NATIONAL YOUTH WEEK
Tasmania 2006
1 The Office of Children and Youth Affairs, (OCYA), would like to thank all the young people and organisations that planned, implemented and participated in National Youth Week events, making the Week a successful and memorable one.
Introduction National Youth Week (NYW) is the largest single celebration of young people on the Australian calendar and has run annually since 2000 as a joint initiative of Australian, State, Territory and Local Governments. The OCYA has been involved in NYW since its inception. The OCYA is responsible for the coordination and delivery of NYW in Tasmania and is a member of the NYW National Planning Group. Australia’s sixth NYW was held from Saturday 1 April to Sunday 9 April 2006.
Tasmania saw a very cold, wet and windy April. According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology many new ‘cold’ or ‘wet’ records were set for the month. Unfortunately six NYW events had to be cancelled due to wet weather. Congratulations go to the many young people across the State, as well as their supporters who organised, facilitated and participated in this successful Week. Our thanks also go to the many organisations that contributed in various ways to the success of National Youth Week in their areas.
The official 2006 NYW slogan, ‘Just Add you’, appeared on posters and other promotional material which was distributed throughout communities around Australia. Many organisations used the slogan in their events as a focus for activities.
NYW is a call to action for young people to make the most of their Week. It is a chance to get involved and, more importantly, have fun regardless of their resources, skills or abilities.
NYW gives young people aged 12-25 years an opportunity to: express their ideas and views; raise issues of concern to them; act on issues that affect their lives; showcase their talents; take part in competitions; express their individuality and diversity; and celebrate their contribution to the community.
NYW also gives the wider community the opportunity to listen to young people and acknowledge and celebrate the positive contributions made by their efforts and achievements as well as promote a community focus on issues of concern for young people.
A key feature of the Week was a focus on young people being involved in the planning and implementation of events. This was realised in communities across Tasmania where young people’s participation numbers were high. Young people were able to advise organisations on the types of activities they would like in their area for NYW; see these ideas come to fruition; and in most cases play a large part in the organisation of the events.
Participants identified a range of positive outcomes as a result of the Week. These outcomes were mainly targeted at young people but also acknowledged that NYW had a positive impact on the community as a whole.
Feedback received through surveys indicates that everyone is looking forward to the NYW 2007, and many are already making plans.
2 Background On 23 April 1999 Australian, State and Territory Youth Ministers agreed to hold Australia’s first National Youth Week from 2–8 April 2000. This event was so successful it was agreed that it be held as an ongoing event with a national focus.
NYW is a joint Australian Government, State, Territory and Local Government initiative. National Planning Group
The Youth Bureau in the Australian Department of Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA) coordinates NYW in collaboration with the departments responsible for youth affairs in all States and Territories. A National Planning Group (NPG) is formed each year, which includes a youth representative from each State and Territory, representatives from FaCSIA Youth Bureau, and representatives from all youth affairs offices around the country. The NPG met a number of times and oversaw arrangements for coordinating and promoting NYW 2006 at a national level.
Trish Males, Acting Senior Project Coordinator, from the OCYA was the Tasmanian Government representative on the NPG and Lucy Tatham, from the Tasmanian Youth Consultative Committee (TYCC) was the Tasmanian young member on the NPG. Tasmanian NYW Steering Committee At a State level, the OCYA is responsible for the coordination and delivery of NYW in Tasmania. The Tasmanian NYW Steering Committee is convened every year. In 2006, this group comprised of eight members and had membership from key stakeholder groups to facilitate the coordination process. Membership of the Steering Committee for 2006 included members from: TYCC, the Youth Network of Tasmania (YNOT), Northern Youth Coordinating Committee (NYCC), North West Action for Youth (NWAY), Youth Action Priorities (YAP), and a media consultant from the Department of Education.
In 2006, NYW was a standing item on the TYCC agenda. The members of TYCC were consulted and asked for feedback on NYW in Tasmania. This information was fed back to the National Youth Week Steering Committee through the TYCC representatives.
The Tasmanian NYW Steering Committee is representative of youth service providers and young people and its role is to: oversee the coordination of NYW on a state level provide advice on issues relating to NYW state and regional initiatives oversee the OCYA budget for State and local government NYW initiatives consider and provide advice on marketing, publicity and sponsorship assess and approve grants funding submissions endorse NYW and promote NYW events, encouraging participation at all levels in NYW activities at a regional and organisation level facilitate the identification by young people of youth issues and ensure that mechanisms are put in place to respond to these.
3 “Thank you to the OCYA for the funding to enable Councils to implement quality events for young Funding & Support people as part of NYW that Councils, non-government organisations celebrations”. and young people have welcomed the new funding process. The evaluation also found The State Government has provided the that organisers, including young people, majority of the funding for each NYW in believed that the process should remain the Tasmania. The OCYA also received funding same for 2007. Anecdotal evidence from TYCC from FaCSIA, as did other States and and the National Youth Week Steering Territories. The total amount of funding for Committee indicated an improvement in the NYW in Tasmania for 2006 was $73,000. quality of events and activities delivered during the Week. This is also supported by the NYW evaluation that showed that more young National Youth Week 2006 people participated in the planning of events Tasmanian Funding and activities delivered by Councils and non- government organisations than they did in the previous year. Office of Youth Affairs $62,000 Department of Family and $11,000 NYW Evaluation from schools however, Community Services indicated that there were not as many young people involved in planning school events, due Total $73,000 to the tight time frames of the school year commencing mid February and the commencement of NYW on 1 April 2006.
Grants Programs “Youth Week falls at a busy time in our school. Therefore it is difficult to get as Historically the OCYA has directly allocated up to $2,500 funding for each council in Tasmania much involvement from students as we to run National Youth Week activities. Non- would like. Having the flexibility to hold government community organisations were Youth Week activities at a different time allocated grants of up to $300 each to deliver to scheduled 'Youth Week dates' would NYW activities. certainly allow us to implement our ideas more successfully.” In 2005, NYW participants were encouraged to contribute ideas on how young people could be involved further in the planning and delivery of NYW events.
Responding to these ideas, the NYW funding for Council and non- government organisations was combined. The NYW funding process was changed to an open funding process where Councils and non - government organisations applied for up to $2,000 to deliver a NYW event, which included a detailed selection criteria on youth participation mechanisms. The change to an open funding process aimed to encourage Local Government and non- government organisations to better address NYW criteria, focussing on the involvement of young people in the planning and delivery of NYW events, and encouraging the delivery of high quality events. The NYW funding process for government and non-government secondary schools and colleges remained the same as previous years. Evaluation showed
4 A commitment from the community to support supplying free materials, e.g. paper and young people and an increasing wider postage community awareness of youth issues was donating prizes for competitions demonstrated through the involvement in NYW reducing costs of materials of over 100 organisations and businesses throughout Tasmania. The organisations and donating food and drinks, eg for BBQs businesses provided their time to assist reducing costs of services organisers to deliver events through: donations loaning of equipment, eg bikes, skating of prizes; assistance with, and donation of and musical equipment, marquee for free equipment; educational resources, and much free transportation of equipment more. free use of premises/areas for events, eg halls and car parks Support included: free advertising in newspapers and on providing sponsorship/funding radio providing cash prizes assisting with promotions providing supervision assisting with supervision and security providing advice and support assisting with setting up placement of advertising in shop and assisting with coordination and project business windows management of events.
Official Participants
An official NYW participant was an organisation that: created a youth focused initiative that started, took place or culminated in National Youth Week; or chose to coordinate an existing event in collaboration with NYW 2006.
The OCYA invited all youth organisations, councils, high schools, secondary schools and colleges, TAFE, the University of Tasmania, State Libraries, online access centres and government departments to become official participants and conduct an activity during the Week. There were no licensing fees or registration costs in becoming an official participant.
Official participants, other than grants recipients, met the costs of their event. These organisations registered with the OCYA and were entitled to: use the official NYW logo and branding; utilise a range of promotional material to help promote their event/activity; and have access to national exposure of their event/activity on the Calendar of Events on www.youthweek.com.
The weather in April saw several events being cancelled, however they were held at a later date. The following 62 organisations were funded official participants and conducted 145 events and 276 activities during NYW 2006. A number of the organisations worked in partnership with other organisations to conduct NYW events. Other organisations held NYW events but did not register as official participants.
5 EVENTS AND ACTIVITES Activities were conducted across the State, with some official participants conducting more than one activity in their area during the Week. The many festivities, expo’s and open days offered a broad range of activities that attracted participation from a number of different organisations.
6 National Youth Week 2006 – Official Participants Brighton Council Brighton Alive - Co Existence Speed Art Competition and Musical Picnic – A speed art competition for secondary schools in Southern Tasmania, held in conjunction with music and dance displays in a picnic atmosphere at Old Beach. Central Highlands Disco – A disco was held for young people in the Central Highlands municipal Council area to celebrate NYW. Clarence City Council NAG Fest 06 ‘Battle of the Beats’ - Showcasing all genre of music as part of a youth culture festival.
YNAG Swing Dance – A social event providing an opportunity for young people from local high schools and colleges to come together to enjoy a variety of music and dances. The evening was to have a 1920’s atmosphere with a swing dance demonstration/lesson. This event was cancelled. CREATE HERO Quest-The event was for young people in care throughout Tasmania and Foundation is based around the twin themes of art and physical activity. Young people are placed in teams of champions. Having first built their own sturdy vessel, they are sent off on a Hero’s Quest to find the golden goose. Throughout their journey they encountered a series of challenges. The emphasis was on enjoyment and celebration of young people’s skills. Unfortunately, this event was cancelled. Fusion Australia Annual Kingborough Youth Forum 2006 – Provided an opportunity for Ltd. young people from schools across the municipality to come together to discuss current issues affecting them and to initiate effective action to address these concerns. The day included the official re-launch of the Kingborough Youth Services Centre.
‘Just Add You’ Youth Festival – A celebration of the contributions of young people to the Kingborough community. The Festival featured local bands plus a range of entertainment and activities designed to bring the whole community together. The festival also featured the findings from the Youth Forum held earlier in the Week. Geeveston Online Are You Game? – The Geeveston Online Access Centre hosted a games event Centre over three days culminating in a pizza feast on the final day. Glamorgan Spring NYW Disco – A disco for 12 -17 year olds in the Glamorgan Spring Bay Bay municipal area. It included Karaoke and competitions. Glenorchy City Community Youth Skate Day and Celebration-This event is the culmination Council of a series of workshops with young people on community capacity building and the promotion of a positive image for young people living in the City of Glenorchy. The event provided sport, leisure and recreation activities, a community BBQ and entertainment by young people, for young people. Young Women’s Cultural Group - Young Women’s Health & Wellbeing Stall. Cultural Dinner and Celebration.
7 Hobart City Council Futurama 2006 – Celebrated and showcased youth culture through art, theatre, music and other recreational activities. Attendance was down slightly due to a change in venue.
Youth Forum, Community Perceptions of Young People - Was an opportunity for young people in the greater Hobart area to discuss with Aldermen, community and business leaders the different perceptions of young people that exist within the community as well as to determine whether these perceptions are based on negative stereotypes. The forum aimed to encourage young people to find constructive ways to overcome the consequences of negative stereotyping. Hobart Women’s Pamper and Ponder – A stall for young women operated by young women at Health Centre / Futurama. The young women pampered, informed and asked other young Glenorchy City women their views on health issues and offered hand massages and show bags. Council / Migrant This activity was cancelled due to bad weather. It was held at a later date as Resource Centre part of the Glenorchy City Council’s ‘Tear It Up’ Program. Huon Valley Carve the Coast - A delectable array of artistic and recreational activities held Council at the new and exciting Dover Skate Park. Activities included DJ workshops, skateboarding workshops, graphic design, digital imaging workshops, live bands, skateboarding and BMX demonstrations. This activity was provided free of charge and transport was made available from Cygnet, Huonville and Geeveston.
Sharing the Stage Leadership Training – This event involved ‘Revolution’, the Huon Valley Council’s Youth Advisory Committee who participated in training programs conducted by the Glenorchy On Track Youth Committee (GOT). GOT provided a presentation to Revolution based on their program development experiences and explained their successful training package based on young people and depression. Migrant Resource Diverse Young Women Together – An activity highlighting successful cultural Centre collaboration, planned by a young women from African backgrounds group, and young women from Glenorchy.
Young Women’s Cultural Dinner –Preparing and sharing food with friends and invited guests. It provided an opportunity to reflect on NYW events and discuss with invited guests concerns and issues, while highlighting the importance of sharing ideas and bringing diverse groups together to celebrate common interests. Sorell Council Feedback – An underage disco held in partnership with the Sorell Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC). It offered young people with opportunity to take part in a questionnaire. Tasman Council ‘Just Add U’ Youth Week 2006 Photographic Competition and Exhibition- Young People doing their favourite things, in their favourite places, with their favourite people. This exhibition aimed to celebrate the experience of being a young person in the Tasman Municipality.
8 Tasman Council Transport - Was provided to Hobart City Council’s NYW event, Futurama.
Forum, Young People Moving Forward in the Tasman Municipality – Provided an opportunity for young people to make meaningful connections with Councillors, and community members, and promote their needs and ideas about the future of the Tasmanian Peninsula.
The Link Youth Pamper A Parent – The Link Youth Health Service delivered “Pamper A Parent” Health Service program for National Youth Week. This involved a small group of parents participating in various activities with the focus of the group being on positive parenting strategies. 2CYC George U THaS Challenge(Thinking, Health and Sport Challenge) - Was a fun Town Youth filled day for students from grades 5 to 11, promoting education, health and Advisory Group/ sport. Activities included brainteasers, code cracking, a dance, cricket and mini George Town golf. Council Break O’Day Rock Off - Local bands made up of young people from Break O’Day Municipality Council played and entertained their peers, while showcasing their talent.
Movie Mania – Movies were screened during the day and into the evening, and many people enjoyed a BBQ tea. The event took place at a new arts space called the Garage in St Marys. Launceston City The Gig – An event that showcased a number of bands and DJs. The event also Council/ Dorset provided an opportunity for young people to have their say on youth issues via Council/ George digital means, which was organised and facilitated by young people. Town Council/ West Tamar Council Manic Productions Fringe Club - Showcased young, emerging and experimental acts such as stand up comics, bedroom DJs, circus performers, obscure theatre shows and more. The Club was open to all ages from 4pm till 8pm. Mayfield Youth Live It, Feel It, Breathe It - An event of fun, healthy activities and Action Group entertainment. It also celebrated youth space and learning new skills and crafts. The aim of the event was to enjoy being together as a community. Meander Valley Talent Show ‘Just Add Youth’- A celebration of young people’s artistic talents Council and diversity. Northern Midlands Mobile Mayhem – Mobile activity sessions with arts, craft and a film session Council that ran in four different locations in the Northern Midlands district during NYW.
70s Again Social Campbell Town – A fun social night focussing on the 70s.
Ravenswood Ravenswood and You – Skate and BMX competitions, a fashion show and Neighbourhood karaoke were provided during NYW. House The Corner Youth Young Parents Matter – A fun event for young parents to celebrate their Health Service Inc. contribution to society. The event gave young parents the opportunity to mix with other young parents and access information on services available to them.
9 West Tamar Youth Festival - Live music from talented young local bands, skateboard Council competition and demonstration, exhibitions, rides and food stalls. An event enjoyed by all. Burnie City Council The Amazing Race – This event ran for approximately five days. Individuals or teams of up to six young people undertook a range of activities in order to win the race. Central Coast FabriSK8 – Aerosol art workshops were held that culminated with the creation Council of a mural in Ulverstone Park. The launch of the mural included live music and a BBQ. A multi-media documentary of the event, complete with interviews, was shown at the launch.
FLIXinSIX Media Festival – Films on the BIG screen, including a 20-minute feature film from Ulverstone High School.
Rocksplash – Combined a night of free entertainment at the Ulverstone Water Slide while chilling out to smooth sounds of a DJ. Circular Head Just + U Exhibition – This exhibition displayed work produced by local Council students which encompassed all area of the arts. The exhibition was open to the public for viewing. Devonport City Just Add Your Voice Issues Forum – A school group with the involvement of Council teachers, used media, art, drama and music to create a mini-documentary based around youth issues. Young people presented their findings and discussed issues with invited guests.
The Big Skate OFF – was a round robin skate competition that was facilitated by ‘3twenty6’ Skate Shop. The event was held in Latrobe, Sheffield and Devonport. Transport was provided for young people so they could attend each venue.
Rocket Launch - Offered young people the opportunity to have some fun at the Rocket Launch Circuit. The circuit offered a wide range of physical challenges, with some being easier to complete than others.
Just Add “Resin” Peace Pole - Origami peace cranes were placed in cylinders and filled with resin to create colourful Peace Poles. Flinders Council Youth Music & Talent Night - A variety night where young people showcased their talents and had a chance to listen to music. Unfortunately the event had to be cancelled due to bad weather.
Movie Night – Young people come together to view the latest release movies on a big screen. Fusion Australia Youth Fest – Skate competition, battle of the bands and art exhibition was held to celebrate NYW and promote the positive involvement of young people in the community. Kentish Council Kentish Art Competition – A competition was held for young people with the theme being ‘Kentish Dream’.
Skate Park Round Robin – This event enabled young people from different municipalities to participate in a round robin competition. Each municipality held a skate competition at their local skate park facility.
National Youth Week BBQ – A BBQ lunch was held to celebrate NYW.
10 Kentish Council Graffiti Workshops – The Graffiti workshop taught young people new skills in continued graffiti art. Participants learnt different styles and effects used in creating graffiti and how to best achieve results.
Jewellery Making Workshop – Young people came together to learn jewellery making skills.
Jean Painting Workshop – Young people were able to bring in their old jeans and make them into a piece of art or a wonderful fashion item.
King Island Council Currie Harbour Rocks - A program of activities that involved the general community coming together to celebrate NYW. A raft race was held in the harbour followed by a triathlon around the streets that surround the harbour. During the whole event, market stalls traded. A live band from mainland Tasmania played on centre stage throughout the event, interspersed by performances by local young people. Latrobe Council Rocket Launch in partnership with Community Connections and Devonport City Council - Offered young people the opportunity to have some fun at the Rocket Launch Circuit. The circuit offers a wide range of physical challenges.
Shearwater Park Youth Art Project – Young people worked with a community artist to develop a youth focused art form in the style of mosaics that symbolised youth in Port Sorell. The mosaics will be a permanent feature in the Port Sorell Park.
The Big Skate OFF – The Big Skate OFF was a round robin skate competition that was facilitated by ‘3twenty6’ Skate Shop. Three events were held in Latrobe, Sheffield and Devonport. West Coast Music Dance Night -Young people were given the opportunity to showcase Council their musical talents.
Short Film and Video Festival – Young people with multimedia skills showcased their talents by screening films to an audience of young people.
Movie Night – Young people in Rosebery and other towns in the West Coast had the opportunity to watch a movie produced two years ago in Rosebery. The film promotes the West Coast in a positive manner and is aimed at encouraging a sense of ownership and community spirit in young people.
Launch of Youth Advisory Youth Policy – featured a cruise, open day and Outdoor music.
11 United Nations UNYA State Conference – Brought together around 60 young people from Youth Association across the state to act as a model United Nations for a three day weekend. (Tasmania) Students participated in a range of activities ranging from informal discussions to large-scale formal debates during the final day’s mock General Assembly.
Vision Generation Watching for Reality – was aimed at educating youth about fellow youth Tasmanian through the screening of relevant movies during National Youth Week. The Division movies consisted of a diverse collection of life stories of young people from around the world. Melbourne Clown Workshop and Heat - Participants were able to take their own stand International up act or skit to a clown workshop and learn skills from a professional comedian. Comedy Festival Participants could choose to perform in a state heat and qualify to attend the Class Clowns National Grand Final in Melbourne. Derwent Valley LAN Party & Movie Night – A combined Local Area Network (LAN) Party and Council movie night was held for young people around the district.
DISCO - Annual D’FAT disco held at the Westerway Community Hall for young people living in the upper Derwent Valley and Central Highlands.
Freestyle Festival - A festival of live music, skating and BMX bike riding.
Raft Race - A community raft race at the annual Derwent Valley Autumn Festival. Youth Music Play Music – Provided the opportunity for young people to play trombone, Tasmania Inc. trumpet, drums, flute or clarinet in a 40-piece concert band or 20-piece stage band. 50 members of Youth Music Tasmania Inc. were present to mentor, instruct and then play along with participants in music sessions. Rosny College Rosny College NYW - Live music, sports, BBQ and information booths. Elizabeth College Elizabeth College NYW - A celebration for students that included a live band, games and food. International students cooked and offered their food at stalls. Campania District Campania DHS NYW - A dress up day was held with a theme of famous High School people. Prizes were given for the best costumes. Mount Carmel Blend together – ‘Just Add SmUthee’ Day was a campaign to promote healthy College eating. A suggestion box was provided for students so they could express their opinions. Tarremah Steiner Tarremah School NYW - Students made juggling balls and learnt how to School juggle, as well as learning other circus skills. Triabunna District Triabunna DHS NYW - A health focused BBQ lunch was held for secondary High School students. Students were treated to live music and other activities in a festival style event. Guilford Young Hand Stamping – A banner was constructed with National Youth Week O6 as College the focus. All students stamped their handprint onto the banner with paint and had their name written underneath. A karaoke competition was also held to showcase the musical talents of students.
12 New Norfolk High New Norfolk High School NYW - Students were involved in the process of School electing delegates to the Student Representative Council (SRC). The week included cooperative development of student ideas, speeches, and campaign teams. Representatives of the New Norfolk Council and a politician attended a BBQ lunch. The school band played during lunch and the week concluded with the election of the SRC. Cosgrove High Mural Madness – Three tables in the school had murals painted on them. School These murals were designed by the students and emphasised current youth issues. Distance Education Distance Education NYW -High school students were invited to contribute a Tasmania panel to a school quilt with the theme ‘ How Do We Live Together Successfully’. The quilt was shown to the school and will be shown at every annual get together. Kingston High Kingston High NYW -An event was held to celebrate a visit of Thai students to School the school. The event provided an opportunity for all students to learn about each others’ culture through food, music and dance. Rose Bay High Rose Bay High NYW - Students enjoyed bands and a fashion parade School displaying leavers’ dresses and suits. There was a design competition of dresses, suits and possible themes for the school leavers’ dinner. Glenora District Glenora District High NYW - An art competition was held that included free High art, computer art, photography and school flag design. An exhibition of students work was displayed on noticeboards throughout the school and judged by community members and prizes were awarded. Claremont College Claremont College NYW - The 4th annual Long Lunch was held again this year. A pedestrian walkway was lined with tables and the whole college united to participate in a festive lunch. Tutor groups created amazing long food creations, from metre long salad rolls to enormous caterpillars made from cupcakes. Claremont High Claremont High School NYW - An afternoon performance-based event was School held where all students were encouraged to get up and ‘ have a ho’ at performing. Participants sang, danced and acted with some performing a comedy routine. Bothwell District Sausage Sizzle and Disco – A fun event for students at the school. High School Scottsdale High Scottsdale High School NYW - A local group performed at a lunch-time School concert with a BBQ lunch supplied. Star of the Sea Fitness For Fun – An activities carnival for students and families was held with College activities including swimming and sports. Leighland Christian Leighland Christian School NYW - A day walk was organised in the Dial School Range and incorporated a sausage sizzle before students returned to school. Penguin High Lunchtime talent search - A lunchtime talent search was held, with prizes awarded in the form of gift vouchers. Sheffield District Sheffield District High NYW - A sausage sizzle and a school social were held High School for the students of Sheffield District High School. Oakwood Oakwood NYW - A campus debating and sports day was held showcasing Devonport students’ talents, contributions and achievements. A BBQ lunch was provided. Burnie High School Burnie High School NYW - Three concerts were held during lunch breaks showcasing the talent of Burnie High students.
13 NYW Events
The spread of activities Metro Regional held across the State was as follows: (Hobart area) (major centres) 34 48
Rural Remote 60 9
There were 151 registered NYW events that took place around Tasmania during the Week.
The definition of an event is: one concept or undertaking by an organisation, such as an activities day, an expo, a festival; and one or more activities.
There was a range of different types of activities undertaken during the Week with 272 activities undertaken in total.
Numbers of participants are dependant on the types of events and the number of events that are held. Numbers were down from previous years as large draw-card events such as Northern Exposure and Southern Exposure were not held in 2006. In the past, these events have attracted up to 6000 young people.
14 Participation in Events
Each participant was asked to record the number of young people and others who were involved in the planning of their event and those who participated. Numbers for the previous six years for NYW are included for comparison.
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Young people aged 12–25 years 633 552 867 1650 1116 1304 1194 involved in planning events
Others involved 307 308 286 1230 576 903 404 in planning events1
Total involved 940 860 1,153 2,880 1688 2,207 1,598 in planning events
Young people aged 12–25 years 14,652 13,668 12,349 17,671 24,726 17,401 14,200 involved in participating in events
Others 4,291 2,281 2,068 9,655 7,989 5,231 1,711 participating in events
Total 18,943 15,949 14,417 27,326 32,715 22,632 15,911 participating in events
1. Others are those not in the 12–25 years age group, i.e. younger children and adults
Official participants were asked if they had targeted any particular age group within the 12–25 demographic. While a large proportion of activities were open to young people aged 12–25 years, a considerable number of organisations indicated they had targeted young people in a specific age group including: • seven organisations targeting young people from the 12-16 age group; • three organisations targeting young people from the 12-17 age group; • three organisations targeting young people from the 16-18 age group; • five organisations targeting young people from the 12-18 age group; and • one organisation targeting young people from the 12-19 age group.
15 Official participants were also asked if they had targeted any specific group within the community. This year a number of organisations targeted groups including: young women, young refugee women and two organisations delivered NYW activities for young parents.
“The young women participants took part in all facets of planning, development and implementation, and no major decisions were made without their input. As a result, the group has continued beyond its planned life and is keen to take on other projects”.
“The group that attended “Thank you for funding this was a great mixture of program and acknowledging that different nationalities this young parents are an important promoted the idea of target group”. diversity and difference…and highlighted how from a small group the wider community was also “It was a wonderful and relaxing week”. brought closer together”.
16 Feedback from Young People The OCYA sent out evaluation forms through NYW event and activity providers for young people to provide their comments on NYW 2006. As an incentive, young people returning the evaluation forms were entered into a prize draw for a $60 gift voucher from Red Herring (a surf shop with franchises around Tasmania). There were three vouchers provided, one for each region of the State. 214 evaluations were received, with 203 young people indicating they participated in NYW 2006.There were 11 young people who said they did not participate in NYW 2006 because they had something else on or did not know of the NYW events held in their local area. All 214 respondents said that they would like to participate in NYW 2007.
Results from the participant evaluation forms:
How do you rate the events you attended? Awesome Good OK Not good 138 92 16 1
Participants commented on each of the events they attended.
The majority of comments about NYW 2006 events and activities were very positive. Many young people commented on the month of April not being a good time to hold NYW in Tasmania. Many young people suggested that there should be more advertising and marketing of NYW and individual local events. Nearly 100 percent of young people completing evaluation forms indicated that they would like to participate in NYW 2007.
Some comments from young people about NYW 2006:
“To raise awareness of events, perhaps advertisements about events could be put in the newspaper” . “April is not the greatest month to have NYW in Tasmania, how about December”? “It rocked, and it could be better next year with some other great ideas”. “Have more advertising”. “Send more detailed information about events to schools”. “It’s awesome”. “It would be better if it was warmer” . “I have not got any further comments apart from that it was all good”.
“A big hug to the organisers, it “Just keep on rocking, it’s was the most successful yet”. awesome”.
“This is a great way of bringing youth together especially in colleges. Thank you all so much”.
17 Media Coverage
National Youth Week was advertised on Edge Radio, a Southern based community radio station that has a target demographic of listeners under 30 years of age. The advertising package was arranged through the OCYA. Edge Radio ran general advertisements about NYW in the months leading-up to the week during the Station’s coverage of the Falls Festival. Advertisements previewing specific events in Southern Tasmania, were broadcast a week before NYW, as well as during NYW.
The OCYA, through the Department of Education (DoE) Communications Unit, organised Community Service Announcements (CSAs) to be sent to all radio stations (commercial and community), as well as TV stations Community Service Announcements are broadcast free of charge. Advertisements encouraging people to become involved in the NYW were placed in the University of Tasmania’s Togatus magazine, as well as the Northern-based street newspaper Sauce.
Before, during and after NYW, there were stories printed in the general news section of The Examiner and The Advocate newspapers, as well as in the regional sections of The Examiner and The Advocate. The youth sections of the Advocate, the Examiner and the Mercury all ran stories on NYW. Regional newspapers such as the Huon Valley News and Eastern Shore Sun ran preview stories on National Youth Week and covered events held during the week. Articles about National Youth Week were written and published in: the Uni Daily Bulletin, TAFE Tasmania’s newsletter for students, the DoE’s Infostream service to schools, and a link to the National Website was also included on the DoE’s website home page. Some schools ran articles and photos of their NYW activities in student and parent newsletters.
The launch of NYW and the formation of the Giant U were covered by local television stations WIN TV and Southern Cross television. Both stations interviewed Lucy Tatham (focusing on questions relating to Lucy’s role in planning NYW etc) and members from youth advisory committees involved in NYW. Lucy Tatham participated in radio interviews on ABC local radio, Magic 107 (Charles Woolley’s national radio program), Ultra 106five and Edge Radio. Promotional Resources The number of promotional products received by Tasmania from the FaCSIA, allowed the OCYA to distribute the following amounts of promotional products to funded Official Participants who delivered large events: 50 wristbands, 28 of each type of badge, 100 postcards, 10 posters and 50 brochures. Funded organisations holding a smaller event received: 15-20 wristbands, 15 of each type of badge, 80 postcards, 10 posters and 50 brochures. Whilst very popular with young people, the numbers of wristbands for distribution was an issue. Tasmania only received 2,000 wristbands out of the national store of 50,000, which was not enough to distribute to Official Participants.
Schools delivering a NYW event received: 16 wristbands, 22 of each type of badge, 100 postcards, 15 posters and 50 brochures.
Other unfunded Official Participants received: 15 of each type of badge, 100 postcards, 15 posters and 50 brochures.
Evaluation showed that many organisers thought there were not enough promotional products, in particular the wristbands. The OCYA support these comments having found it difficult to divide the promotional materials fairly and distribute them to Official Participants. The OCYA has asked for larger amounts of promotional material for NYW 2007.
The FaCSIA indicated that the low number of bands Tasmania received was due to their production cost. As indicated above, the OCYA was only able to distribute 50 wristbands to larger events, some of which attract up to 2500 people. Schools only received 16 wristbands each.
18 Funded organisations indicated that they did not utilise the posters or postcards as they developed their own flyers and posters for events and activities. However schools commented that they found the posters and postcards good. Feedback from both schools and organisations indicated that they felt there were too many brochures and they were of little use.
Feedback from surveys indicated that young people felt that the wristbands and NYW Posters were the most useful way of promoting NYW. Badges, key tags, followed this, television adds, newspaper, websites, radio and banners.
Feedback from surveys indicated that event organisers felt that the wristbands and badges were the most useful promotional tools. This was followed by the NYW Poster, badges, key tags the State website, the National website, television adds, radio and banners.
Media Kit
A Media Kit was sent to all media organisations providing information and resources about NYW.
In 2006, the majority of Official Participants received a Media Kit via email. The NYW Steering Committee recognised that many funded organisations would have the information from the Kits from previous years. To cut down on the use of paper, it was decided to send out the Marketing Pack electronically where possible. A CD ROM was, however, sent out with promotional products.
The Media Kit contained resources including: Tasmanian and National fact sheets on NYW Media advisory (alert) Media contacts to help promote your event Ideas on how to promote Your NYW event to young people and the community How to make the most of Community Service Announcements Media tips to help make a NYW event a success Resources available to promote your NYW activity
Although very well received, feedback indicated that many organisations already had Media Kits from previous years. It was suggested in 2007 that the Media Kits be sent to new participants in NYW or organisations requesting the information.
19 NYW was launched by David Bartlett, Minister for Education
A statewide launch for NYW 2006 was held on the 1 April. The launch saw over 100 young people from youth advisory committees across Tasmania, and other community members, coming together to celebrate NYW and form a giant letter U, as in the NYW 2006 slogan ‘Just Add U’. The aim of the launch was to promote and celebrate NYW, and raise awareness of the diverse skills, achievements and contribution to the Tasmanian community by young people. The giant U created a lot of community interest, which resulted in good media coverage at the launch and during the Week.
20 Report IT Report IT was an exciting media program for young people interested in developing their media skills. The program offered young people a taste of what it is like working in a media environment.
The program, originally an initiative of the Launceston City Council, was piloted on a state-wide basis last year. Due to the success of the Program in past years, for both young people and participating media organisations, the OCYA, with the assistance of Janelle Middleton from Launceston City Council delivered the Program during National Youth Week 2006.
A number of placements were offered to young people aged between 12 to 25 years of age around Tasmania. These young people became official reporters for National Youth Week.
Each placement involved a young person working up to one week in a local media outlet.
The Report IT program was again successful this year and included print, television and radio media organisations throughout the State. The Examiner Newspaper in particular gave their Report IT reporter and photographer the opportunity to compile stories about NYW on a daily basis.
Outlets that participated in Report IT 2006 included:
The Advocate Newspaper– Burnie and 7LA Radio - Launceston Devonport Sauce Publishing - Launceston The Examiner Newspaper - Launceston Southern Cross Television – Hobart and WIN Television – Launceston and Launceston Hobart Edge Radio – Southern Tasmania The Mercury Newspaper – Hobart
NYW Outcomes Feedback received from participants indicated that in almost every case the activities achieved their desired objectives. Some outcomes refer to a particular event while others were universal and were mentioned a number of times.
The following Strong relationships forged between services. outcomes are The activities were successful in giving the young people the opportunity to some examples discuss ideas and views and to raise issues of concern with each other and the services involved. of what was achieved by By having the event in one central place young people were brought together to celebrate their uniqueness and participate in activities that Official promote positive images of young people. Participants The event allowed the senior students of the school to demonstrate their during NYW leadership skills around their peers. 2006. Young people’s talents and the contribution they can make to community life was recognised and nurtured as well as celebrated! The event made a difference to a number of young people’s lives as well as how older community members perceive young people. Young people reported the activities were enjoyable, entertaining and informative. Young people had fun, young people feel they have been listened to, young people want to do it again and volunteer to help, community became more open to the young people, young people making suggestions for other activities.
21 The event provided a friendly and safe way for young adults to celebrate National Youth Week. Transport and money were not an issue to preventing young people from attending the event as it was held during school lunch break time. The computer games played were chosen from an approved list. The event allowed the senior students of the school to demonstrate their leadership skills around their peers. We were very successful in encouraging young people in Latrobe in cultural life and provided opportunity to display their talents and abilities through our youth art project. Young people actively participated in the workshops and came together on the day. Needs of young people were heard at the forum; the festival gave us good opportunities to network with many new young people. The event is being organised by the young people of the area - it was originally their idea, their choice and therefore their event. Their chance to express themselves through music. As the format and idea was new, those involved had their objectives not only achieved, but also exceeded. Individual feedback was overwhelming and we are all now thinking about next year’s event. The youth really enjoyed meeting and receiving autographs from 3twenthy6, they were excellent with the kids. The event brought young people from Bicheno to Buckland together to socialise. Young people had an opportunity to take ownership and responsibility for publicity of the event. The involvement of local parents, parents from outside of the area and visitors to Old Beach made it a great, successful and fun day. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the night out. It is very important for our school to be able to hold an event like this and have funding providing. This was an enjoyable way to celebrate Youth Week. It gave students an opportunity to plan a major event and it promoted a sense of unity by bringing together the primary and secondary areas of the school. Showing young people you are never too young to perform in front of crowds and nobody is perfect. It gave young performers an opportunity to participate and we encouraged their talents. The people who came from the community enjoyed the day and joined in encouraging the young people and asked if they could help out in anyway in future Youth Week plans. We learnt that a number of services including one of our own was not well known by young people and not easily found. The Forum provided the ideal environment and opportunity for a diverse range of young people to raise and voice their issues. Providing an opportunity for young people between the ages of 12 –25 years to express themselves through their music. Providing an event that can be accessed by a large number of young people across the North. The feedback component of the event was very successful. We were able to get 40 young people to fill out council feedback forms. With this information we were able to make a presentation for the budget estimates process to be included in the 2006/07 operational plan. The event also provided the opportunity for young people in more rural areas to access the event.
22 Opportunity to undertake coordination, leadership and participation roles in Youth Week activities. The sense of ownership generated by the activities was very high. ‘Carve The Coast’ provided young people with the occasion to express themselves artistically and creatively in a safe and supportive environment through the ability to participate in a wide range of arts based activities. Both the photographic competition and the forum provided opportunities for young people to talk about their ideas. The forum was an opportunity to brainstorm about young peoples’ needs within the community and discuss these with other community members. Local Councillors and members of the local health service advisory group attended the ‘Up Close and Personal’ forum. Working groups exchanged contact details and spent time talking about community priorities. 96% of participants indicated that their relationship with group members had improved as a result of their participation. Through the youth forum were able to clearly hear the needs of the young people in Kingborough – from Woodbridge right through to Taroona. This enabled us to be able to see and hear a diverse range of needs. Young parents presented on the day in huge numbers and reported that they enjoyed the activities and opportunities to talk with service providers. The NYW event was identified by Youth Council and brought young people from Bicheno to Buckland together to socialise. The ‘Fringe Lounge’ provided an avenue for a ‘by young people for young people’ event, and hopefully encouraged other young people to get involved in planning or supporting youth-run events. The 5th ‘Long Lunch’ was held as part of NYW. It has become a college tradition! This year the Student Council didn’t just add a ‘U’ they added all letters and encouraged Tutor Groups to select a letter of the alphabet and a country beginning with that letter as their theme. There were groups from Austria, Transylvania, Italy, even Fairy Land!
Youth participation and education were the primary aim of the UNYA State Conference and these were both realised. The phenomenal improvement in the confidence and speaking ability of delegates over the Conference was truly stimulating.
23 Youth Issues A number of youth issues were raised during NYW. Young people were given the opportunity to act on these issues in an ongoing way and explore the development of strategies to address these issues. The following is a list of issues and ideas that were raised by young people through NYW activities and suggested strategies to address these issues.
Strategy to address Organisation Issue/concern/idea Issue/concern/idea Hobart City Council Under age drinking Somebody should give talks at schools on the dangers of binge drinking. Peer education should be encouraged for people under 15 years of age. Television advertisements depicting drinking should be banned. All young people should attend a responsible service of alcohol course as part of alcohol education. A multi- pronged approach is needed to find activities for young people to do that don't revolve around drugs and drinking. Hobart City Council Youth Driving Harsher penalties for offending p- palters, not harsher tests for learners. The construction of a safe learn to drive / park area, where learner drivers can undertake test scenarios and learn other driving skills. Adoption the New Zealand license attainment system. Hobart City Council Public transportation and More intergenerational safety projects/activities. Use the backspace behind the Theatre Royal to watch bands/movies and for young people to mingle. More student involvement through community service activities, which will help young people become more aware of community values. Young people should be given more responsibility with authority. Hobart Women’s Better support for young Formation of small, project focused Health Centre people from diverse groups. backgrounds. Hobart Women’s Drink spiking as an issue The need for small grants projects Health Centre for young women - lack of for targeted groups of young accurate information. people.
24 Strategy to address Organisation Issue/concern/idea Issue/concern/idea Kentish Council Greater participation - Inclusion of a youth expo increase availability of incorporating a number of activity range and organise activities/interests. under a collective banner. Higher community involvement - boost the profile of how community members may become involved in a range of different capacities. Higher youth involvement in organising events - formulation of a Youth Week reference committee to aid planning, development and delivery. West Tamar Council Nothing to do – need more The issue is to be raised at the next stuff for young people to Youth Advisory Council meeting to do. organise regular events in the West Tamar Local Government Area. Burnie City Council Lack of support for NYW by Need to take a more proactive some schools. approach to promote NYW in the schools and try to identify at least one teacher to liaise with who will promote NYW to students. Northern Midlands The need for more regular Applying for grants to gain human Council social events in localities. and monetary resources to implement new initiatives. Devonport City More involvement from A meeting will be arranged in Council schools – teachers and July/August 2006 to begin students. brainstorming for NYW 2007. Launceston, West The need for more events The four Councils concerned plan to Tamar, Dorset, similar to the event held. work together again to bring George Town another highly successful “Locally Councils Famous” concert to the region. Glenorchy City The formation of small Collaborative partnerships between Council project focused groups Local Government, services and targeting young people groups. from diverse backgrounds. Glenorchy City Drink spiking, lack of Targeted campaigns at a local level Council information and – incorporating ‘real stories’, information not getting clearer, more user-friendly advice, through to audience. information to be in a range of languages and formats. Glenorchy City Need for small grants Follow on grants to groups via the Council projects for targeted OCYA. groups of young people to allow them to ‘own’ and run activities or events along a strategic theme. Huon Valley Council Young people commented Provisions have been made to that the skate park in investigate the viability into Huonville is out of date and updating the Huonville Skate Park. would like to update it.
25 Strategy to address Organisation Issue/concern/idea Issue/concern/idea Huon Valley Council Families that attended Grant applications have been ‘Carve the Coast’ expressed submitted to a variety of arts that they would like to see organisations and community more youth arts projects. organisations to continue arts and health based projects for young people in the Huon Valley. Huon Valley Council Young people attending ‘Revolution’ will conduct regular events discussed that they events for young people in the would like more events of Huon Valley. this nature in future. Tasman Council Local environmental Support youth membership on local concerns. council planning committees. Tasman Council Lack of recreational Increased opportunities to travel to opportunities including fun major population centers to parks and cafes. experience metropolitan youth culture. Tasman Council Transport required. The introduction of the new youth transport service, ‘The Loop’. Fusion – Southern Transport - buses on Submit a petition to Council. Tasmania weekends in the Channel Talk to Hobart Coaches, Metro, and and Bruny Island Ferry Tassie Link. times, buses past Pay for drivers to travel further Woodbridge to and from down the Channel. the College in the middle of the day, shuttle bus, cost. Cheaper bus passes for Channel students. Talk to other groups to raise awareness of issue. Fusion – Southern Somewhere to hang out. Late night youth café. Tasmania More parks with benches and have bands at these parks. Talk to Council and Youth Council. Forms on the YOK website. Brighton City Council Co-existence. Theme of murals, but also have got people from Gagebrook and Old Beach working on the theme of co- existence together. Cosgrove High School Safety around the Better lighting is needed. Glenorchy bus mall. A greater police presence will stop people hanging around. Cosgrove High School Self-harm was also Seems to be quite apparent discussed as an issue. amongst young people at the moment. Close monitoring. Alternative programs. Claremont High Coordinating whole of Involve the entire SRC as opposed School school activities. to just the executive. Mount Carmel College The growing rate of Promoting healthy eating in our obesity. canteen. Tarremah Steiner Want to learn more/ Find expert to assist, purchase School practice more circus skills. equipment.
26 Strategy to address Organisation Issue/concern/idea Issue/concern/idea Oakwood School Students would like to hold Students thought that we should regular lunchtime Discos look at organisations that provide and BBQ’s as they think it grants for funding events and apply is a good way for young for them. people to get together.
National Youth Week 2007 Planning is well underway for 2007. NYW 2007 will be held from 14-22 April; the slogan for NYW 2007 is ‘Launch Yourself’.
The 2007 Tasmanian NYW Steering Committee has been established. Regional group representatives on the Committee are Youth Action Priorities - Prue de Vries, Northern Youth Consultative Committee – Christina Maher and North West Action for Youth – Adelle Rist. There are now five Tasmanian Youth Consultative Committee members on the Committee as well as a representative from FaCSIA.
The funding round for Tasmanian Councils and non-government organisations opened on Monday 20 November 2006 and closed on Friday 22 December 2006. NYW funding for 2007 is granted through an open funding process. Organisations were invited to apply for two levels of grants: Level 1 will fund events and activities up to $2000; and Level 2 will fund a regional super event (one per region) up to $6,000.
A separate grants program for high schools and colleges will open in February 2007.
27 Selection of NYW Press Clippings
28 29 King Island COURIER, Wed, 22 March 2006
EASTERNSHORE SUN, Fri, 31 march 2006
30 31 32