We regularly check in with young people in the Byron Shire about what’s important, and include you in community-wide decisions.
We also work with community organisations, schools and groups to make Byron Shire a great place for young people to live, work and play.
We work with community organisations, schools and groups to make Byron Shire a great place for young people to live, work and play.
The way we will do this is:
For more information about how Council works with and for young people or for assistance with projects or grants, please contact the Social and Cultural Planning team on 6626 7000.
In 2019, Council piloted a five week program for high school students. The program was designed to introduce young citizens to Local Government, and provide a chance to highlight a particular issue that is important, and to then work with Council to find a solution.
Through the program the ‘wicked problem’ identified was “How can we reduce food waste in the Byron Shire?”. The group worked with a number of staff from across the organisation, Councillors, and a representative from North East Waste to consider the issue and research possible solutions. The goal for further development in 2020 is “That businesses in the Byron Shire have zero food waste to landfill by the time we finish school in 2021”.
Council are planning to offer another Youth Challenge for different group of young people later in 2020. If you are interested in further information contact Council or your local school.
If you have a great idea, we’d love to hear about it! Each year, Council funds programs created by young people for young people. If you’re aged between 15 and 25 and live in Byron Shire, you are invited to apply.
The aim of the grants program is to provide a voice for young people, support young people to be actively involved in designing, planning and running activities and events, and gain experience in leadership roles.
Council calls for applications in early September each year. Further details will be posted on Council's website when applications are open.
Held each year in April, National Youth Week is the largest celebration of young people in Australia. The 10-day event encourages thousands of 12 - 24 year olds from across Australia to have fun, showcase their artistic and creative talents and learn new skills through a range of community activities and events.
Council subscribes to the ID suite of data resources. The suite includes Community Profile information, a Social Atlas and Economic data for Byron Shire. A range of demographic trends pertaining to Byron’s young people are available. For further information please refer to the Byron Shire Community profile on the id Population Experts website.
Byron Youth Service
Byron Youth Service (BYS) is a not-for-profit charity incorporated association committed to providing services for young people between the ages of 12 - 24 years. They run outreach programs throughout the Byron Shire. Council supports the Street Cruise program run by the Byron Youth Service.
For more information please see their Byron Youth Service website.
Recreation including Skate parks
Council have several skate parks and other sport and recreational areas.
For a full list, visit our Parks and Reserves pages.
There are a number of activities available for children and young people in Council managed halls and venues. To view the calendars of what's on, or to book a venue for an event or activity, please refer to the Love Byron Halls webpage.
Two forums were held in 2018 where information was collected from young people. We use this information when talking to government and other agencies about what young people have told us they want. The reports from these forums are available by contacting Council.
In addition, Council will work more closely with service providers, organisations and schools to engage young people more effectively in Council projects, to ensure the voice of young people is captured in planning for the future.
We will use best practice tools and resources to engage with young people from the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) and the Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP).