youth programs, events and activities.

Partner with service providers, schools, volunteers and local business to develop initiatives to address food insecurity issues such as school breakfast clubs.

Develop partnerships to incorporate health and wellbeing workshops as part of homework help and study support programs.

Work with service providers to develop community awareness initiatives targeting community leaders/groups to address health and wellbeing related issues such as mental health, intergenerational conflict and domestic and family violence.

Promote and facilitate access to mental health first aid programs for parents.

Work with community groups to provide training to local service providers such as GPs, youth workers, police to increase core competencies around working with young people including cross-cultural competencies.

3.2 Ensure that community and recreational facilities are accessible and cater for the needs of all young people

Establish youth project reference groups for the design of any new or upgraded community and recreational facilities to ensure the needs of young people are incorporated.

Identify and prioritise the upgrade of recreation facilities that encourage female participation in sport and recreation.

Review the use and accessibility of Council community facilities for young people including the hours of operation.

Implement a one-stop shop model of information and service provision for young people at community facilities identified as suitable youth hubs in Cumberland.

3.3 Increase participation of young people in sport and recreation programs

Support the delivery of accessible, affordable and culturally appropriate sport and recreation programs for young people through the Cumberland Council Community Grants Program.

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONI’m a 2nd yr Uni student, currently studying a Bachelor of Arts and Social Work at the University of Sydney.

My parents are Sri Lankan Tamils migrants who had moved here in the 90s and my younger brother and I were born here. However, both of our first language was Tamil.

I guess from a young age my parents have tried to ensure that we had a balanced exposure to both our Tamil culture and the Australian culture. I had been attending Tamil Community School since the age of 4 and had completed by Tamil HSC in 2013.

I’ve also been part of Kambhan Kazhalagam since it had

started, so I’ve grown up with this organisation. It has been a fabulous way to keep in touch with my mother tongue and culture whilst also meeting people who have the same interests as me. It is a fantastic forum for young people to continuously showcase their cultural talents.

I’ve also been learning Carnatic music (South Indian music) since I was 4 but I had taken a break for a few years and just recently got back to it. However, I was also part of the Australian Girls Choir for a few years as well, and continued singing throughout high school.

So I guess, I’ve had a taste of both Eastern and Western music.

In addition, I’ve been learning Bharathanatyam ( a classical Indian dance) since I was 6 and had completed my arangetram

in 2013. An arangetram is the first 2-hour solo performance that a dancer does to establish that they have completed their basic training. To me, it was a wake-up call and enhanced my interest and confidence in dance. As of 2013, I’ve also been teaching at my dance school as a student teacher, which has been a whole different, rich experience.

I guess my exposure and involvement in such a rich culture and growing up in Australia and being aware of the hundreds of other cultures that are just as rich and fascinating, has resulted in my great interest in travelling and thirst to experience essentially everything that there is. So hopefully I get to do that.

Aruthy, 20 years, Pendle Hill resident

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PRIORITY 4: COMMUNITY CONNECTIONSurvey findings highlight that young people in Cumberland are proud to be living in a multicultural community which accepts and celebrates diversity.

Most young people feel they belong in the community and want to be more involved in sharing and celebrating local talent, cultural identity and food. Young people want more opportunities, events and programs which build cross-cultural and intergenerational understanding, and promote the strengths and richness that cultural diversity brings.

The cultural diversity of Cumberland also creates a number of challenges for young people. Only 31% of young people speak English as their first language, with many young people having to provide interpreting and translating support to parents who do not speak English. Some parents in the community experience social isolation because of low socio-economic status and language barriers. Young people, parents, schools and service providers identified intergenerational conflict as an ongoing issue – with parents and young people struggling to bridge cultural and values differences.

Across all groups consulted, a recurring priority was the need for free, local, out of hours programs and events which help young people and families to connect, build informal support networks and find out about services in their community. Council also needs to improve communication to improve awareness of what is available for young people and families.

Young people also identified that negative stereotypes about young people in Western Sydney in the media have an impact on their social, educational and employment opportunities outside of the area. They want to counter these stereotypes and make this area somewhere they feel proud to call home

Aim:To improve community connection and make Cumberland known as a place where young people’s cultures, identities, interests and talents are celebrated and supported to flourish.

Objectives:• To create more opportunities for young people to

participate in events and programs which strengthen and build their sense of connection to their community.

• To build cross- cultural understanding and strengthen young people’s sense of pride in their culture and identity.

• To support young people by strengthening the connection between families and communities and encouraging youth-led initiatives.

• To establish models for accessible and meaningful youth participation in Council’s decision-making processes.

• To build a positive profile of young people in Cumberland.

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STRATEGY ACTION4.1 Promote the

involvement of young people in the design and delivery of Council programs and events

Establish a community engagement program to increase the participation of young people and families across Cumberland in Council planning and decision making processes.

Develop and implement training for Council staff to support meaningful youth participation.

Deliver youth-specific events which showcase the talents, cultures and interests of local young people.

Support local youth groups and artists to pilot small scale events which showcase the diversity and talents of local young people as part of the Cumberland Locale event.

Develop and support a youth-led social media campaign to promote and raise awareness of upcoming events, programs, services and opportunities within Cumberland.

4.2 Deliver and support programs which address gaps in local service delivery and foster community connection for young people and families

Support the delivery of targeted youth programs to meet the needs of vulnerable, marginalised or special interest groups.

Continue to provide facility subsidies and grants to organisations/community groups delivering programs which meet the needs of local young people and families.

Pilot intergenerational activities to encourage community connection and cross-cultural understanding.

Build the capacity of small/voluntary youth-led organisations to deliver programs which address local youth needs.

Work in partnership with service providers and stakeholders to facilitate and promote out of hours/weekend programs and activities for young people and families which are local, affordable, accessible, culturally appropriate and evenly distributed throughout Cumberland.

Coordinate the Cumberland Youth Interagency to facilitate and promote information exchange, joint service delivery, funding and advocacy around current and emerging priorities for young people in Cumberland.

Develop capacity-building programs to support young people to design, lead and deliver youth programs and research in Cumberland.

4.3 Develop and support a youth-led campaign to challenge and change negative perceptions of the area

Work with partners to conduct research and develop and implement a youth-led campaign to change perceptions and address negative stigma associated with young people in Western Sydney.

Identify and provide training to local young people to be media spokespeople or advocates on key issues relating to young people.

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SAFETY“I was highly active in the gangs growing up. They were like another family to me. The majority of the time, we’re hanging out having jam sessions. Brawls only happen rarely. I think that there are lots of gangs in the Cumberland area. I was really involved in the gangs growing – helping things to run smoothly. It was fun – the feeling of being a badass. But at the same time I was highly active in the school and in the community.

I think I was off track.

Then someone invited me to Granville Youth Centre for a jam sesh. I didn’t even know that this centre existed. But it ended up setting me on a different direction for my life. I guess it pulled me in the right direction and showed me that I could be a leader. It showed me my potential and from then

on I started feeling confident in everything I do.

I’m working pretty hard to change stereotypes about my community – all people from Pacific Islander backgrounds. Year 12 is not where we have to stop. There’s a minority of Pacific Islanders that pursue further education. We have more potential which we’re not reaching.

Finishing year 12 was a really proud achievement for me. I had to do pathways because I also had to look after my grandma. Every day at 5.30 I had to wake up, shower her, breakfast, tablets for her blood and then I’d get ready and go to school. I’d get to school at around 10 or something. So there was a conflict between home and school because I had to be at home for my family. But I managed. It was full on. I had to adapt quickly because time was running out.

Being the youngest JP in NSW is also one of my proudest achievements. My grandma was the first Tongan lady to be a JP in Australia. So I’ve followed in her footsteps. I’m highly active within the Togan community. My culture has helped to keep me strong and grounded.

Growing up, I always wanted to be like my older siblings. As I was growing the majority of them were inside – locked up. I thought to myself: I want to go down a different path. So I learned from their mistakes and I try to make changes in my own life and also help other young kids because I can relate to what they’re going through. The struggles that I’ve been through have helped shape who I am today. It sounds cheesy, but it’s true.”

Hano, 19 years, Granville resident

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PRIORITY 5: SAFETYMost young people consulted reported feeling safe in their communities, however perceptions of safety were influenced by what is reported in the media. For example, in one focus group, 2 out of 13 young people had actually had a recent experience of crime, although all participants felt unsafe because of crime reported in the news.

Young people described the physical environment as having an impact on their sense of safety. Many young people reported not having enough street lights, footpaths or safe public transport options in their suburbs. Other challenges to safety included mistrust and poor relationships between young people and the police, unsafe driving, cross-cultural tensions and young people not understanding enough about their rights and the law.

Young people asked for more ‘safe spaces’ in their community. This included youth-friendly places where they could access individual help and referrals from youth workers when they needed, places to study, places to spend time with their friends, spaces which are culturally appropriate and spaces which are safe for LGBTIQ+ young people. Young people in upper primary and lower high school requested increased police presence and CCTV cameras to help them feel safe.

Service providers and parents experience challenges in building trust, which impacts on the safety of young people and their ability to access services. Parents want facilities which host youth services to engage more openly with families so that they feel comfortable with taking their children there. Youth services and schools also experience challenges communicating with parents.

Aim:To improve young people’s experience of safety in their community.

Objectives:• To proactively improve relationships between young

people, police, youth services and families.

• To improve the safety and perceptions of safety of public spaces and facilities for young people.

• To address unsafe driving and improve understanding of road rules by young people.

• To increase access to specialised services which support vulnerable or at risk young people in Cumberland.

5. The NSW Strategic Plan for Children and Young People, 2016 - 2019

6. FACS Administrative Data 2014/2015

7. Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research and ABS Estimated

Residential Population (2013)Children and young people at risk of significant harm:

• In 2011, 0.5% of children and young people were homeless. 24% of the homeless population in NSW were aged 12-24 years old.5

• Western Sydney has a higher rate of children and young people ‘concern reports’ and ‘in risk of significant harm’ compared to the NSW average.6

• Western Sydney has a higher rate of domestic assaults (422 per 100,000) compared to the NSW average (388 per 100,000).7

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STRATEGY ACTION5.1 Provide transport

support to young people to enable participation in Council delivered services, programs and events

Provide transport (where appropriate) for young people to enable participation in Council delivered services, programs and events.

5.2 Improve road safety programs

Review Council’s road safety programs to measure impact and effectiveness.

5.3 Increase transparency of youth facilities and build trust between Council, youth service providers, parents and community groups

Lead a Cumberland wide ‘Open Day’ program across Council and non-council youth facilities to provide families with information on Council’s youth programs and facilities and encourage increased participation.

5.4 Improve safety and activate public places and neighbourhoods

Involve young people in the development and implementation of the Cumberland Culture and Activation Strategy to renew and activate priority run-down or unsafe public places and neighbourhoods.

Involve young people in the implementation of community safety audits.

5.5 Upgrade Council youth facilities to improve public access and safety

Implement the key recommendations from the Youth Needs Assessment Study audits of Council youth facilities.

5.6 Develop crime prevention and community safety programs which target the specific needs of young people and their families

Work in partnership with police, schools and stakeholders to deliver youth crime prevention programs which promote safe behaviours, respectful relationships and avoid involvement with crime.

Develop initiatives to break down barriers and build understanding between the police, youth services, schools and young people.

Work with community legal services and police to develop a youth-led social media campaign to promote ways young people educate young people about rights and the law and available services.

5.7 Undertake further studies and research to identify the safety needs of young people and address service gaps in Cumberland.

Conduct an annual community safety survey.

Continue to conduct research on the specific needs of vulnerable or at risk young people in Cumberland to inform advocacy and funding priorities.

33

Monitoring and evaluation

A comprehensive review and evaluation of the Strategy will be undertaken at the completion of the four year term (2017 - 2021). The results will be reported to Council and the community.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORSIndicators are an important tool in ascertaining the progress in implementing the Youth Strategy, as well as maintaining the profile and commitment to improved outcomes for young people within Council.

The challenge for Council is that issues may be important and have a significant impact on local young people but be outside the direct control of Council. Council will monitor progres against these indicators to measure the wellbeing and inclusion of young people in the community.

Implementation of the Youth Strategy is incorporated into Council’s Delivery Program and Operational Plan with accompanying responsibilities, resources and timeframes identified.

FOCUS AREA INDICATORS DATA SOURCE COUNCIL INFLUENCE

Employment Number of young people participating in Council employment pathways program

Council data Influence

% of unemployed young people in Cumberland Census data Concern

Education Number of young people participating in Council homework help programs


% of disengaged young people in Cumberland Census data Concern

Number of young people accessing Council libraries Council data Influence

Health and Wellbeing

Level of satisfaction with youth programs and activities Community Satisfaction Survey

Control

Number of young people accessing Council youth programs


Community Connections

% of people aged 12 to 25 years participating in Council engagement activities


Total reach of youth-led social media campaigns Facebook Influence

Number of youth-specific events delivered Council data Control

Value of facility subsidies and grants provided to organisations/community groups delivering youth programs in Cumberland

Council data Control

Number of members involved in the Cumberland Youth Interagency


Safety Rate of ‘concern reports’ and young people ‘at risk of significant harm’ in Cumberland

FACS data Concern

Agreement that young people feel part of the community

Council Community Safety Survey

Influence

CONCERNAdvocate, educate and support

on behalf of the community

INFLUENCEPartial or shared responsibility with community or government partners

CONTROLCore business and functions

of councils

Spheres of Council influence8

8. NSW Department of Family and Community Services and

Local Government NSW (2015) NSW Disability Inclusion Action

Planning Guidelines: Local Government

Acknowledgements Council would like to thank and acknowledge all the young people, parents, carers, schools, service providers and other stakeholders for their input and

involvement in developing the Cumberland Youth Strategy.

Youth Consultants and Volunteers:Andre El-Alam, Bibi Zakia Housaini, Candice Docker, Hano Namoa, Hassan

Elkawam, Hedayat Osyan , Ibrahim Taha, Jeanne Shu, Justin Fay Nhan, Melinda Kouts, Paul Retsu Nguyen, Susan Chen, Zubaidah Tahiri, Zoya Shah, Aamin Issa,

Aruthy Kumanan, Aya Sukkarieh, Prenitha Balasubramanian and Zaki Haidari.

Youth film-makers and photographer:Priyanka Kumar, Sathi Bhattacharyya and Sarita (May) Preedeesanit

With thanks to Community Migrant and Resource Centre for their support with filming and photography.

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cumberland youth strategy...birthplace just over half of the youth in cumberland were born in...

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