strategic plan 2005 – 2008

1

SSttrraatteeggiicc PPllaann

22000055 –– 22000088

Word and Mouth Strategic Plan 2005-2008

2

Executive Summary ---------------------------------------------------------------3 Our Vision ----------------------------------------------------------------------------4 In implementing this Strategic Plan, Word and Mouth will provide the following opportunities for young people:----------4 Our Values----------------------------------------------------------------------------5 The Purpose of this Strategic Plan-------------------------------------------6 Word and Mouth- An Overview------------------------------------------------7 Word and Mouth Key Strategic Directions --------------------------------9 Directions and Strategies-Table--------------------------------------------- 10 Strategies for achieving Word and Mouth Objectives --------------- 11

1. Organisational Development -------------------------------------- 11 2. Youth Participation --------------------------------------------------- 15 3. Skills Development --------------------------------------------------- 17 4. Youth Representation------------------------------------------------ 19 5. Community Building-------------------------------------------------- 21 6. Cross-Cultural Exchange and Understanding--------------- 23

Attachment 1-

Word and Mouth Activities Program 2004 - 2008---------------------- 26

Attachment 2-

Diagram of Word and Mouth Organisational Structure ------------- 27

Attachment 3-

Word and Mouth Membership ----------------------------------------------- 28

Attachment 4-

Background and Research---------------------------------------------------- 29

Attachment 5-

Environmental Context--------------------------------------------------------- 35 Acknowledgements ------------------------------------------------------------- 38

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CCoonntteennttss PPaaggee nnuummbbeerr

FFuurrtthheerr IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn WWoorrdd aanndd MMoouutthh CC//oo LLoocckkeedd BBaagg 11000000 SShheeppppaarrttoonn 33663322 PPhhoonnee ((0033)) 55883322 99880055 FFaaccssiimmiillee ((0033)) 55883311 11998877 EEmmaaiill iinnffoo@@wwoorrddaannddmmoouutthh..ccoomm..aauuWWeebbssiittee hhttttpp::////wwwwww..wwoorrddaannddmmoouutthh..ccoomm..aauu

mailto:[email protected]


























3

WWoorrdd aanndd MMoouutthh EExxeeccuuttiivvee BBooaarrdd SSttrraatteeggiicc PPllaann 22000055 –– 22000088

EExxeeccuuttiivvee SSuummmmaarryy

This strategic plan is the vision and purpose of the

inaugural Word and Mouth Executive Board.

In adopting this plan, the Word and Mouth Executive Board is committed to pioneering an innovative youth

development organisation. For the next three years, it will be an important objective to establish Word and Mouth as the peak youth-driven and youth-focused body in Greater

Shepparton. This will provide young people with opportunities to have a voice, a role in decision-making, to

develop leadership skills, and cultivate new friendships.

The strategies in this plan are designed to ensure young people from diverse backgrounds participate in Word and Mouth governance, activities and events. Strategies for

achieving this include; forming and sustaining collaborative partnerships with community groups and organisations, and consulting widely to develop activities that are interesting, relevant and appropriate for young people from different

cultural backgrounds.

Central to this strategic plan is the implementation of the Word and Mouth Activities Program 2004 – 2008. The

Activities Program has been created and endorsed by young people and involves media projects, skills development,

fundraising, music events, festivals, and opportunities for community conversation. Conversation can be a powerful tool for engaging young people, connecting them to adults and institutions in the community, and facilitating cross-

cultural exchange and understanding.

It is the Executive Board’s mission that young people are supported as leaders in building a community that is welcoming, innovative, diverse and responsive to the

lifestyle needs and interests of young, creative people. To achieve this, Word and Mouth will invest in the leadership

skills of young people and their ability to effect social change.

Word and Mouth is a unique opportunity to harness young

people’s assets and empower them to contribute to the future success of Greater Shepparton.

-Kate Emerson, Chair

WWoorrdd aanndd MMoouutthh EExxeeccuuttiivvee BBooaarrdd

KKaattee EEmmeerrssoonn ((CChhaaiirr))

MMeeaaggaann AAppppoo

GGrraaeemmee TTaallaarriiccoo

KKaattee MMaarrttiinn

JJoosshh AAttkkiinnssoonn

CChhrriiss HHaazzeellmmaann

EElliissee MMccDDoonnaalldd

AAmmaannddaa SSeeiiffffeerrtt

TTiimm SSaallii

MMiicchhaaeell DDoobbbbiiee

SSaarraahh HHuunntt

NNaannccyy CCoolllliinnss

BBaarrbbaarraa BBrroowwnn


♦♦ AA VVooiiccee

Word and Mouth is a platform for young people to publicly express their opinions on issues of local and global importance.

♦♦ AA YYoouutthh DDrriivveenn OOrrggaanniissaattiioonn

Word and Mouth is a youth driven and youth focused organisation, where strategic planning and program development is created, endorsed and implemented by young people.

♦♦ AA RRoollee iinn DDeecciissiioonn MMaakkiinngg

Word and Mouth offers young people a chance to be involved in decision making processes, and empowers them to achieve long-term positive change.

♦♦ LLeeaaddeerrsshhiipp DDeevveellooppmmeenntt

Word and Mouth promotes young people as leaders in the community and provides opportunities for personal development through leadership training and mentoring.

♦♦ NNeeww SSoocciiaall OOppppoorrttuunniittiieess

Word and Mouth creates new and fun opportunities for young people to interact with each other in a candid, engaging, and respectful manner.

4

WWoorrdd aanndd MMoouutthh wwiillll pprroovviiddee ooppppoorrttuunniittiieess ffoorr yyoouunngg ppeeooppllee iinn

GGrreeaatteerr SShheeppppaarrttoonn ttoo eennggaaggee eeaacchh ootthheerr,, lleeaadd ccoommmmuunniittyy

ccoonnvveerrssaattiioonn,, aanndd ccoonnttrriibbuuttee ttoo bbuuiillddiinngg aa ccrreeaattiivvee,, rreessppoonnssiivvee,,

yyoouutthh--ffrriieennddllyy CCiittyy..

OOuurr VViissiioonn

IInn iimmpplleemmeennttiinngg tthhiiss SSttrraatteeggiicc PPllaann,, WWoorrdd aanndd MMoouutthh wwiillll pprroovviiddee tthhee ffoolllloowwiinngg ooppppoorrttuunniittiieess ffoorr yyoouunngg ppeeooppllee iinn GGrreeaatteerr SShheeppppaarrttoonn::


♦♦ IInnnnoovvaattiioonn

The Word and Mouth Executive Board values youth initiative and

enterprise, and embraces creativity, imagination and change. These

principles ensure Word and Mouth remains contemporary and relevant to

young people.

♦♦ DDiivveerrssiittyy

The Word and Mouth Executive Board recognises and respects diversity

of culture, spiritual belief, opinion, interests, and abilities. Word and

Mouth encourages young people to work together, develop friendships,

share, and celebrate cultural and social differences.

♦♦ AAcccceessss

The Word and Mouth Executive Board believes all young people should

have access to youth development and community building

opportunities.

♦♦ CCoonnssuullttaattiioonn

The Word and Mouth Executive Board considers that consultation is

paramount when designing and implementing Word and Mouth activities

and events.

♦♦ CCoollllaabboorraattiioonn

The Word and Mouth Executive Board works cooperatively with a range

of service providers and organisations in Greater Shepparton, and

recognises that collaborative partnerships are vital for supporting young

people and youth programs.

5

OOuurr VVaalluueess


♦ To inform all Word and Mouth members, funding bodies

and project partners of our independent status and

strategic direction (current and future).

♦ To demonstrate our distinctive approach to youth

development, events and activities.

♦ To be a communication tool for the purpose of forming

partnerships and alliances with youth groups,

government agencies, non-government organisations

and corporate Australia.

♦ To be a living document that continually develops with

the organisation, while providing a framework to assist

the Executive Board to be disciplined and focused on

intended outcomes.

♦ To identify both qualitative and quantitative outcomes

for evaluation purposes and evidence-based practice.

6

TThhee PPuurrppoossee ooff tthhiiss SSttrraatteeggiicc PPllaann::


Word and Mouth is a youth-driven organisation that provides opportunities for

youth action, community conversation and connectedness between young

people and the wider community.

Status

Word and Mouth staff and activities are governed by an independent Executive

Board of Management. The organisation is currently ‘housed’ within the offices

of the Greater Shepparton City Council—a temporary arrangement which

supports Word and Mouth during its transition to incorporated status.

Word and Mouth is jointly funded by the Greater Shepparton City Council, Sir

Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation and the Department for Victorian

Communities (Community Support Fund).

Governance

In October 2004, Word and Mouth selected (via public advertisement) an

Executive Board of Management comprising young people aged between 17

and 27 years. Additional board members are representatives of the original

funding bodies, the Greater Shepparton City Council and the Sir Andrew and

Lady Fairley Foundation.

Role of Executive Board

The inaugural Word and Mouth Executive Board has the task of overseeing the

development and expansion of Word and Mouth’s governance and

implementation of the Word and Mouth Activities Program 2004-2008. The

Word and Mouth Executive Board sets the direction of the organisation,

develops and implements strategies, and ensures that young people and their 7

WWoorrdd aanndd MMoouutthh –– AAnn OOvveerrvviieeww


8

interests are represented. Members of the Executive Board advocate for Word

and Mouth and young people of Greater Shepparton.

(Please refer to Attachment 1 for the Word and Mouth Activities Program

2004-2008)

Membership

The current structure of Word and Mouth membership involves young people

associated with the Executive Board, Word and Mouth Youth Committee

(W&MYC) and sub-groups, together with members who sign up “online” to the

outreach membership.

(Please refer to Attachment 2 for a diagram of Word and Mouth Organisational

Structure and Attachment 3 for Word and Mouth Membership)


OORRGGAANNIISSAATTIIOONNAALL DDEEVVEELLOOPPMMEENNTT Word and Mouth aspires to become the peak youth body within Greater Shepparton,

and to establish a positive profile in the local community.

YYOOUUTTHH PPAARRTTIICCIIPPAATTIIOONN Word and Mouth will empower and assist young people to implement a program of

youth-focused events which actively engage members of the youth community in

Greater Shepparton.

SSKKIILLLLSS DDEEVVEELLOOPPMMEENNTT Word and Mouth will create personal development opportunities for young people to

acquire skills in communicating, networking, leadership and teamwork.

YYOOUUTTHH RREEPPRREESSEENNTTAATTIIOONN Word and Mouth will promote and facilitate young people’s role in decision making,

and their ability to be effective leaders within the community.

CCOOMMMMUUNNIITTYY BBUUIILLDDIINNGG Word and Mouth will create opportunities for young people to develop and participate

in local initiatives that work towards building a youth friendly city.

CCRROOSSSS--CCUULLTTUURRAALL EEXXCCHHAANNGGEE AANNDD UUNNDDEERRSSTTAANNDDIINNGG Word and Mouth will encourage young people to become community leaders in

exploring cultural identity, respecting difference, valuing diversity and promoting

tolerance and harmony.

9

WWoorrdd aanndd MMoouutthh KKeeyy SSttrraatteeggiicc DDiirreeccttiioonnss


10

DDiirreeccttiioonnss SSttrraatteeggiieess

11.. OOrrggaanniissaattiioonnaall DDeevveellooppmmeenntt

1.1-Finalise terms of reference for Executive Board and Youth Committees

1.2-Finalise strategies for communication, fundraising and events 1.3-Form and sustain collaborative partnerships 1.4-Uphold consultative practice 1.5-Work towards incorporated status (not for profit) and

independent space 1.6-Design and maintain interactive website

22.. YYoouutthh PPaarrttiicciippaattiioonn

2.1- Ensure young people have access to Word and Mouth meetings, activities and events

2.2- Coordinate / operate the Word and Mouth Executive Board, Youth Committee and sub-groups

2.3-Implement the Word and Mouth Activities Program2004-2008 2.4-Develop a membership base for Word and Mouth which

incorporates young people from diverse backgrounds between the ages of 12 and 25

33.. SSkkiillllss DDeevveellooppmmeenntt

3.1-Young people to acquire skills through participation in Word and Mouth activities and events

3.2- Create opportunities for members of Word and Mouth to access and design skills development training

3.3-Cultivate inter-generational mentoring and support 3.4-Coordinate the Word and Mouth SHINE Multicultural Youth

Festival Camp (W&M A P 04-08)

44.. YYoouutthh RReepprreesseennttaattiioonn

4.1-Operate Word and Mouth Executive Board and Youth Committee 4.2-Support young people to be active in local decision-making

processes 4.3-Represent young people and their interests within decision-

making processes 4.4-Contribute to raising a positive profile of young people in the

community

55.. CCoommmmuunniittyy BBuuiillddiinngg

5.1-Hold forums for young people to explore social issues and develop strategies for growth and change

5.2-Produce The Annual Youth Report (W&M A P 04-08) 5.3-Contribute to local community building initiatives, including

those with a particular focus on developing youth space/s in Greater Shepparton

5.4-Support initiatives for tertiary expansion in Greater Shepparton

66.. CCrroossss--CCuullttuurraall EExxcchhaannggee aanndd UUnnddeerrssttaannddiinngg

6.1-Encourage and facilitate young people from all backgrounds to interact respectfully with each other and the community

6.2-Engage young people in Word and Mouth governance, activities and events, including Indigenous and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse young people

6.3-Support young people to take a lead role in developing a greater understanding, appreciation and celebration of indigenous culture

6.4-Support young people to take a lead role in developing a greater understanding, appreciation and celebration of other cultures

6.5-Challenge young people to become leaders in developing a civilised, diverse, and cohesive community

DDiirreeccttiioonnss aanndd SSttrraatteeggiieess-- TTaabbllee


SSttrraatteeggiieess ffoorr aacchhiieevviinngg WWoorrdd aanndd MMoouutthh OObbjjeeccttiivveess

Year 1= July 2005 - June 2006



TBD= To Be Determined

CALD= Culturally and Linguistically Diverse young people

COGS= City of Greater Shepparton

W&MYC= Word and Mouth Youth Committee

W&M A P (04–08) =Word and Mouth Activities Program 2004-2008

____________________________________________________________

11.. OOrrggaanniissaattiioonnaall DDeevveellooppmmeenntt 1.1 Word and Mouth Executive Board to finalise terms of reference for Executive Board

and Youth Committees

SSttrraatteeggiieess aanndd AAccttiioonnss

• Members of the Word and Mouth Executive Board to complete a youth friendly terms of reference/constitution

• The terms of reference to apply to the Word and Mouth Youth Committee where appropriate

• Staff to consult members of Word and Mouth Youth Committee and facilitate workshops, for the purpose of developing terms of reference for Youth Committee and sub-groups

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Drafts by November 2005

• Consultation December 2005-January 2006

• Implementation February 2006

RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing

• Future budget allocations

PPaarrttnneerrsshhiippss

• COGS PPeerrffoorrmmaannccee//SSuucccceessss IInnddiiccaattoorrss

• W&MYC consulted

• W&MYC produce modified version

• Terms of Reference finalised within Year 1

11

KKeeyy


1.2 Word and Mouth Executive Board to finalise strategies for communication,

fundraising and events


• Members of the Word and Mouth Executive Board sub-committees (Communications; Strategic Planning; and Finances) to complete youth friendly operational policies/strategies

• Policies to reflect current status of the Word and Mouth program, and recognise future issues/policy requirements in achieving independent status

• Events policies to reflect standards set by State Government (FReeZA guidelines)

• Staff to consult members of W&MYC during draft stages

• Word and Mouth Executive Board to oversee implementation of policies/strategies

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Drafts by November 2005 • Consultation December 2005-January

2006 • Implementation February 2006

RReessoouurrcceess • Existing • Future budget allocations


• COGS • Public Relations agencies • Accountants

PPeerrffoorrmmaannccee//SSuucccceessss IInnddiiccaattoorrss

• W&MYC consulted

• Policies finalised within Year 1

_____________________________________________________________ 1.3 Form and sustain collaborative partnerships


• Executive Board to establish a network of alliances and partnerships

• Project partners to be sought through a process of briefings and information sessions

• Members/staff to participate/volunteer in external youth activities and events

• Maintain open communication with project partners

• Word and Mouth to maintain independence

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Ongoing

RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing


• In-kind contributions


• Existing project partners

• Potential project partners


• Number of partners involved in Word and Mouth activities and events

• Value of in–kind and cash contributions from partners

12


1.4 Uphold consultative practice


• Consult members of Word and Mouth before implementing policy changes

• Consult project partners during planning stages for new activities and events

• Allow for consultation at select Word and Mouth meetings and events

• Provide for interactive features on the website, to allow for user feedback

• Members/staff to consult external youth groups/agencies where possible

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Ongoing

RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing



PPaarrttnneerrsshhiippss • Existing project partners


PPeerrffoorrmmaannccee//SSuucccceessss IInnddiiccaattoorrss • Number of partners involved in Word

and Mouth activities and events

• Level of volunteer time and in–kind contributions from partners

___________________________________________________________________

1.5 Work towards incorporated status (not for profit) and independent working space


• Risk management assessment

• Cost analysis for incorporated status and independent office space

• Secure public liability insurance

• Apply for incorporated status

• Satisfy incorporation rules

• Seek funds or in-kind support to establish office space/working space

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Year 1- analysis

• Year 2- incorporated

• Year 3- independent office space

RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing funds

• External funding required



• COGS

• Corporate and Philanthropic

• Government agencies (MAV)




• Determine position regarding future office/working space

• Achieving incorporated status

13

• Achieving independent space


1.6 Design and maintain interactive website


• Secure domain for Word and Mouth website

• Design interactive website content

• Design strategies for sponsorship

• Website content (including sponsors) to conform with future Communications policies

• Provide mentoring opportunities for young people to contribute to website design and maintenance

• Staff to conduct focus group sessions regarding website content and features

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Domain August 2005

• Focus groups sessions October 2005

• Website design November-February 2005

• Launch before June 2006

RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing


• Website sponsors (advertising)


• COGS

• Education providers

• Media

• Corporate


• Young people contribute to web design

14

• Launch of website within Year 1


2.1 Ensure young people have access to Word and Mouth meetings, activities and events


• Hold a number of meetings at various times and days of the week

• Ensure venues for meetings and events have access for people with disabilities

• When catering, provide for vegetarian meals (or more specific dietary/cultural requirements where appropriate)

• Design a number of Word and Mouth events and activities that are culturally sensitive where required

• Provide transport to and from Word and Mouth meetings, activities and events, whenever appropriate

• Provide activities at low or no cost where possible

• Replicate Word and Mouth activities in rural areas where possible

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Ongoing RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing




• Existing and potential project partners

• Corporate

• Volunteer groups


• Meetings, activities and events are attended by young people

• Young people from diverse backgrounds engage in Word and Mouth activities and events

___________________________________________________________________ 2.2 Coordinate/operate Word and Mouth Executive Board, Youth Committee and sub-

groups


• Staff to maintain contact database of Word and Mouth members

• Staff to coordinate meeting times, venues, catering and transport where appropriate

• Staff to maintain record of meetings and actions

• Members/staff to facilitate focus groups/workshop sessions

• Members/staff to create opportunities for Executive Board and W&MYC to interact with each other and external youth/community groups

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Ongoing

RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing







• Regular meetings of Executive Board and W&MYC (stipulated in terms of reference and W&M AP 04-08)

• Attendance of young people at regular meetings

15

22.. YYoouutthh PPaarrttiicciippaattiioonn


2.3 Implement the Word and Mouth Activities Program 2004-2008 SSttrraatteeggiieess aanndd AAccttiioonnss

• Host Word and Mouth youth discussion forums annually

• Print logo shirts for Word and Mouth staff/members/volunteers

• Provide specific leadership training, through Word and Mouth SHINE Multicultural Youth Festival Leadership Camp

• Produce short films/documentaries

• Create format of The Annual Youth Report

• Hold annual SHINE Multicultural Youth Festival

• Host youth fundraising activities

• Host youth music events

• Maintain or achieve adequate staffing and volunteer numbers to sustain program activity

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Year 1-Year 3 RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing



• Youth fundraising

• Corporate sponsorship/partnerships


• COGS


• Government agencies



• Executed program activities as prioritised by W&MYC and endorsed by Executive Board

• Performed minimum number of activities stipulated in Program 04-08

• Progress made on activities that in concept stage in Year 1

________________________________________________________________ 2.4 Develop a membership base for Word and Mouth, which incorporates young

people from diverse backgrounds between the ages of 12 and 25


• Design and maintain interactive website (see strategy 1.3)

• Provide newsletter/updates to Word and Mouth members

• Consult young people regarding development of a youth membership/benefits card

• Seek sponsorship to develop a ‘rewards package’ for membership

• Word and Mouth Executive Board fundraising policies to consider a structure of possible membership fees for non-youth members

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Website- Year 1

• Fundraising policies- Year 1

• Sponsorship- Year 2

• Newsletter and consultation- ongoing

RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing



• Corporate sponsorship/partnership






• Design functional members’ area and features on website

16

• Degree of information and support provided by Word and Mouth to young people


3.1 Young people to acquire skills through participation in Word and Mouth activities and

events


• Young people participating in structured activities with clear learning objectives eg. Film production, event management, meeting procedure etc

• Word and Mouth activities and events incorporate individual development opportunities for young people, including leadership and team work skills

• Word and Mouth activities and events incorporate personal development opportunities for young people

• Word and Mouth to collaborate with external agencies in skills development, mentoring and training opportunities for young people

TTiimmeelliinnee


• Existing





• Youth Service Agencies




• Evaluation forms completed by young people after activities, measuring skill development

• Level of youth participation in structured activities

________________________________________________________________ 3.2 Create opportunities for members of Word and Mouth to access and design skills

development training


• Staff to design or pursue skills development training, to deliver to Executive Board, Youth Committee/s, and members

• Executive Board and Youth Committee meetings to incorporate team building activities

• Executive Board and Youth Committee to design a youth development ‘skills training package’—including leadership and teamwork; communication; and networking skills

• Staff and members to consult with young people regarding the draft design of the Word and Mouth ‘skills training package’

• Word and Mouth to collaborate with external agencies in delivery of training to Word and Mouth members and staff

• Word and Mouth to collaborate with external agencies in the consultation, design and delivery of Word and Mouth ‘skills training package’

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Training- Year 1-Year 3

• Consultation - Year 2-Year 3

• Design and deliver training- Year 2-Year 3

RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing









• Members of Word and Mouth access skills development training

• Completion of ‘skills training package’

17

33.. SSkkiillllss DDeevveellooppmmeenntt


18

3.3 Word and Mouth to cultivate inter-generational mentoring


• Members/staff to seek mentors for the Word and Mouth staff

• Members/staff to seek mentors for the members of the Executive Board and Youth Committee

• Members/staff to seek adult mentors for the operation of the Word and Mouth Youth Committee sub-groups

• Staff to maintain database of potential adult mentors for Word and Mouth, particularly graduates of Fairley Leadership Program

• Word and Mouth to collaborate with external agencies in seeking mentors or providing mentors for young people

• Word and Mouth to seek adult mentors to support specific Word and Mouth activities and events

TTiimmeelliinnee


• Existing







• Local leadership projects


• Members/staff of Word and Mouth have access to skilled adult mentors

• Partnerships created with local agencies and leadership projects to provide adult mentors for young people

________________________________________________________________ 3.4 Coordinate the Word and Mouth SHINE Multicultural Youth Festival Camp (W&M A P 04-

08)


• The SHINE Multicultural Youth Festival Camp is to operate in accordance with the W&M A P 04-08 (please see strategy 2.3)

• Staff to coordinate meetings with project partners to plan and fund the Camp

• Project partners to assist in designing and implementing the leadership training during the Camp

• Staff to oversee nominations from young people and their representatives to attend the camp, and the selection process

• Staff to develop the Camp itinerary and program in consultation with project partners

• Project partners to assist Word and Mouth with responsible supervision, risk management and evaluation of the Camp.

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Year 1 planning July-September

• Year 1 Camp September

• Year 1 evaluation September-October

• Year 2 TBD

• Year 3 TBD

RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing


• In-kind and cash contributions

• External funding required (Year 2-Year 3)




• Community Groups

• Corporate


• Meetings of planning group with project partners of Camp

• Young people attend camp

• Camp attendees form planning group for SHINE festival


4.1 Operate the Word and Mouth Executive Board and Youth Committee and sub-groups (Please refer to strategy 2.1 under Youth Action)

___________________________________________________________________

4.2 Support young people to be active in local decision-making processes


• Keep members of Word and Mouth up to date with activities of local decision making bodies

• Nominate members of Word and Mouth to join other boards/committees on a short or long term basis

• Establish mentoring relationships between adult members of decision making bodies and young people

• Provide young people with support required to participate in meetings and activities- transport, access to IT, chaperone etc

• Word and Mouth activities and events to equip young people with the skills and confidence to contribute to decision making (see strategies 3.1 and 3.2)

TTiimmeelliinnee • Ongoing

RReessoouurrcceess • Existing



PPaarrttnneerrsshhiippss • Existing and potential project partners



PPeerrffoorrmmaannccee//SSuucccceessss IInnddiiccaattoorrss • Word and Mouth members are active

in local decision making processes

• Word and Mouth provides support to young people to have an active role in decision making

19

44.. YYoouutthh RReepprreesseennttaattiioonn


4.3 Represent young people and their interests within decision-making processes


• Word and Mouth Executive Board to remain up to date with activities of local decision-making bodies that affect young people

• Word and Mouth Executive Board to develop the skills and knowledge to represent young people in Greater Shepparton

• Assist members of the W&MYC to develop skills for representing themselves and other young people

• Staff/members of Word and Mouth to maintain active membership with Regional Youth Advisory Network

• Eligible Word and Mouth staff to be members of Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic)

• Word and Mouth to support and facilitate young people to become representatives on appropriate local committees and Boards of Management

TTiimmeelliinnee


• Existing



PPaarrttnneerrsshhiippss • Existing and potential project

partners

• Youth Advisory Networks



PPeerrffoorrmmaannccee//SSuucccceessss IInnddiiccaattoorrss • Word and Mouth members/staff

represent young people on local advisory and decision-making bodies

• Word and Mouth supports young people to represent themselves and their peers

___________________________________________________________________

4.4 Contribute to raising a positive profile of young people in the community SSttrraatteeggiieess aanndd AAccttiioonnss

• Word and Mouth newsletter to showcase young people’s contributions to the community

• Where possible, Word and Mouth media projects - film, print and radio - to contain positive portrayals of young people

• Maintain regular profile/features of Word and Mouth members in Word and Mouth publication

• Publicise Word and Mouth youth discussion forums and forum outcomes

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Newsletters- Year 1-Year 3

• Media projects- Year 1-Year 3

• Discussion forums- Year 1-Year 3

RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing






• Media organisations


• Positive youth articles printed in Word and Mouth publications and local media

• Media projects completed with positive portrayals of young people

20

• Regular profiling of Word and Mouth members


5.1 Hold discussion forums for young people to explore social issues and develop

strategies for growth and change


• Host Word and Mouth youth discussion forums in Greater Shepparton on a regular basis (see Strategy 2.3)

• Young people to brainstorm issues for discussion forums and design forum program

• Staff/members to provide a range of different speakers/motivators/performers for Word and Mouth youth discussion forums

• Staff/members to research chosen (and potential) forum topics so that young people can explore social issues in an informed manner

• Host discussion forums in a secure venue with skilled facilitators, to ensure that discussion is informative, constructive and respectful

• Forum outcomes to be developed and pursued by Word and Mouth where applicable

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Discussion Forums- Year 1-Year 3

• Research- Year 1-Year 3

• Develop outcomes- Year 1-Year 3

RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing



• Volunteers




• Community groups

• Secondary Schools


• Host number of discussion forums as specified in W&M A P (04–08)

• Forums are attended by young people

• Forums achieve recognisable outcomes through discussion

_____________________________________________________________ 5.2 Produce The Annual Youth Report (W&M A P 04-08)


• Staff/members to consult young people regarding the content of The Annual Youth Report

• Staff/members to consult project partners regarding content of The Annual Youth Report

• Young people supported to design the format; appearance; scope; research and distribution methods for the Report

• Staff to seek project partners in the development, research, editing, promotion and distribution of The Annual Youth Report

• The Annual Youth Report to be designed as a tool to measure youth satisfaction with aspects of the community

• The Annual Youth Report to be designed as a mechanism for promoting young people’s ideas and strategies for community building

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Consultation- Year 1-Year 2

• Design- Year 2

• Publication- TBD

RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing






• Public Relations agencies

• Printers and Publishers


• Consultation conducted with young people and project partners within Year 2

• Design of The Annual Youth Report is in draft stages within Year 2

21

55.. CCoommmmuunniittyy BBuuiillddiinngg


5.3 Contribute to local community building initiatives, including those with a particular

focus on developing youth space/s in Greater Shepparton


• Word and Mouth Executive Board to remain abreast of local community building initiatives that affect young people

• Staff/members to support young people to participate in community building activities, such as committee membership, consultation, fundraising, etc.

• Staff/members to support local efforts to develop youth-friendly and youth-designated space in Greater Shepparton

• Staff/members to encourage youth involvement in the process of developing youth space/s in Greater Shepparton

• Word and Mouth Executive Board to consider youth-space development as high priority, as a means for securing independent space for Word and Mouth to operate within the community

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Updating Executive Board- Ongoing

• Youth participation- Ongoing

• Youth Space- TBD

RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing






• Government



• Word and Mouth Executive Board maintain representatives within community building projects and initiatives

• Partnerships developed for purposes of designing and developing youth space/s in Greater Shepparton

_____________________________________________________________ 5.4 Support initiatives for tertiary expansion in Greater Shepparton


• Word and Mouth Executive Board to remain abreast of local initiatives for tertiary expansion in Greater Shepparton

• Staff/members to encourage young people to participate in activities which support initiatives for tertiary expansion, such as consultation, development and implementation of strategies etc

• Staff/members to contribute to local initiatives for improving tertiary options for young people in Greater Shepparton

• Word and Mouth Executive Board to consider tertiary expansion and options as an important issue for young people in Greater Shepparton

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Updating Executive Board- Ongoing

• Staff and youth participation- Ongoing

RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing




• COGS


• Government Agencies

• Goulburn Murray Local Learning Employment Network


• Word and Mouth Executive Board active in local initiatives for tertiary expansion

22

• Word and Mouth facilitate young people to support initiatives for tertiary expansion


6.1 Encourage and facilitate young people from all backgrounds to interact respectfully with each other and the community


• Word and Mouth staff/members to provide a positive example of young people interacting respectfully with each other and the community

• Word and Mouth youth discussion forums to allow for cross-cultural exchange in respectful and informative ways

• Staff to facilitate cultural training for members of Word and Mouth where possible

• Word and Mouth to develop and implement cultural activities for young people in Greater Shepparton to interact respectfully with each other

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Ongoing

RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing






• Government Agencies

• Consultants


• Staff/members receive training and information regarding cross-cultural interaction

• Word and Mouth hosts discussion forums and festivals which allow young people from all backgrounds to interact respectfully

_____________________________________________________________

6.2 Engage young people in Word and Mouth governance, activities and events, including Indigenous and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse young people


• Word and Mouth Executive Board’s Terms of Reference and associated policies to identify mechanisms for specific cultural representation

• W&MYC guidelines to identify mechanisms for specific cultural participation

• Word and Mouth staff to seek support from community elders in the implementation of Word and Mouth activities and events, where possible

• Staff/members to participate/volunteer with local indigenous and multicultural youth groups, to assist them in their activities and recruit young leaders for Word and Mouth activities

• Word and Mouth to seek collaborative partnerships with agencies, networks and individuals who support indigenous and CALD young people in the community

• Word and Mouth to consult widely to ensure activities and events are interesting, relevant, and appropriate for young people from different cultural backgrounds

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Ongoing

RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing





• Community agencies/networks


• Clubs and associations


• Staff/members receive training and information regarding cross-cultural interaction

• Indigenous and CALD young people participate in governance and activities

23

66.. CCrroossss--CCuullttuurraall EExxcchhaannggee aanndd UUnnddeerrssttaannddiinngg


6.3 Support young people to take a lead role in developing a greater understanding,

appreciation and celebration of Indigenous culture


• Word and Mouth to seek collaborative partnerships with Indigenous agencies, networks and individuals, for assistance in developing activities that support young people’s understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture

• Staff/members to participate in training and other opportunities to develop a greater understanding of Indigenous culture in Greater Shepparton

• Word and Mouth staff/members to volunteer/support local initiatives for developing young indigenous leaders, and encouraging their participation in Word and Mouth activities and events

• W&MYC to incorporate understanding and celebration of indigenous culture in major projects, eg youth festivals

• Word and Mouth activities and events to incorporate opportunities for young people to acknowledge traditional owners of the land

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Training for staff/members- Year 1 • Training- ongoing • Partnerships and events- ongoing

RReessoouurrcceess • Existing • Future budget allocations • In-kind and cash contributions


• Existing and potential project partners • Indigenous agencies/networks • Providers of Koori education • Clubs and associations • Corporate and Philanthropic

PPeerrffoorrmmaannccee//SSuucccceessss IInnddiiccaattoorrss • Staff/members receive training and

information regarding indigenous culture

• W&MYC and activities incorporate opportunities for understanding and celebrating indigenous culture

___________________________________________________________________

6.4 Support young people to take a lead role in developing a greater understanding, appreciation and celebration of other cultures


• Word and Mouth to seek collaborative partnerships with community agencies, networks and individuals for assistance in developing activities that promote understanding of the diverse cultures in Greater Shepparton

• Staff/members to participate in training and other opportunities to develop a greater understanding of the cultural diversity in Greater Shepparton

• Word and Mouth staff/members to volunteer or support local initiatives for developing young multicultural leaders, and encourage their participation in Word and Mouth activities and events

• W&MYC to incorporate understanding and celebration of cultural diversity in major projects, eg youth festivals

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Training for staff/members- Year 1 • Training- ongoing • Partnerships and events- ongoing

RReessoouurrcceess • Existing • Future budget allocations • In-kind and cash contributions


• Existing and potential project partners • Community agencies/networks • Education providers • Corporate and Philanthropic • Government


• Staff/members receive cultural training

24

• Word and Mouth activities incorporate understanding and celebration of cultural diversity


6.5 Challenge young people to become leaders in developing a civilised, diverse, and

cohesive community


• Word and Mouth activities be designed to foster and support young people as leaders in civilised conversation and cultural exchange

• Word and Mouth to promote staff/members as leaders in developing a civilised community that welcomes diversity

• Word and Mouth to develop processes for young people to work together in community building and leadership development

• Word and Mouth to challenge and motivate young people, in Greater Shepparton and beyond, to become leaders in developing civilised, diverse and cohesive communities

TTiimmeelliinnee

• Reconciliation forum- Year 2

• Activities- Ongoing

• Promotion- Ongoing

RReessoouurrcceess

• Existing





• Media

• Community agencies/networks


• Government



• Word and Mouth events promote young people as leaders in the community

25

• Word and Mouth showcases young people as leaders in developing a civilised, diverse and cohesive community

1. Word and Mouth Youth Committee Meetings1. Word and Mouth Youth Committee Meetings

Description: Local secondary school students are transported to and from catered meetings

Frequency: Monthly meetings during school term

Time Allocation: 1 hour per week to complete Agendas/Minutes and correspondence with young people and schools

Staffing: Staff run meetings and manage communication with young people

2. Word and Mouth Youth Committee Sub2. Word and Mouth Youth Committee Sub--Group MeetingsGroup Meetings

Description: Consisting of Media & Communications Sub, Events Sub, Youth Development Sub, Council & Corporate Relations Sub. These sub- groups may have additional members who are not part of the Youth Committee

Frequency: Monthly meetings during school term, weekly meetings for Events Sub

Time Allocation: 3 hours per week for planning and correspondence

Staffing: Staff to maintain correspondence with each Sub-group and members of the W&MEB to attend Sub-group meetings when appropriate

3. Joint Committee Meetings and Planning Days3. Joint Committee Meetings and Planning Days

Description: Joint Word and Mouth Executive Board and Youth Committee meetings, and meetings of the Youth Committee with external groups of young people

Frequency: Minimum of 4 meetings between Board and Youth Committee, and as necessary for external groups

Time Allocation: As required

Staffing: Staff and allocated Board members to design, cater, and host joint meetings. Staff and project partners to facilitate meetings between Youth Committee & External Groups

4. Discussion Forums4. Discussion Forums Description: Public forums with guest speakers, workshops, catering, transport and entertainment Frequency: 4 per annum Time Allocation: 40 hours over 4 weeks to design and implement each forum Staffing: Staff to consult youth, plan and implement each forum, coordinate with schools, engage media and evaluate outcomes

5. Design Publicity/Promotions5. Design Publicity/Promotions

Description: Design T-shirts, posters, banners and other promotional materials

Frequency: 1 print run per annum


Staffing: Staff to consult with Youth Committee, collect quotes, seek sponsorship and display and distribute materials

Activities Program 2004—2008

26

Attachment 1Attachment 1-- Word and Mouth Activities Program 2004 Word and Mouth Activities Program 2004 -- 2008 2008


6. Youth Development and Leadership6. Youth Development and Leadership

Description: Skills-based leadership program for young people, focusing on personal development and leadership skills

Frequency: Method of program delivery will determine frequency (TBD)


Staffing: Staff and allocated Board members (Fairley Leadership Program Graduates) to consult with young people, publicise course for applicants and design and run course

7. Annual Festival7. Annual Festival

Description: Annual festival to showcase and celebrate the cultural diversity of young Greater Shepparton

Frequency: 1 per annum

Time Allocation: As required (anticipate large number of hours for coordination & planning)

Staffing: Staff to manage youth consultation and involvement, design festival, create partnerships, manage publicity and seek sponsorship

8. Annual Festival Planning Camp8. Annual Festival Planning Camp

Description: Annual camp held as the first planning step for the Annual Festival (see above). Incorporates leadership and teamwork skills, cultural awareness education and event management. Goal of camp is to produce event plan for the Festival



Staffing: Staff to manage youth consultation & participation design festival, create partnerships, manage nominations

9. Fundraising9. Fundraising

Description: Design and support youth fundraising initiatives, including fundraising for specific Word and Mouth activities

Frequency: TBD


Staffing: Staff, project partners and volunteers

27


10. Film Production10. Film Production

Description: A short film created by the Word and Mouth Youth Committee



Staffing: Staff to recruit a working party of young people and secure mentors to assist in production. Coordinate filming opportunities, technology and potential sponsorship

11. Annual Youth Report11. Annual Youth Report

Description: Evaluation report by young people measuring satisfaction levels regarding the community and institutions



Staffing: Staff to recruit a working party of young people. Design, implement and evaluate results, and present to the Greater Shepparton Community

12. Youth Space & Website12. Youth Space & Website

Description: A designated youth space and website/page for social and communicative purposes

Frequency: n/a


Staffing: Staff to consult with young people, create partnerships with relevant organisations (mentors) and seek sponsorship

13. Word and Mouth Newsletter13. Word and Mouth Newsletter

Description: A quarterly update on Word and Mouth activities (primarily for electronic distribution)


Time Allocation: 6—8 hours per edition

Staffing: Staff and allocated Board members to mentor young people in the production of the newsletter, and assist them to report on recent activity and advise of upcoming events

28


AAttttaacchhmmeenntt 22-- DDiiaaggrraamm ooff WWoorrdd aanndd MMoouutthh OOrrggaanniissaattiioonnaall SSttrruuccttuurree

Council & Corporate Relations

Sub-Group

Media & Communications

Sub-Group

Word and Mouth Executive Board

Youth Development Sub-Group

Events Sub-Group

Notes This model captures the essence of Word and Mouth – communication between all participants. In addition to the links demonstrated above, the Word and Mouth Executive Board is extensively involved in mentoring each of the Word and Mouth Youth Committee sub-groups. Regular social interaction incorporating all these groups is facilitated by Word and Mouth staff. 29

Word and Mouth Youth Committee


Word and Mouth Youth Committee

Word and Mouth coordinates a committee of young people from local secondary

schools. The current Youth Committee has 22 core members from five different

schools, and includes indigenous and second-generation migrant young people, plus a

student with a disability.

The Word and Mouth Youth Committee sub-groups are comprised of members of the

Word and Mouth Youth Committee, the Shepparton FReeZA committee, staff and

adult volunteers/mentors, and young people who are interested in a particular sub-

group (this is one strategy for including young people not in schools). The sub-groups

are currently as follows:

Word and Mouth Media and Communications sub-group

Word and Mouth Youth Development sub-group

Word and Mouth Events sub-group

Word and Mouth Council and Corporate Relations sub-group

Outreach membership

The outreach membership operates as an online database of people who wish to

receive email notifications of Word and Mouth events and program activities. People

can subscribe online or at any Word and Mouth event. Outreach membership will

expand when the Word and Mouth website is fully functional, and members will be

able to participate in online “community conversation” and access other interactive

features.

30

AAttttaacchhmmeenntt 33-- WWoorrdd aanndd MMoouutthh MMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp


Word and Mouth commenced in 2002 as the fourth project area of the Greater

Shepparton Community Building Project (GSCBP) (titled “Young People Building Our

Community”). The project began as the “community conversation” project—an

innovative youth development strategy in response to issues concerning young people

in Greater Shepparton1. In early 2003 the project was renamed Word and Mouth, and

subsequently promoted as the new youth project that provided opportunities for

community conversation and connectedness between young people and the wider

community.

Since 2003, Word and Mouth has successfully engaged many young people from

diverse backgrounds in discussion forums, team building days, promotional and public

speaking activities, festivals and music events, and youth consultation sessions. The

implementation of these activities has involved collaborative partnerships with local

government, youth service providers, media, and secondary colleges.

These partnerships, coupled with the funding agreement between Greater Shepparton

City Council and the Fairley Foundation, has launched a pioneering youth-driven

organisation in Greater Shepparton—Word and Mouth!

WWoorrdd aanndd MMoouutthh YYoouutthh CCoommmmiitttteeee 22000033--22000055::

The first Word and Mouth Youth Committee operated from 2003 to 2005, with 13

young people sourced from secondary schools that were project partners of the

Greater Shepparton Community Building Project (Wanganui Park-; McGuire-; and

Mooroopna Secondary College). These inspirational young people designed and

implemented much of the Word and Mouth Activities Program 2004-2008,

demonstrating their commitment to establishing this innovative project.

AAttttaacchhmmeenntt 44––BBaacckkggrroouunndd aanndd RReesseeaarrcchh

1 Issues as identified in Professor Jan Carter’s report Young People Building Our Community: Young Shepparton 2002/2020 ( a discussion and development plan sponsored by the Fairley Foundation)

31

BBaacckkggrroouunndd


32

Their activities involved consulting with other young people, ‘brainstorming’ and

hosting youth forums, music events and a major festival, event promotion,

fundraising for charity, a short film production, and presenting Word and Mouth

achievements to government and non-government agencies (public speaking).

WWoorrdd aanndd MMoouutthh AAccttiivviittiieess 22000022--22000055..

Forums- Word and Mouth has held six youth discussion forums since 2003. The

discussion forums titles were “Young People and the Body - Addressing the Image”,

“The Word on War”, “Bullying in Our Community”, “Young People Celebrate Cultural

Diversity”, “Re-thinking Multiculturalism - A Word and Mouth Debate” and “Visions of

the Future”. The forums have been well attended by young people from diverse

backgrounds. All forums provided free entry, food and transport, and included

performances and verbal presentations by young people.

SHINE festival- Word and Mouth established the SHINE Multicultural Youth Festival

planning committee in February 2005. This committee comprised of representatives

from youth service agencies, the media, the Word and Mouth Youth Committee,

Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District’s youth group and Cutting Edge

UnitingCare’s youth group. This committee successfully designed, promoted, and

coordinated the SHINE 2005 Multicultural Youth Festival. Word and Mouth contracted

a short term project manager (Tanya Bowen) to assist the planning committee in

coordinating the festival, which was held during Youth Week 2005. This festival is to

become an annual feature in Greater Shepparton, and Word and Mouth has since

initiated (with project partners) a leadership camp, for the purposes of training young

people to design the festivals and operate the planning committees.

Planning days- The Word and Mouth Youth Committee 2003-2005 participated in

several day-long planning meetings during school holidays. The purpose of these

meetings was to develop teamwork and leadership skills, and develop the Word and

Mouth Activities Program 2004-2008.

Article submission/ radio segments- Word and Mouth received positive local

media coverage during initial project stages, and continues to receive excellent

coverage for Word and Mouth activities.


The Greater Shepparton Community Building Project adopted the findings of a report

written by Professor Jan Carter- Young People Building Our Community: Young

Shepparton 2002/202 (a discussion and development plan sponsored by the Fairley

Foundation). This report considered and identified needs of the youth population

within Greater Shepparton, and provided suggestions for expanding the investment in

young people as a strategy to insure future wealth, health and wellbeing.

Central to the report is the focus on how Greater Shepparton can fulfil its economic

potential and become an even better place for young people. To do this requires

connecting more young people to adults and institutions in the community, through

education and training, employment, leisure, and the arts. These connections are

crucial for supporting and encouraging young people’s creativity and growth.

At present, a significant number of young people in Greater Shepparton experience

“discomfort”, and “disconnection”—early school leavers, the unemployed, many Koori

young people, young migrants and refugees, same-sex attracted young people, and

the homeless. These young people face a considerable risk of long-term exclusion

from education and economic wellbeing. The other equally important issue for Greater

Shepparton is that most high-achieving young people leave the region after they

complete secondary school, creating a large “brain drain”.

Prof Carter’s report advises how these disadvantages can be overcome, and this

involves capitalising on the positive things for young people in Greater Shepparton.

The positive things for young people include:

o the City Council has made youth policy and establishing a stronger university

presence central to its future direction;

o over the last decade a range of services have been established in Greater

Shepparton for young people;

o the cultural diversity of young people has increased;

o schools are becoming more aware of ways to improve student retention rates;

33

RReesseeaarrcchh


o the Goulburn Murray Local Learning Employment Network is working through

the difficult issues of reconnecting young people to education, and is piloting a

number of programs to address this;

o skate parks, connected bike and walking tracks, and the upgrading of parks and

public spaces.

34

Young People Building Our Community: Young Shepparton 2002/202 contains a set of

goals to take the issues concerning young people and Greater Shepparton forward.

The first and last goals listed relate directly to the establishment and objectives of

Word and Mouth:

Building a youth friendly city: responsive to the needs and interests of all young

people, supporting their interests, providing a range of experiences, and welcoming

diversity and creativity.

Building the capacity of schools: to provide a ‘seamless’ education service and

community connection for each young person, through each level of school to higher

education and work.

Building the Greater Shepparton economy: to position today’s young people as able

competitors in the present and future national and international ‘knowledge’ economy.

Building young people’s capacity to lead the community conversation: Greater

Shepparton young people need to be articulate, responsible, participative and

concerned problem solvers.

(Sourced: Carter, J. 2002:4. Italics in original)

PPrroojjeecctt AAiimmss aanndd OObbjjeeccttiivveess

The aims and objectives of Word and Mouth have been adopted from the goals

presented in Young People Building Our Community: Young Shepparton 2002/2020.

Word and Mouth focuses on two goals in particular, Building a youth friendly city and

Building young people’s capacity to lead the community conversation.


In Chapter Six, titled The community conversation: building young people’s capacity

to lead (2002:42), Prof Carter’s describes the importance of conversation:

Conversation is the most potent and positive tool that community builders,

young and old, have. There can be no more important conversational task than

in preparing young people to meet change, develop coping skills, make positive

decisions, contribute to community and plan theirs and Greater Shepparton

future. (www.msue.msu.edu/msue/cyf/youth/4hfacts.html)

The Word and Mouth project began by pursuing the strategies outlined in this section

of Prof Carter’s report, which proposed that a ‘community conversation’ project be

established as a conscious youth development strategy in Greater Shepparton. The

following is an extract from Chapter Six, articulating the needs and processes for

developing a ‘community conversation’ project in Greater Shepparton:

• An independent organisation needs to be set up to take charge of Greater

Shepparton’s youth development with the task of progressing this through the

medium of a community conversation led by and for young people, partnered with

adults. This organisation needs to ensure that

o every young person has the chance to express a view regularly on issues of

importance in the community through the medium of specially facilitated

conversation tables

o some young people across all cultural groups can be trained and supported

to facilitate this process through a skills development plan

o opportunities for leadership training need to be available for some young

people

o an annual business-youth roundtable could tackle issues of common interest

o conversational opportunities need to be available for young people to

discuss issues, trends and ethics, through a conversation café in Greater

Shepparton with a regular program of speakers, forums and debates

35

o programs which support the community conversation between young and

older people need to be sought. For example the ABC might offer to develop

a video web cam program whereby young people are encouraged to film and

reflect on their own community through the access of the public to their

http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/cyf/youth/4hfacts.html


work on the web. Conversational feedback needs to accompany this. Such a

program can be linked to education and work opportunities.

o delicate issues of discrimination and disrespect can be confronted. (For

example, in Berkeley California there has been a recent day-long community

conversation on finding common ground to confront racism).

(http://home.pacbell.net/wvbae)

(Source: Carter J, 2002 Young People Building Our Community: Young Shepparton

2002/2020, 2002:46)

MMeetthhooddoollooggyy

Prof Carter’s report provides the methodology for Word and Mouth activities, which

have been designed using an ‘asset based approach2’. This approach focuses on-

o utilising young people’s assets, abilities and resources;

o assisting them to develop vital leadership skills;

o empowering them to achieve social change.

36

2 Kretzman, J. and McKnight, J. (1993) Building Community from the Inside Out: A Path Towards Finding and Mobilising a Community’s Assets. Asset Based Community Development Institute and ACTA Publications: Chicago (cited in Carter J, 2002 Young People Building Our Community: Young Shepparton 2002/2020, 2002:24)

http://home.pacbell.net/wvbae


The following information was kindly provided to Word and Mouth by Lynda Harcoan, Executive Support Officer for the Greater Shepparton Community Building Project. The data has been compiled by I&J Management Services, and combines Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Department of Sustainability & Environment (DSE), Department of Victorian Communities (DVC) and various local data sources. RReeggiioonnaall OOvveerrvviieeww

Word and Mouth works with young people living in the City of Greater Shepparton.

The population of Greater Shepparton is 55,000 people, making it the fifth most

populous Local Government Area in Regional Victoria. Greater Shepparton has a

higher percentage of young people than Victoria and Australia – 31% of people are

between the ages of 0 and 19. Conversely, there is a much lower proportion of young

people in the 20-29 years age groups living in Greater Shepparton. This is understood

to be the result of young people leaving the area for further education and work

opportunities (see Migration).

PPeeooppllee

Greater Shepparton has one of the largest Indigenous populations in Australia

(estimated by the Australian Bureau of Statistics to be 5000-6000 indigenous people)

and is an ethnically diverse area, with 60 recognised cultural groups. This is due to

immigrants settling in the region, including a Greek/Italian influx during the 1950s

and 60s and more recently significant numbers from the Middle East, including

Albanians and Iraqis. The most common languages other than English spoken at

home in Greater Shepparton are Italian, Turkish, Greek, Macedonian and Arabic.

MMiiggrraattiioonn

Greater Shepparton experiences Victoria’s largest “brain drain”, with young people

moving to Melbourne and other regional centres for lifestyle, employment and post

compulsory education opportunities. While some people return to the area and others

migrate from elsewhere, the net result is a loss of young people in the 20-29 age

groups. For example, figures show that in 2000 a total of 2,236 university students

left the region to study—over a third to other regional campuses—with only 321

studying here and 100-200 coming in.

(Source: Strategic plan for Shepparton’s Development as a University City (2001))

37

AAttttaacchhmmeenntt 55––EEnnvviirroonnmmeennttaall CCoonntteexxtt


EEdduuccaattiioonn

In Greater Shepparton there are six secondary colleges, three university campuses,

and one TAFE institute. The three university campuses are La Trobe Shepparton

Campus, The University of Melbourne’s Dookie Campus, and The University of

Melbourne’s Department of Rural Health3. In Greater Shepparton there are

significantly lower numbers of people with technical and university qualifications than

in Victoria as a whole. Only 25% of people in Greater Shepparton have completed

Year 12 (lower than the regional and state averages), with more women than men

successfully completing secondary school.

IInndduussttrryy

Greater Shepparton has over 7,560 businesses with the dominant industry being

Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, representing 44.8% of total businesses. At least

80% of people employed in agriculture are over 55 years. The retail sector is a

significant employer of young people, and the only other industry group exceeding

10% of businesses in Greater Shepparton.

(Source: Goulburn Murray Local Learning and Employment Network strategic plan,

2001)

EEmmppllooyymmeenntt

In Greater Shepparton, Retail trade has the highest number of employees (19.2%),

followed by Manufacturing (16.1%) and Health and Community Services (12.4%).

Most young people between 15-19 years in paid work are part-time employees, and

as stated earlier, the retail sector is particularly important for young people. This is

because the sector requires many casual and part-time staff for work that is suitable

for people with limited work experience.

(Source: Goulburn Murray Local Learning and Employment Network strategic plan,

2001)

38

3 These campuses, together with the Goulburn Ovens TAFE, offer undergraduate degree programs in agriculture, arts, [psychology], business, natural resource management, and nursing; graduate diplomas in business and education; and masters and PhD programs in rural health. (Source: Strategic plan for Shepparton’s Development as a University City (2001))


39

YYoouutthh UUnneemmppllooyymmeenntt

Unemployment can be a persistent and significant issue for young people in Greater

Shepparton, particularly for 15-25 year old people who have not completed school

education. There are extremely high levels of unemployment within the Indigenous

population in Greater Shepparton, indicating this is a serious issue for the whole

community.

PPooppuullaattiioonn-- FFuuttuurree

The Greater Shepparton population is growing and it is youthful. Estimates show the

population by the year 2031 will be 81,000, the result of the combined rates of birth

and migration. By 2031 there will be 28% of the population over the age of 60;

however this will still be a much smaller aged population compared to the rest of

regional Victoria.


The Word and Mouth Executive Board would like to acknowledge the commitment

and efforts of the following people and organisations, whose enthusiasm and

interest have contributed significantly to project development:

Greater Shepparton Community Building Project Mayor Anne McCamish Councillor Chris Hazelman Dennis Wapling (Project Manager, GSCBP) Lynda Harcoan (Executive Support, GSCBP) Amy Kadir (Administration Officer, GSCBP) Morris Sleep (Principal, Wanganui Park Secondary College) Gary Golding (Principal, Mooroopna Secondary College) Marc Lezon (Principal, McGuire Secondary College)

The Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation Andrew Fairley (Chair) Professor Jan Carter (Consultant) Department for Victorian Communities The Hon John Thwaites Julia Keeble (Manager-Community Initiatives) Sheree Brown (Youth Liaison Officer)

Cutting Edge UnitingCare Rowena Allen (CEO) Reverend Paul Teusner Dale Janke Adnan Al Ghazal Gini Ennals Goulburn Murray Local Learning Employment Network Jennifer Hippisely Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District Leiona Cocker (volunteer) Shepparton News Danny Morgan Kristen Favaloro

Goulburn and Border Broadcasters Leanne Hulm (General Manager) Matt Whittemore Robyn Schishka Amanda Seiffert Impress Publicity Lisa McKenzie The Bridge Donna Ashdown Word and Mouth Staff Kate Emerson (2002 - ongoing) Phillip Guthrie (2004 - 2005) Belinda Koenig (2005 - ongoing) Tanya Bowen (2005)

Word and Mouth Youth Committee 2003-2005 Word and Mouth Youth Committee 2005-2006

Rory Thorsen Leigh Reither Shannon Nightingale Kristy Freeman Sam Brown Tristen Pogue Luke Fuller Josh Revens Tom Nalder Amy Henderson Alison Richie Allison Smith Tori Mathieson

Rebecca Sloan Ashlea Noye Amy Sharpe Jess Liversidge Allison Smith Amy Dainton Kara Thomas Rebecca Dorbie Valerie Atkinson James Dean Luke Fuller Lauren Bathman

Jesse Whitaker Victoria Hort Patrick O’Sullivan Kate Ranson Katie Chick BJ Oakford Chris Kelly Roz Kelly Elis Hoxha Jessica Wong Elissa Banfield

40

AAcckknnoowwlleeddggeemmeennttss

strategic plan 2005 – 2008

Documents