2019 2020 ANNUAL REPORT About Youth Action

Youth Action acknowledges the Traditional Custodians Youth Action is the peak organisation representing 1.4 million of Country throughout and understands that young people in NSW and the youth services that support sovereignty was never ceded. Our office is located upon them. Our work helps build the capacity of young people, the land of the Gadigal people and we recognise their youth workers and youth services, and we advocate for traditional and ongoing Custodianship and pay our positive change on issues affecting these groups. respects to Elders past, present and emerging. It is the role of Youth Action to:

Respond to social and political agendas relating to young people and the youth service sector.

Provide proactive leadership and advocacy to shape the agenda on issues affecting young people and youth services.

Collaborate on issues that affect young people and youth workers.

Promote a positive profile in the media and the community of young people and youth services.

Build capacity for young people to speak out and act on issues that affect them.

Enhance the capacity of the youth service sector to provide high quality services.

Ensure Youth Action’s organisational development, efficiency, effectiveness and good governance.

Youth Action Suite 401, 52-58 William St Woolloomooloo NSW, 2011 Australia (02) 8354 3700 [email protected] ABN 17 209 492 539 Cover Art Table of Contents

This year Youth Action commissioned a young artist to create an artwork Chairperson’s Report 4 for the cover of our annual report, co-designing its concept. We are proud to highlight and support emerging artists across NSW. CEO’s Report 5 SEED DREAMING For thousands of years Aboriginal people have used fire farming to care Who We Are 6 for Country, by burning off the old to create space for the new. I first conceptualised this piece whilst Australia was experiencing one of its worst wildfire seasons. My work explores how the damage can also lead to Membership 7 new beginnings. The almond shaped seeds spring to life after the land has been scorched, bringing rejuvenation and transformative change across Snapshot 2020: NSW Youth Sector 11 the landscape.

ARTIST Youth Development & Sector Support 14

NSW Youth Work Conference 16

NSW Youth Work Awards 18

Engaging Young People 20

What’s Up West? Our Time is Now! 22

Jessie Waratah Simon - Fitzpatrick Policy & Advocacy 24 My painting style is strongly influenced by my Warlpiri family, bold colour and vivid movement. I was born and raised in ’s and Storytelling & Communications 26 identify as an original Australian. My family was claimed by the respected Warlpiri Elder, R. Granites Japanangka, who sadly passed away in 2018. ‘At the age of three!’ my father says, he, my aunties and grandmothers began passing down their knowledge and techniques of art making according to my skin Napurrula, and shared with me their own depictions of the Tjukurrpa (Dreaming). Someday I hope to know my original family’s story from North West NSW, as well as my Chinese, Pakistani, Danish, Irish, Welsh, English and convict ancestors. Warlpiri law women sang for me to be conceived and knew where I fit into their family before I was born, knowing this draws me strength. My mother dreamed of me and my father and grandfather called me from the stars. I have strived to learn from and honour all who have taught and continue to teach me and to give back whenever I can to my community.

2 YOUTH ACTION 3 Chairperson’s Report CEO’s Report

Youth Action is privileged to At the What’s Up West? Conference As NSW has been tackling the Key to the organisation’s continue its advocacy, as it has in November over 300 young impacts of droughts, fires, floods, achievements is the dedication for over 30 years, and to provide people attended to discuss and a pandemic, the resilience and energy of the Youth Action support in times of crises. While advocacy and change. The and strength of young people and team, the support of funders and the past year has had its own conference was co-produced by the youth sector has never been partners and the commitment of unique challenges, there have also Youth Action’s young people’s more apparent. Youth Action the volunteer Board. As well as the been celebrations. While these are group Outburst! who meet monthly has remained focused to ensure continued support of young people outlined in more depth throughout to advocate for issues in Western we support our members by and youth services across the state. the report, it is worth mentioning a Sydney. Lastly in June we started a responding to these circumstances I would like to thank the team and few here. series of conversations with young with flexibility, creativity, and Board, both past and present, for people across NSW to ask them optimism. There has been their support and dedication during In the sector development about the impact of the COVID-19 significant collaboration between what has been a disruptive and space, over 175 people attended pandemic on their lives and how decision makers in government, tough year in so many ways. They the biennial NSW Youth Work they should be included in the peaks, the sector and the have maintained their passion for Conference, with over 250 at recovery process. community to develop solutions the work they do while ensuring our the NSW Youth Work Awards, to current crises. This has led to vision towards a society where all showcasing the very best in the Youth Action also had its own stronger existing partnerships young people are valued, engaged youth sector. Earlier this year, share of internal change last year, and advocacy opportunities. An and supported informs their work Youth Action completed the largest saying goodbye to several valued increase in technology use has every day. survey of the youth sector in almost staff while welcoming new team allowed Youth Action through a decade and in April the Snapshot members. In April the board I would especially like to various communication channels, to 2020: NSW Youth Sector report farewelled former Youth Action acknowledge former CEO Katie increase engagement and highlight was launched. The report provides CEO Katie Acheson, in the role for Acheson for all the work she has the diversity of experiences in the an important advocacy platform 5 and a half years. In her time Katie done over the past 12 months and NSW youth sector while connecting to inform sector reform and led Youth Action from strength to time at Youth Action and wish her stakeholders from diverse policy making. Alongside this the strength amplifying the voices of the best for the future. backgrounds and locations. organisation launched its second young people at every opportunity. Lastly I would like to thank our annual storytelling project exploring Current CEO Kate Munro stepped Increasingly people worldwide are members, our young members and the heart of youth work with stories into the role in May with over 30 expressing how great disruption the individual youth workers and from the sector. years of experience in the youth can bring positive opportunity. organisations that direct and inform sector and government, and we There is much learning that can Strengthening the voices and the work of Youth Action. look forward to helping her drive come from reflection during participation of young people the aims of the organisation difficult times. I am optimistic about is a priority for Youth Action. In moving forward. the year ahead. September 2019 we launched the Creating Access Project with Reflecting on the past 12 People with Disability Australia to months at Youth Action, our improve access for young people sector development and policy using services. We told this story and advocacy roles were in the through the release of our first spotlight, improving outcomes storytelling project for the year, for young people. The belief that amplifying the voices of young society is at its best when young people with disability in their self- people are supported to participate advocacy efforts, while capturing in their communities and decision- what accessibility means to youth making processes continues to workers involved in the Creating be a core value that directs Youth Access pilot. Action’s work.

4 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT YOUTH ACTION 5 Who We Are Membership

YOUTH ACTION TEAM YOUTH ACTION BOARD PREVIOUS TEAM MEMBERS Our members are at the core of what we do. Representing a diverse range of Kate Munro Tamika Worrell Over the past year the work of young people, services, organisations and individuals from across NSW makes Chief Executive Officer Chairperson Youth Action was achieved by team us a strong and productive peak body. members who are no longer with Peter Rothwell Frances Dreyer the organisation. We would like Operations Manager Deputy Chairperson to thank: Angus Lonergan Todd Pinkerton Katie Acheson Policy and Advocacy Manager Treasurer Chief Executive Officer WHERE OUR MEMBERS WHO THEY ARE Freya Conomos Lakin Agnew ARE FROM Chris Andrew Youth Sector Development Secretary Operations Manager Manager Peter Hope Jacqui McKenzie 7% Anna D’Addario 26% Tilly South Policy and Advocacy Manager Community Neighbourhood Storytelling & Communications Services Centres Coordinator Penny Lamaro Kelly Royds 27% Rural Policy and Advocacy Manager Krissy Stapleton Jane Choi 3% Western Sydney Coordinator Ruth Waterman 52% 30% Rowena Tran Metro Local Advocacy Project Coordinator Councils Organisations Courtney Venaglia 21% 31% Health Project Coordinator Victoria Brown Regional Youth INTERNS Events Coordinator Loreena Wells Services 3% This year we worked with 5 young What’s Up West Administration Assistant Educational people through our internship Lisa Huynh Institutions program. Our interns worked Administration Assistant alongside the Youth Action team and gained experience with a Chris Marcatili focus on policy and advocacy Operations Manager and communications. Thank you Maia Giordano to the following interns for their Policy and Advocacy Manager commitment and hard work: Alannah Daly Alina Haque Fadzai Katsande Bethany Rodgers Rhiannon Verschuer

6 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT YOUTH ACTION Organisational Members

Our membership includes organisational members (listed below) and individual members who mostly comprise of youth sector workers and young people.

2 Connect Youth and Community Council Mental Health Carers NSW San Remo Neighbourhood Centre Traxside Youth Health Service Links Youth Services (SWSLHD) 3Bridges Community Council Council Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre Share the Spark Inc. Twenty10 Incorporating GLCS NSW Advance Diversity Services Coast Community Connections Glebe Youth Service Midcoast Council Shellharbour Council Unanderra Community Centre Albury City Council (Retro Youth Community Activities Lake Macquarie Good Shepherd Australia New Programs) (CALM) Zealand Mission Australia (Canterbury Shoalhaven City Council Council Bankstown Youth Service) Anglicare NSW South, NSW West Community Junction Inc. Great Lakes Community Resources Veritas House and ACT Centre Mission Australia (Southern Community Links Wellbeing Skillset Senior College Waverley Action for Youth Services Shoalhaven Youth Services) Armidale Regional Council Griffith City Council (WAYS) Council Snowy Monaro Regional Council Miyay Birray Youth Service Auburn Diversity Services Gundagai Neighbourhood Centre Core Community Services South East Youth Accommodation Momentum Collective Auburn Youth Centre Inc. Guyra Neighbourhood Centre (The Service Weave Youth and Community Cowra Council Hub) Moree Family Support Services BackTrack Youth Works Southern Youth & Family Services Cowra Information and Hawkesbury Community Outreach Council Association Wellington Information & Barnardos Youth Support Program Neighbourhood Centre Inc. Services Neighbourhood Services (WINS) Mosman Municipal Council St Marys Area Community Bathurst Regional Council CRANES Community Support Highlands Community Centres Development Western Plains Regional Programs Mountains Youth Services Team Development Hume Community Housing (MYST) Street Industries Bellingen Neighbourhood Centre Whitelion NSW Multicultural Communities Council of Council Cumberland Multicultural Council (Bello Youth Illawarra Council Community Services Interactive Community Care Sutherland Shire Family Service Hub) Multicultural Youth Affairs Network (Engadine District Youth Services) Council Karabi Community & Development Berkeley Neighbourhood Centre NSW Services Tamworth Regional Council Women’s Justice Network Dundas Area Neighbourhood Centre Best Employment Ltd/Linking Nepean Community & Kiama Municipal Council Ted Noffs Foundation Wyong Neighbourhood Centre Inc. Together Centre Eastern Access Community Health Neighbourhood Services (EACH) Port Macquarie Ku-ring-gai Council Tenterfield Social Development YES Youth & Family Services Blacktown Area Community Centres Nepean Youth Drug & Alcohol Committee Inc. Eastlake Youth Centre Inc. Kurri Kurri Community Centre Young People Space Mid North Coast Service The BEN Edgeworth Memorial Kyogle Together Youth Off the Streets Council Council Neighbourhood Centre The Burdekin Association Launchpad Youth Solutions Blue Mountains City Council Orange City Council Empower Me Program Inc. The Family Centre Lake Macquarie City Council YWCA NSW Blue Sky Community Services Parramatta Mission Council Council Liverpool City Council Bowral Youth Refuge Platform Youth Services Evolve Housing for Youth The Junction Works Ltd Lower Lachlan Community Services Bridging the Gap Port Stephens Family and Exodus Youth Worx The Northern Centre (Ryde Family Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Neighbourhood Services Byron Youth Service Services Eastwood) Corporation Regional Youth Development Officers Camden Council The Shack Youth Services Council MacKillop Family Services Network (RYDON) Council The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre Foster Care Angels Inc. Marrickville Legal Centre Regional Youth Support Service (RYSS) City of Canterbury Bankstown The Wayside Chapel Fusion Youth Services Western Marrickville Youth Resource Centre Council Sydney Samaritans Foundation

8 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT YOUTH ACTION 9 Snapshot 2020: NSW Youth Sector

Last year Youth Action partnered with Western Sydney University and Integrate Labs to complete the largest survey of the Youth Sector in NSW since 2011.

It had been almost a decade working in the sector aimed young people’s needs, views and since Youth Action collected this to show what is at the heart of experience at the heart of the level of data from youth services youth work. work it does. about demand, activities and Findings from the report highlight priorities, and from individuals a vibrant, diverse and active working with young people in NSW NSW youth sector. They show it about their experiences, attitudes 488 is a sector driven by expertise, and backgrounds. surveys completed with a strength-based focus and over 3 weeks In April the Snapshot 2020: NSW a commitment to support and Youth Sector report was launched making positive changes in the during a webinar event via Zoom, lives of young people aged 12 to 106 alongside a storytelling component 25. The report emphasised that people attended the that, using stories from individuals the youth sector in NSW puts online launch in April

The Snapshot 2020 Youth Action started In partnership with report has been the development of FAMS Youth Action a strong platform a steering committee advocated for the for Youth Action to to help form a benefits of professional advocate on behalf professional body for development & of youth workers & youth work in NSW supervision for a strong services providing youth sector support to young people during the COVID-19 crisis

YOUTH ACTION Snapshot 2020: Key Findings According to survey respondents:

THE CURRENT STATE OF YOUTH SERVICES YOUTH SECTOR YOUTH SECTOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN YOUTH ISSUES WORKFORCE WORKFORCE YOUTH SERVICES

31% 58% Area covered by youth of services in metropolitan services has expanded with In 2020 63% Mental health 55% are delivered areas and of youth 65% in regional 48% 74% workers are of youth services Education 45% and rural NSW 11 % of services running of the youth providing support a young Family are delivered programs in sector are female direct service person in crisis 1

statewide 4 or more LGAs delivery once a day to relationships 43% once a week Most regular issues for which 55% young people seek assistance of youth workers are aged 25-40 years 84% 65% More than of youth services 84% In 10 $ report that their 1/4 of youth services years, youth funding is not of youth services say they Youth services report having report that they homelessness sufficient can rarely meet demand staff from diverse groups: work with CALD remains the young people top unmet compared with need People with 78% 68% in 2011 % of youth workers report % lived experience 84 % <10 49 making a difference in the 56 of youth services of youth services had lives of young people as their operate at over less than 10 staff and CALD 73% primary motivation to work 100% capacity in the sector % of services involve compared with 77 young people in decision 2O20 Aboriginal and Torres 57% 60% 10 - 25 21% % Strait Islander of youth workers making, Main methods for had 10 - 25 staff 36 report they are engagement * surveys * one- in 2011 able to respond off projects *advisory groups 51% of youth workers extremely or very face barriers to training and well to young Most common Pay has increased and professional development people in crisis youth services and since 2011 there ADAPTING TO DIGITAL delivered are has been a drop of youth workers social, arts 74 % of almost 2 days TECHNOLOGY agree they are paid fairly and recreation in training % of youth $for the work that they do. activities, 80 services used volunteers annually Almost all youth outreach and services are utilised by 79% of youth services case work young people with have experienced an % Compared to 2011, there are increase in technology 69 mental health of youth workers do use in recent years concerns overtime the number In 2020 % In 2020 triple 55 who have been in their of youth workers % of youth workers role for over 10 years 98 % 66% receive supervision feel their services 70 work unpaid hours at least once a of youth services 57% are well equipped month, compare to receive more to use digital technology than $250,000 73% in 2011 in funding 69% of youth 58% workers are employed In 2011 of youth services worked on an ongoing basis with schools weekly From 360 responses, 63% of managers believe their staff are confident using tech 65% % of youth of youth services 79 % workers have been 240 received less 76 position titles want to work in their role for less 53% staff believe they than $250,000 were identified more with schools than 5 years need more digital training

12 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT YOUTH ACTION 13 Youth Development & Sector Support

Over the last year we developed different ways of engaging with and supporting the sector. While training and regional visits were put on hold due to the bushfire and COVID-19 crises, these challenges also allowed us to connect more regularly online with our members across the state. We look forward to continuing to develop new and innovative ways to unite members in the year ahead.

Professional Networks

LOCAL GOVERNMENT year there was a significant increase CREATING ACCESS NSW BUSHFIRE RESPONSE COVID-19 RESPONSE As a result of the rapidly changing in attendance numbers with a total context created by the pandemic, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT On October 1, 2019 together with The 2019-20 bushfires had a The COVID-19 crisis changed the NETWORK number of 125 attendances per both the sector and young people quarter. Due to the COVID-19 crisis partner People with Disability devastating impact on communities way we work, live and play in a identified a need to be able to access Youth Action partners with and interaction online, more people Australia (PWDA) we launched the in NSW and affected the entire matter of months. Life and work credible, reliable information. We Local Government NSW to host from a variety of locations were able Creating Access toolkit with a story nation. In response to the fires, continue to look very different for created two resource pages on the a quarterly Local Government to attend. telling component, a video series Youth Action together with NSW peak the foreseeable future even as NSW Youth Action website to meet this Youth Development Network. and media pack. The toolkit contains bodies who represent all areas of enters a recovery process. need. These pages included current resources for young people with support, completed a joint letter to These meetings provide a forum During the pandemic Youth Action health and safety advice, as well as disability to learn more about self- the Premier about the importance of for Youth Development Officers CAPE PROJECT hosted 3 online COVID-19 debriefs information about support services advocacy, alongside material for a localised response and supports from local councils across NSW to For the past 4 years, Youth Action with the youth sector discussing and programs implemented to assist youth services to review and increase in the bushfire affected areas. Youth discuss issues impacting young has partnered with All Together now issues arising from the crisis and those impacted by COVID-19. the accessibility of their service. Action reached out to members people in their areas through on the CAPE project. In 2018 the how the pandemic was impacting Creating Access addresses the and services in fire affected areas to a local government lens, share project shifted to focus on building work and service delivery. A specific barriers young people with disability ensure they felt supported. Regional solutions and participate in relevant the capacity of frontline workers meeting was also held around Youth face to access services. The project visits to these areas planned in in-service training. to be able to better identify and Week 2020 to hold a conversation 154 aims to increase the accessibility of 2019 were postponed and delayed respond to young people who may about the changes needed to action individuals attended youth services and provide relevant further due to the COVID-19 crisis. the online COVID-19 WESTERN SYDNEY YOUTH be at risk of engaging with far-right at that time. extremist narratives or be recruited resources to support both young The organisation has made it a sector meetings These online sessions proved a SECTOR NETWORK by far-right extremist groups. All people with disability, youth workers priority to maintain regular online successful opportunity for us to The Western Sydney Youth Sector Together Now have run 11 full-day and organisations. contact with regional members and gather resources to advocate to Network is a group run by Youth training programs, including follow- services online during the pandemic 45 government the changing needs YDOs attended the Youth Action that seeks to engage youth up support, in this financial year and looks forward to conducting in- of the sector. This resulted in Week debrief focused workers, health workers and staff despite the bushfire emergency person visits in late 2020. quick response support for young on the changing needs from high schools and tertiary and COVID-19 restrictions. Since people and services, for access of planned Youth Week institutions across Greater Western reframing the project we have to technology and additional activities due to COVID-19 Sydney. Meetings are held quarterly reached 207 frontline workers. uniting workers to improve outcomes PPE for services that needed to for young people in the area. This remain open.

14 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT YOUTH ACTION 15 NSW Youth Work Conference

The NSW Youth Work Conference is a biennial event hosted by Youth Action 175 NSW with the objective to support the youth sector to deliver the best outcomes people attended for young people. the conference

91% It is an opportunity for youth The 2019 Conference was held across the state, hearing from guest rated the conference workers, youth service managers and in Sydney over 2 days from speakers including young people, ‘excellent’, ‘very good’ youth work experts across the state September 30 – October 1. This introductions to tools to improve or ‘good’ to come together, learn about new year’s program was developed youth work practice and peer to innovative ideas within the sector, around Youth Action’s 10 Elements peer learning. For the duration of the 16 strengthen youth work practice and of Youth Development with the aim conference individual youth workers guest speakers engage with critical topics. to broaden this code of practice were invited to take part in a video into youth work processes in NSW. storying telling project produced by Attendees benefited from receiving Youth Action, to speak about their 4 diverse examples of practice from experiences in the sector. workshops hosted by Youth Action: self-care, youth work professional body, youth participation & Creating Access launch

16 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT YOUTH ACTION 17 NSW Youth Work Awards

Youth Action founded the NSW Youth Work Awards in 2013 to create an annual OUTSTANDING WORK WITH NSW YOUTH SECTOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT celebration of the exceptional work of youth services and youth workers across NSW. REGIONAL YOUNG PEOPLE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD Supported by Training Services Supported by The Centre for Supported by NCOSS NSW In 2019 the Awards coincided OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING WORK WITH Volunteering • Brett Pickard with the biennial NSW Youth Work PARTNERSHIP DIVERSE YOUNG PEOPLE • Veritas House • Chris Howard • Tracey Weir Conference with an incredible • Lithgow City Council - Future Finders • Jane Choi • Jeff Hockey turn out on the night of more than Supported by Department of Supported by Meredith Turnbull • Wollondilly Youth Advisory • Rishabh Somani • Lakin Agnew 250 people. Youth workers and Communities and Justice Consultancy & Coaching Committee • Giuliana De Bellis • Sonya Parker services who provide an exceptional • Step-Up! Transition to High School • PlaySafe Summer Safe Peer • Wollondilly Shire Council - • Glen Crump contribution, helping to create a • Helene Montague • Hunter Central Coast Premier’s Education and Youth Advisory Beach Bus • Fernando Drogo society where all young people feel Youth Initiative Committe (PEYAC) Committee • Uniting Specialist Aftercare Service supported, valued and engaged, NSW EMERGING YOUTH • Young Humanitarians Project • Macquarie Undergraduate • Outback Theatre for Young were honoured. WORKER OF THE YEAR • UP&UP Research Internship People Nominees are listed below, • & PCYC • Multicultural Youth Affairs • The Project Zone Supported by ACWA with winners in bold. Northern Beaches Network NSW • Miyay Birray Youth Service • Elise Kellet • Beyond Bullying Review Team • GLAM - LGBTIQA+ Support Group • Kiama Municipal Council - Young • Christa Schneider-Lemmon • Let’s Go Surfing & Weave (Northern Beaches Council) Men’s & Young Women’s Programs • Rishabh Somani NSW YOUTH SERVICE • Veritas House/Newcastle • Light Up - Youth Resilience OF THE YEAR • Tocal College • Eloise Woods Permanent Charitable Foundation Program • Paige Thurlow-Want Supported by Local Government • Moree Police Saturday Night Drop • Multicultural Communities Council OUTSTANDING YOUTH • Beau Foster NSW in Centre of Illawarra (MCCI) PARTICIPATION • Jess Lorkin • 2Connect Youth & Community • Broken Hill Young Leaders • Community First Step Highly Commended • Help and Development Initiative Supported by the Advocate of • 3Bridges Youth Zone Children & Young People • Blacktown Youth Services • The CAL Program delivered by the OUTSTANDING WORK NSW YOUTH WORKER Association Business Education Network in WITH ABORIGINAL • KIS, Connect UP & Re-Think! OF THE YEAR • Whitelion partnership with WAGS the Dog YOUNG PEOPLE (2Connect) • • Supported by Victoria University • Regional Youth Support Services Groovin’ the Moo Youth Volunteer Supported by Johnson, Winter & Multicultural Youth Affairs Network • Veritas House Program Slattery NSW • Jessica Hunt • Miyay Birray Youth Service • Camden Youth Empowerment • Blacktown Youth Advisory • Jesica Varela • Trakz Program • Youth Employment Partnership Project Committee • Katrina Hausia • Sister Cities Youth Exchange - • Interact Club • Refugee Learn to Swim Program • The RYSS Bus • Habil Mawardi Northern Beaches Council & • CORE Community Youth Services • Woolloomooloo Working Group • Emerging Civic Leaders Program • Freda Hammond Council • 3Bridges • Avalon Youth Hub (City of Ryde) • Thomas Dent • RYSS Indigenous Justice Program • Northern Beaches Council Youth • Cardiff Collaborative Community • Northern Beaches Council Youth • Dimitrios Papalexis • Miyay Birray Youth Service Upstart Development Team Project Advisory Group • Brooke Williams Program • The Development & • Will Doran OUTSTANDING USE • Western Sydney Aboriginal Youth Implementation of the Online • Beau Foster OF DATA Leadership Network Living Skills Program • Glen Crump • KARI Aftercare Program • YMCA NSW • Rhys Callaghan Supported by FAMS • Gemiga Yarning • Project Plant It: A Project for our • Eloise Woods • Sydney Drug Education and • After Dark - Glebe Youth Service Planet • Alison Becroft Counselling Centre (SDECC) • WINS Youth Centre • Blue Datto’s Keeping Safe Program Highly Commended • Maari Ma Health Aboriginal • NAIDOC Indigenous Fashion Show • Western Sydney Aboriginal Youth • Yvette Cairns Corporation • Girl’s Academy Muswellbrook Leadership Network • Jemma Richards • Twenty10 • Camden Youth Council - Paws for • WAGS the Dog Program a Second Program • City of Sydney Emerging Civic Leaders Y-Vote Program

18 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT YOUTH ACTION 19 Engaging Young People

To ensure the voices of young people are included in conversations that impact them, we collaborate through consultations, information sharing and training. This work helps young people share their stories and act on issues that they care about.

A major project for Outburst! • Youth Advocacy training in St OUTBURST! WESTERN last year was ‘Your Rights in the Johns Park High School, NSW SYDNEY YOUTH ACTION Workplace’, created in partnership Youth Advisory Councils State GROUP with Safework NSW for the Conference, What’s Up West? A group made up of 25 passionate development of an App called ‘Speak and Match Works. young people living, working or studying Up’. A facilitated panel discussion • Internship program lead by in and 3 between Outburst! members, Policy and Advocacy Managers. equally passionate volunteers all active Safework NSW, Legal Aid and Fair • Opportunities to elevate young in their local communities, with a work NSW was a highlight during people’s voices in the media on shared commitment to making Western What’s Up West?. In recognition of key issues. Sydney a better place for young people. their work Outburst! received an • Internal Youth Action operational Group meetings are held 10 times a award from Safework NSW. involvement such as sitting on year and individuals volunteer their time the board, recruitment, hosting for specific projects and events. TRAINING & YOUTH events and participating on In 2019 members co-designed Youth PARTICIPATION judging panels. Action’s 2-day youth conference, • Creating youth advisory panels for We continue our commitment to What’s Up West? Our Time is Now! projects such as What’s Up West? with Outburst! members holding create opportunities for young COVID CONVERSATIONS ASK FOR HEALTH – YOUTH people to be involved in the work of • Moderating youth groups such key positions running the event, In June 2019 we began a series of HEALTH LITERACY PROJECT Youth Action each year, while working as Bankstown Youth Council and supporting communications and online conversations with young In 2018 Youth Action partnered with members and organisations Outburst! Youth Action’s Group. engaging with conference participants. people across NSW to ask them with Ministry of Health to develop across NSW to increase youth how COVID-19 had impacted a project to improve health literacy engagement in local communities. their lives and how they would amongst young people in NSW. like to be included in the recovery Since then, we have consulted with process. These conversations are nearly 300 young people and youth continuing in 2020. In June we held workers across the state while laying 8 online sessions and talked to 70 the groundwork for a health website, young people. built for young people in consultation with young people. There have been major developments over the past 8 year and the website, ‘Ask for Health’, online COVID together with specialised training for Conversations youth workers and young people will completed be launched next year. 70 young people in conversation

20 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT YOUTH ACTION 21 What’s Up West? Our Time is Now!

What’s Up West? Is a biennial event organised by young people for young people. “It inspired me to make a It is a platform created by Youth Action for Western Sydney’s young people aged difference by myself” 12–25 to improve their advocacy skills, discuss shared ideas and passions and learn ways to amplify their voices in the community.

Youth Action believes that young of young of young people are not just the leaders of people people tomorrow but are also leaders today 93% said they rate the who can create positive impact in left the 96% conference their communities. The theme for conference good, very What’s Up West? 2019 ‘Our Time with new good or is Now!’ aimed to challenge that skills & excellent assumption and focus on what feeling young people can do right now for inspired the future. to make change Over 2 action-packed days from Oct 31 - Nov 1 at the Novotel in Parramatta 300 young people from Greater Western Sydney came “I liked that we got to together to be inspired and learn have our voices heard” skills to to stand up and be heard.

“It made change seem less impossible”

“I’m so glad that an event such as this was made for people like us” Young people in Western Young people love the Young people expressed Sydney are most diversity & vibrancy of concern about the concerned about climate the Western Sydney disparity of funding for change, sustainability & community public & private schools the environment Many young people in Young people at What’s When asked about issues Western Sydney feel Up West? 2019 were in their own community unsafe at night because passionate about how in Western Sydney, young of lack of lighting Western Sydney is people’s biggest concerns changing & growing with

were racism and cultural many ideas for how to

disrespect meet its challenges

22 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT YOUTH ACTION 23 Policy & Advocacy

Vital meaningful policy and advocacy formation can only be achieved by listening Contributions, Collaborations to young people and those that support them. & Government Relations

This was highlighted during 4 the services that support them to Our key partners ensure that Youth EVERY CHILD GOVERNMENT RELATIONS intersecting crises that affected NSW inform the organisation’s policy and Action is able to do the vital work it does every year to achieve positive Every Child is a national advocacy Youth Action played a key role in in the past year. Youth Action worked advocacy work. campaign aimed at promoting the various consultations via regular alongside young people affected outcomes for young people. The The Policy and Advocacy team at wellbeing of children and young meetings with the Department by drought, floods, bushfires and Organisation is asked often to Youth Action went through its own people. Youth Action is a member of Communities and Justice, the COVID-19 pandemic forming contribute expertise in consultations, changes in the past year with the of the Steering Committee, which Department of Education, policy recommendations which planning and inquiries. departure of valued members and advocates for the importance Department of Planning, Industry and were presented to decision makers the arrival of new ones. Previous We would like to thank the of young people’s voice in the Environment, the Office of Regional through various avenues. During this Policy & Advocacy team members Department of Communities & formation of advocacy campaigns. Youth, Department of Health and time Youth Action released findings Jacqui Mackenzie, Kelly Royds & Justice and our fellow community Department of Customer Service. from one of the largest surveys of Maia Giordano made indispensable sector peaks, as well as diverse the NSW Youth Sector in almost a Last year Youth Action continued contributions to the work highlighted NGOS and Government OTHER KEY decade, in the Snapshot 2020: NSW our engagement with key MPs in this report. Departments, with whom we COLLABORATIONS Youth Sector report. collaborate regularly. from across the political spectrum Australian Youth Affairs Council, to ensure issues affecting young Collective impact is essential Youth Justice Coalition, ACOSS, people were front of mind for all during times of crises and Youth JUST REINVEST YFoundations, CREATE, MYAN, political parties. The organisation Action continues a commitment NCOSS, ACWA, ABSEC, LCSA, Fams, continued to foster a strong to amplifying the voices of young Just Reinvest NSW supports NSW Advocate for Children and Aboriginal communities to explore working relationship with the NSW people in NSW and working with Young People, Women’s Safety Government, most notably with the and establish justice reinvestment Alliance, Australian Communications initiatives and advocates for Office of the Minister for Families, Consumer Action Network, Australian Communities and Disability Services, systemic changes that build safer Competition and Consumer and stronger communities. Just The Hon. Gareth Ward, and the Commission Consultative Committee, Office of the Minister for Mental Reinvest NSW collaborated with the Services Australia Civil Society Bourke community to support the Health, Regional Youth and Women, Advisory Group, Greater Sydney The Hon. Bronnie Taylor. We thank establishment of Maranguka using Commission Social Peak Roundtable, a justice reinvestment framework both Ministers for their ongoing NSW Peaks Working Group, Forum support of the sector and for their and we continue to support its on Non-Government Agencies important work. collaborative approach to improving among others. Thank you to all we outcomes for young people have worked with across the year. throughout the state.

Snapshot 2020 Report COVID-19 COVID Conversations & Prevention & Early information & initiated with young Intervention Paper resources created people across NSW with key partner Launched Creating organisations 5 young people Access toolkit to supported through Government, services NSW Drought Youth Action’s & the public Summit internship program

Organised meetings Regular meetings Joint submission with Ministers & with key Ministers, to raise the age of young people involved politicians & criminal responsibility in Creating Access Government Departments

2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT YOUTH ACTION 25 Storytelling & Communications

In 2019 Youth Action evolved its media and communications to be driven by a storytelling component. This includes revisiting the way in which we tell the story of the work of the organisation but also how we amplify and elevate the voices of young people and the youth work sector in NSW.

Storytelling CONTRACTED ARTISTS & • Jessie Waratah Simon – Fitzpatrick CONTENT CREATORS Artist Stories link facts and data to lived Throughout the year we contract • Darwin Schulze experience and connect people and collaborate with diverse young Filmmaker/ Videographer through identification and empathy. artists and practitioners for internal • Camille Manley Creating a collaborative space for and special projects and welcome Designer individuals to share their stories submissions and expressions of • Aileen Ng and voice leads to empowered and interest. Youth Action understands Designer socially informed advocacy work. the importance of the Arts and the impact it and creative practitioners • Flashpoint Labs Forging a place for the voices have on culture, communities socially innovative Photography & of young people and the youth and society. This year we had Film Agency and Training Academy sector is an integral part of Youth the opportunity to work with the Action’s work to put youth issues • Lyndal Irons following creatives: on the agenda. Photographer • Good Monsters Video Producers

COVID Conversations What’s Up West? What is Youth Work? started with young Our Time is Now! Film series launched people across NSW Conference video & together with the to be developed into Instagram interview Snapshot 2020: NSW a multimedia project stories with Youth Sector report in 2020 young people

Creating Access Storytelling & Ask for Health film series and launch Communications concept planning Masterclass for interns

2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT YOUTH ACTION 27 Media & Communication

Strong communication channels and SOCIAL MEDIA ONLINE RESOURCES media relationships mean Youth Youth Action’s social media Every year Youth Action develops Action maintains firm foundations channels continue to evolve as online resources to inform, advocate to act as an important platform for strong communications channels to and share the voices of young people young people, members and the distribute, connect and share the and the youth sector, some of those broader youth sector in NSW. work of the organisation. This year created in the past year include: there has been a significant growth • Snapshot 2020: NSW Youth Sector of subscribers over all channels report, key findings pack & What is and increased engagement across Youth Work? film. platforms. Social media continues • Creating Access Toolkit & Creating to be a key forum to engage young 4659 people, service providers and policy Access film series. Facebook likes makers while amplifying the voices • COVID-19 resource pages for of young people, and building the young people & youth services. 3673 visibility of Youth Action across NSW. • Instagram IGTV Channel. Twitter followers • YouTube Channel.

1405 Instagram followers

523 LinkedIn followers 24 media mentions 6 televised interviews

YAPRAP 3096 subscribers

WEBSITE 64,904 site visits 116,439 page views

28 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT