Darebin Youth Forum

By: Dylan Smarrelli 9D

The Darebin Youth Forum was a fantastic opportunity that allowed young leaders of the Darebin area to contribute to shaping the future of the Darebin community. There were several representatives from a variety of schools that attended, with year levels ranging from mid primary school years to Year 10. The day was focussed on student voice, encouraging young Darebin citizens that are passionate about their community to come together to discuss ways to improve their community. 

The day began with us brainstorming, and then participating in workshop activities that focused on things we are passionate about and want to see being taken into action in our community. We then broke off into groups of our choice that each focused on a particular aspect of how we could potentially enhance our community. The group I chose focused on mental health, and how peer support could be implemented in our community, where youth would be able to relate and feel more comfortable talking to other youth. We then as groups each presented our proposal to the board of the Darebin City Council, which consisted of the Mayor, CEO and a few of the Counsellors. Overall, it was a terrific day that I was truly grateful for having been a part of.

By: Mackenzie Runciman 7

The youth voice forum was very engaging and everyone who attended participated in all of the activities. Near the end of the session in our groups we presented an issue we cared about to the Darebin council and then a solution. The Darebin council were very open and all the council members that attended gave us their opinions and support towards all of the solutions. It was very educational and fun.