annual report the peak body for the youth sector in contents

Chair’s report 2 Board members 3 Sponsors and supporters 5 YNOT members 6 CEO report 8 Volunteers 9 Tasmanian Youth Sector 10 Statewide Youth Collaborative (SYC) Group 11 Youth Action Priorities (YAP) 12 Northern Youth Coordinating Committee (NYCC) 13 North West Action for Youth (NWAY) 14 Collaborations: policy, advocacy and communications 16 vision YNOT Priority Project 18 A Tasmania where young Youth Ethics Framework for Tasmania 19 people are actively engaged in community life and have Tasmanian Youth Forum (TYF) report 21 access to the resources All about TYF 22 needed to develop their TYF members and volunteers 22 potential. TYF Learning and Education Report 24 Housing and Homelessness Report 25 National Youth Week 26 mission Youth Homelessness Matters Day 27 To work with young people, Other opportunities with TYF 28 the Tasmanian youth sector, the community and all levels of government to increase the participation and contribution of young people in the state.

YNOT annual report 2016 1 chair’s report

The past year has seen growth and strengthening within the YNOT Board and our strategic focus. The Board membership is geographically, professionally and age diverse, with representatives in the south, north and north west, and from service, academia and policy areas, and three young people as Board members.

An ongoing commitment of the Board is to ensure YNOT’s governance structure and its supporting policies are up to date and reflect the needs of the organisation. To this end, we have implemented a rolling review of our governance policies at each Board meeting where the CEO reports against the Ann Davie, YNOT Chair usefulness and application of selected organisational policies. This allows the Board to see the impact that good governance has on YNOT’s operations. The Board has also reviewed the YNOT Constitution and plans and strategies to ensure consistency and accuracy across these documents, and to ensure that the organisation’s values and goals are embedded in the organisation’s planning. This has helped to streamline reporting and to ensure that all activities can clearly demonstrate connections to the outcomes laid out in YNOT’s Grant Deed and the future plans for the organisation. YNOT values the range of expertise within the Board, with members involved in sub-committees addressing specific needs of the organisation, such as remuneration, budget review and governance policies. In our face-to-face meetings, held two to three times per year, members have the opportunity “It has been to discuss issues in more depth. We have taken the opportunity at such times to discuss strategic and business planning. It has been invaluable having invaluable having representatives with different backgrounds and experiences within the representatives Tasmanian youth sector. with different I would like to acknowledge the ongoing positive and productive relationship that YNOT has with the Tasmanian Government. YNOT has benefited from the backgrounds and support of Premier Hon MP, and Hon Guy Barnett MP through experiences within his role as Parliamentary Secretary as well as incoming Parliamentary Secretary Sarah Courtney MP, and appreciates their recognition of the contributions that the Tasmanian YNOT makes to young Tasmanians. We have also continued to have excellent youth sector.” relationships with those working in Communities, Sport and Recreation.

2 YNOT annual report 2016 board members

Ann Davie, Chair Matt Durose, Vice Chair Brett Maryniak, Treasurer Miranda Ashby Individual member Mission Australia TYF member Headspace/The Link Youth Health

Damian Collins Kate Cross Troy O’Konnah Griffin Blizzard Youth, Family and Community Rural Health Tasmania National Job Link TYF Member Connections

Collective members Karinya Young Women’s Service Simone Zell Dominique Smith University of Tasmania Cornerstone Youth Services (Nov 2015 – May 2016)

YNOT annual report 2016 3 4 YNOT annual report 2016 sponsors and supporters

Special thanks to Communities, Sport and Recreation, in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, as the major funding body for YNOT, TYF and the Tasmanian Youth Conference.

YNOT has benefited from the generous support of many sponsors, donations and in-kind support throughout the past year.

Adriana Taylor MLC Leonie Hiscutt MLC Roger Jaensch MP Andrew Wilkie MP The Link Youth Health MLC Ann Davie Lions Club of Brighton Rotary Club of Bellerive Ashgrove Cheese Lions Club of Deloraine Rotary Club of Brett Maryniak Lions Club of Forth Valley Rotary Club of Ulverstone MP Lions Club of Kentish MLC Cassy O’Connor MP Lions Club of Kingborough Scott Bacon MP Coal River Coaches Lions Club of Kings Meadows Senator Colony 47 Lions Club of Wynyard Sorell Big Picture School Cornerstone Youth Services Lush Australia Southern Midlands Council Crawn Motors Madeline Ogilvie MP Tasmanian Leaders Program MP Matthew Groom MP Vanessa Goodwin MLC Exact Media Services May Shaw Health Waratah Wynyard Council Glenorchy City Council Michelle O’Byrne MP Youth, Family and Community Greg Hall MLC MLC Connections House of Anvers National Job Link Ivan Dean MLC Nick McKim MP Jacquie Petrusma MP Northern Youth Coordinating Jeremy Rockliff MP Committee Julie Collins MP Officeworks Hobart Kristie Johnson (Mayor of GCC) Rebecca White MP MP Red Herring Surf Launceston Launceston City Council Richard Muir Wilson

YNOT annual report 2016 5 ynot members

individual

associate

reciprocal

organisational YNOT benefits from a diverse, active and engaged membership.

YNOT updated our Constitution during 2014 – 15, and presented it at the 2015 – 16 AGM. Changes included the introduction of three year Board terms and the stipulation of at least two young people as Board members. These changes were accepted and have now been implemented.

6 YNOT annual report 2016 Member list 2015–16:

A Fairer World Kentish Council Southern Midlands Council Amanda Street Lara Giddings MP Speak Out Association of Tasmania Andrew Verdouw Latrobe Council Inc. Anglicare Tasmania Inc. Launceston City Council Tasman Health & Community Service Anita O’Callaghan Launceston City Mission Tenants Union of Tasmania Inc. Ann Davie LAUNCH Youth Theresa Moore Annie Kenney Young Women’s Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania Troy O’Konnah Emergency Accommodation Service Lisa Amerikanos Unions Tasmania Bek Gale Matthew Groom MP University of Tasmania Brett Maryniak Meaghan Harvey Volunteering Tasmania Burnie City Council Migrant Resource Centre (North) West Tamar Council Children With Disability Australia Migrant Resource Centre (South) Whitelion Inc. Circular Head Council Mike Gaffney MLC Working It Out Clarence City Council Mission Australia Youth Action (NSW) Colony 47 Inc Mission Australia (TYSS) Youth Affairs Council of South Australia (YACSA) Cornerstone Youth Services Inc Peter Gutwein MHA Derwent Valley Council Youth Affairs Council of Victoria Inc. Pulse Youth Health (YACVIC) Don College Rebecca White MP Youth Affairs Council of Western Family Planning Tasmania Inc. Relationships Australia Tasmania Australia (YACWA) Flourish Mental Health Richard Muir Wilson Youth Affairs Network of Queensland (YANQ) Glenorchy City Council Rural Health Tasmania Youth Coalition of the ACT Griffin Blizzard Ruth Forrest MLC Youth, Family and Community Hobart City Council Save the Children Australia Connections Inc. Hub 4 Health Scott Bacon MP Youth Futures Impact Communities Senator Carol Brown Julie Collins MP Senator David Bushby Karinya Young Women’s Service Shelter Tasmania Inc.

YNOT annual report 2016 7 ceo report

In the past year, YNOT has done considerable work advocating for young people’s needs on a wide range of issues. Young people continue to face additional challenges in our society, such as high rates of youth unemployment, low levels of educational attainment and barriers to affordable housing.

However, YNOT has been proactive • holding the Tasmanian Youth in establishing what young people Conference in August 2015 need and want on these issues • completing a special project through research and consultation. for DPAC on population, held in This has enabled us to provide partnership with the Tasmanian Joanna Siejka, CEO insight on a range of contemporary Leaders Thinkbank youth issues and provide input into • doing consulting work that uses policy and decision-making on our expertise on youth issues, behalf of Tasmanian young people. consultation and working with “We value our Throughout these pages you will young people, such as for the hardworking and see evidence of the considerable NDIA, and forming mutually work the YNOT team produces. In beneficial partnerships with other inclusive team at the past year this work includes: stakeholders. YNOT. We have • working to support and launch Considerable strategic focus has fantastic people the first Tasmania Youth Suicide also occurred on ensuring that Prevention Plan YNOT’s internal operations are working with us • holding Tasmanian Youth Forums reviewed and strengthened with and this means we and publishing reports: Education our Business Plan, Communication can do some really and Housing and Homelessness Plan and Sustainability Plan all • developing numerous submissions being reviewed and implemented, meaningful work and media releases, and in line with our Strategic Plan. that achieves positive consulting widely with the sector We value our hardworking and • contributing to many forums, inclusive team at YNOT. We have impacts.” committees and advisory groups fantastic people working with us • presenting to a wide variety of and this means that we can do audiences on youth issues, as well some really meaningful work that as having an increasing presence achieves positive impacts. in the media and on social media

8 YNOT annual report 2016 volunteers

Thanks to Dean Cooper, Tegan Alan Poole Emma Quinn Mel Gunn Pearce and Bek Gale for being part Ald Danny Gibson Eva Mackinley Miranda Ashby of the core of YNOT – and to all of the YNOT Board for supporting us. Amy Robertson Farah Ashikin Naomi Marsh We have also hosted numerous Anita O’Callaghan Griffin Blizzard Natasha Nesnit work placements, work experience students, interns, as well as Ann Davie Heidi La Paglia Obsa Abdulmajid benefited from the assistance of Bekah Hayes Heidi Marie Lyte Rajeev Chakradhar numerous volunteers throughout the year, all of whom have Ben Waterworth James Pepperell Rebekka Gale contributed to the work of YNOT. Brett Maryniak Jamie Hollands Rhiannon Langridge Thank you also to Communities, Caitlin Gadd Jayden Mansfield Richard Muir Wilson Sport and Recreation in the Department of Premier and Cabinet Caleb Nichols-Mansell Jess Gilroy Samia Provan for their support during this past Catherine Robinson Jessica Bennetto Sandra Charlton year. We also appreciate the positive working relationship we have Chelsea Griggs Jo Murray Sharon Wright with the Premier, Will Hodgman, Chris Patterson Jobe Boucher Simone Zell and Parliamentary Secretaries to the Premier for Community Claudia Garwood Joel Imber Tait Fraser Development, Guy Barnett and Dakoda Leary Juliah Fraser Tali Auliitia Sarah Courtney for their support of our work. Dana Hicks Julie Gale Tamara Clark YNOT’s work is very much Danika Wright Katalin Madden Troy O’Konnah dependent upon the support of our Danis Chong Kate Lynch Warde Macintosh membership base, and the many Danni Murfet Kelly Deane Zac Lockhart organisations and individuals who support us to achieve our collective Derek Pearce Kelvyn Linton Zoe Jay goals for Tasmanian young people. Des Dusautoy Lawrence Gino Thank you for your support of Tasmanian young people. Dianne Bester Lisa Amerikanos Dominique Smith Mark Joseph Eleni Xepapas Matt Durose Elisa Ryan Matt Hill Ellie Moore Matthew Fargher

YNOT annual report 2016 9 Tasmanian Youth Sector YNOT delivers peak services to the Tasmanian youth sector including advice, advocacy, research, policy and workforce development support. During the past year, YNOT has continued to play a role in supporting key Tasmanian youth sector stakeholder groups, in partnership with local and state government.

10 YNOT annual report 2016 Statewide Youth Collaborative (SYC) Group

The Statewide Youth Collaborative Group has continued to meet quarterly in 2015 –16. We have had good representation from a number of government agencies and the community sector, with some changes and additions to the group as the sector has continued to grow.

Guest speakers have included Tony Kemp (Children and Youth Services, DHHS), and Narelle Butt (Mental Health and Alcohol and Drug Directorate). This year saw the creation of the “Alcohol and Drug Referral Guide", review and update of the “Mental Health Referral Guide” and beginning work on a “Homelessness and Housing Referral Guide". SYC also reviewed its Terms of Reference and recruited several new members from across government and the community sector to attend the group.

Kat Fraser SYC Secretariat

YNOT annual report 2016 11 Youth Action Priorities (YAP)

Youth Action Priorities (YAP) provides an ongoing forum for youth services from southern Tasmania to network across the region, identify resources, goals and issues that have an impact on the lives of young people and to advocate on behalf of their communities.

Facilitated by Hobart City YAP members collaborated to host Council’s Youth Programs area, a combined National Youth Week YAP activities and discussions are event and hosted speakers from driven by members who include multiple youth-focused agencies and representatives from health, social, support programs. YAP look forward educational, recreational and cultural to hosting further presentations in organisations at a community, local the coming months and working and state government level. together on joint initiatives for the benefit of the group and for young Along with NWAY and NYCC, YAP people. provides an opportunity for YNOT to identify patterns across the state and Rebecca Taylor to coordinate responses accordingly. YAP Chair

12 YNOT annual report 2016 Northern Youth Coordinating Committee (NYCC)

The Northern Youth Coordinating Committee (NYCC) is a special committee of Council as defined in the Local Government Act (TAS) 1993.

The primary purpose of NYCC is to The NYCC annual budget provided provide an opportunity for federal, funding towards the following NYCC state and local government and non- member projects this financial year: government youth service providers • $1500 to fund a Men’s Health to come together to achieve a more Week event run by Cornerstone coordinated approach to addressing Youth Services. The event was youth issues across Northern held at a local Tasmanian State Tasmania. It aims to provide a way League Football match to a for services to work cooperatively on targeted group of 12–25 year- youth issues in order that agencies can share resources to provide the olds. The purpose of the event best range of appropriate services to was to raise awareness, remove young people. the stigma and promote men’s health and wellbeing through The committee is chaired providing educational resources NYCC member Dominique Smith by Alderman Danny Gibson and information. with Claudia Garwood and convened by the City of Launceston’s Youth Development • $500 to support an Officer, with membership being intergenerational film project Through collaboration with approximately 130 members. by the Migrant Resource Centre. Council of the Ageing, the video Meetings are well attended with The project involved young is planned to be shown in aged four regular meetings held this people interviewing an older care facilities and at Breath of year. Meetings include round person in their life and making a Fresh Air Film Festival. short video of this. This allowed table discussions, guest speakers, Claudia Garwood young people to hear a short funding applications, and regular NYCC Convenor reports from youth committees, story of something that is or was councils and groups in Northern memorable in the older person’s Tasmania. NYCC creates a forum life. The video includes something for organisations to network and from their country of origin or share information relating to youth refuge, or something they have issues and achievements relevant to experienced while living in Northern Tasmania. their new home of Launceston.

YNOT annual report 2016 13 North West Action for Youth (NWAY)

The North West Action for Youth Group (NWAY) continues to be a solid platform for information sharing within the youth sector.

The group focuses on networking Save a Mate program, Lions continue to be maintained by and collaboration opportunities for Club’s Leo Program, Anglicare’s Burnie City Council. youth sector providers across the Child and Youth Mental Health NWAY and YNOT thank Alderman North West Coast. Activities and Program, Mission Australia’s Sandra French for her many years discussions are driven by members Disability Employment Service and of leadership and support of NWAY who include representatives Relationships Australia Aboriginal in her role as Chairperson. Her from health, social, educational, Community Connections service. contribution to the group has been recreational and cultural From February 2016, NWAY adopted appreciated and will be missed. organisations at a community, local a new model which involves the and state government level. Dave Fregon host Council also chairing the NWAY Secretariat NWAY hosted many guest speakers group. NWAY will continue to throughout the year including move around the North West, and from the Australian Red Cross the Secretariat support will also

14 YNOT annual report 2016 Summary of sector group members

NYCC members

YAP members

NWAY members

YNOT annual report 2016 15 Collaborations: policy, advocacy and communications

Sector collaborations Canberra, regular teleconferences, Policy, consultations and contribution to Homelessness advocacy During this past year it has Australia policy development and continued to be a challenge to put the coordination of the national During 2015 – 16 there have been youth issues on the national agenda awareness campaign, Youth many consultations on the issues with the funding for youth peak Homelessness Matters Day. YNOT which affect young people on bodies not being reinstated. Despite is a member of Shelter Tasmania’s a local, state and national level. losing core funding in 2013, the Tasmanian Youth Housing and YNOT’s policy development Australian Youth Affairs Coalition Homelessness Group (TYHHG), framework involved consulting with (AYAC) has continued to operate, which provides a key mechanism young people and the youth sector, through the support of its voluntary for contributing Tasmanian policy as well as researching key issues. Board and with contributions from advice to NYCH. YNOT’s consultation processes can the national youth sector. In spite involve meetings, phone interviews, YNOT has continued to be an of these many challenges, AYAC online surveys, written submissions active participant in the Tasmanian has been able to contribute to and forums. YNOT has conducted a Community Sector Peaks Network national conversations on youth number of consultations with young (TCSPN) throughout 2015 – 16. issues through being present at the people and the sector across the This network enables YNOT to Australian Federal Budget Lock- state in the last year. up, considerable media presence, collaborate with a broader range and the development of a national of community sector organisations This has included formal election campaign and policy that deliver services to young consultations for the development platform. YNOT is represented on people. The TCSPN meets regularly of the YNOT Budget Submission to the AYAC Board. with the Government, through the Treasury 2016 – 17. Peaks Network and Government YNOT is the Tasmanian Strategic Forum. During the representative and the current Chair past year, YNOT has contributed on the National Youth Coalition to the Annual Report for the for Housing (NYCH), which is the Partnership’s Agreement between peak youth homelessness group the Community Sector and State in Australia. Participation in NYCH Government. includes biannual meetings in

16 YNOT annual report 2016 Advocacy work Communications Sector newsletter YNOT prepares and distributes a Sector Update at the beginning of each month. Sector Update newsletters are presented against the YNOT 9 2013 – 16 goal areas of youth participation, youth issues, professionalisation presentations of the workforce, strong peak body, community and government.

Social media Social media provides an additional way for YNOT to communicate with members and young people about opportunities, consultations, 10 information, news and events. This year YNOT has continued to increase submissions 41 its reach on social media platforms which has grown to: forums, committees and advisory groups 1581 likes on the Youth Network of Tasmania Facebook page

64media mentions 1158 Twitter followers

11media releases 4944 likes on the Youth Homelessness Matters Day Facebook page

YNOT annual report 2016 17 YNOT Priority Project

Workshop materials at the Thinkbank

YNOT completed a second priority project for DPAC this year to build on the Youth Participation and Leadership Resources for Organisations and Young People, which were developed and released last year.

The project involved YNOT scope for change that Tasmanian the context of what is currently presenting a full-day workshop at organisations, businesses and being done to address these the Tasmanian Leaders Program individuals could take to develop and what young people have (TLP) Thinkbank, which was an opportunities for youth participation said in consultations focusing on intensive two-day workshop on the and leadership. employment and education. topic of ‘Tasmanian youth issues’ YNOT facilitated discussions with Participants developed some held on 5-6 June 2016. participants to explore the ways practical ideas, including a small This provided a unique opportunity young people are perceived in grants and mentoring program to work with a cross-section of the community and the issues to support young people with leaders from across the state from they face. This included getting an interest in creating their own different sectors and industries participants to reflect on their business, and peer-assisted learning to develop ideas for addressing experience as a young person, at school to support career and issues young Tasmanians face, discussing the issues or challenges education planning. YNOT will particularly related to education, they faced and whether they continue to refine these ideas employment and living in a regional thought young people would face and look at how they could be area. Thinkbank participants were similar challenges today. YNOT implemented. asked to identify actions and then placed these discussions in

18 YNOT annual report 2016 Youth Ethics Framework for Tasmania Launched in December 2012, the Youth Ethics Framework for Tasmania was developed by a group of sector representatives from across Tasmania who represent various parts of the Tasmanian youth sector. The framework aims to support the role of workers in meeting the needs of young people in Tasmania. Sector members at the YNOT AGM

Since this time, feedback from provided the YNOT AGM and Youth Case Studies from organisations organisations and individuals Ethics Training: Implementing and workers currently using the within the Tasmanian youth sector the Framework, focused on framework in their practice. expressed interest in training for implementing and applying the The Youth Ethics Framework for further support in implementing Youth Ethics Framework in practice. Tasmania Timeline states that YNOT the framework into their practice. Andrew ran two professional will continue to assist organisations On 5 August 2015, Andrew development training sessions. in the youth sector to implement Cummings collaborated with The first session focused on the the framework and will continue YNOT to hold a Tasmanian Youth principles in the framework and looking into further training. YNOT Conference pre-conference explored what they mean for those will also continue to work towards professional development who work with young people. the development of a full training workshop on Developing Ethical The second session looked at package for the Youth Ethics Youth Work Practice. The feedback ways to understand and apply Framework for Tasmania. from the participants of this the principles in working with Eliza Haigh workshop stated that further young people, with colleagues YNOT Intern training would be beneficial. and with other stakeholders. This On 18 November 2015, YNOT, meeting also featured the launch again with Andrew Cummings, of several Youth Ethics for Tasmania

YNOT annual report 2016 19 TYF member Dakoda Leary, event guest Adriana Taylor and TYF Policy and Project Officer Tegan Pearce

20 YNOT annual report 2016 Tasmanian Youth Forum (TYF) report

TYF has consulted with young people on education, housing and homelessness over the past year. These have been complex issues, but young people have been highly engaged and willing to share their thoughts and ideas.

Young people have told us during Following each consultation these consultations that they have process, a report is developed to high aspirations and goals they communicate these thoughts, want to achieve; however, they ideas and feedback to key decision- recognise that there are barriers makers to discuss, and to feed that can get in the way for them into policy development and and other young Tasmanians. Young reform at a state and national Tegan Pearce, people have continued to amaze level. These reports have remained TYF Policy and Project Officer us with the practical ideas they an important way for capturing have for how these barriers can be and documenting what young overcome so they can be better Tasmanians think. supported, particularly in regard to Young people also participate accessing education and housing. in a number of other events, We have had some great feedback consultations, committees and from young people who have media appearances with TYF "Young people have been engaged with TYF over the throughout the year to ensure young told us they value past year too, particularly through people are heard. TYF relies on this the TYF statewide Youth Forums. participation of young people as the opportunity to Young people have told us they well as support from volunteers, meet young people value the opportunity to meet sector workers, YNOT staff and young people from across the state Board. I’d like to thank everyone who from across the and have a space to discuss their has participated or supported TYF state and have a thoughts and ideas on topics that over the past year to ensure there is matter to them. a platform for young Tasmanians to space to discuss have a say and be heard. their thoughts and ideas on topics that matter to them."

YNOT annual report 2016 21 all about TYF TYF members and volunteers

TYF is supported by a number of young people who volunteer throughout the year, particularly for TYF events. We would like Danika Wright, to thank these young people TYF Member for the contributions they have made over the past year and for I came to volunteer at the Youth Network supporting TYF. of Tasmania at the beginning of March. Brett Maryniak Jayden Mansfield My first job was to prepare for Youth Caitlin Gadd Jess Gilroy Homelessness Matters Day. Caleb Nichols-Mansell Jessica Bennetto I helped organise a number of activities, such as the iPad Chelsea Griggs Jobe Boucher competition. Since then I have helped with work on the TYF report by entering data in the system and categorising them Chris Patterson Juliah Fraser into groups for the report. I have also proofread documents Dakoda Leary Kate Lynch to make sure they were easy for young people to read. Dana Hicks Kelly Deane I have attended three Youth Forums in total, all of which Danika Wright Kelvyn Linton have been really great for everyone who had the chance to Danis Chong Lawrence Gino go. Having the opportunity to voice your opinion, have your opinion heard, then put into a report of the day so people Danni Murfet Obsa Abdulmajid can read it and see what young people have to say on the Des Dusautoy Rajeev Chakradhar selected issue has a great impact on the youth of Tasmania, which is what TYF is all about. Ellie Moore Rebekka Gale Eva Mackinley Samia Provan I have learnt so much from YNOT, things as little as seeing how an office operates to learning new people skills, writing Farah Ashikin Tait Fraser up reports and how to time manage. These are all great life Griffin Blizzard Zac Lockhart skills that I will never forget, and more people should get Heidi La Paglia involved with TYF and YNOT. Anyone can do it and would Zoe Jay find that it’s a great way to get a feel for a work environment.

22 YNOT annual report 2016 2015–16 by the numbers:

Tasmanian Report Youth Forums launches Tasmanian Youth 2 Conference1 2

youth-led young people network on work meetings young people volunteered at YNOT 4experience 4 44

young people attended Tasmanian Youth Forum young people completed surveys 210events 453 YNOT annual report 2016 23 TYF Learning and Education Report

The Tasmanian Youth Forum (TYF) undertook a consultation process on learning and education with young people which involved a forum and a survey.

The TYF Learning and Education him to where he is today. Forum took place in Launceston At the end of the day, the on Wednesday 4 November 2015. participants had the opportunity Around 100 young people from to provide feedback on the forum, across Tasmania gathered to discuss including what they enjoyed and their experiences of learning and what could be improved for next education, what can have positive time. Young people said they and negative impacts on their enjoyed being able to have the learning and to brainstorm how opportunity to voice their thoughts young people can be supported to on learning and education, hear learn now and in the future. other young people’s opinions and Young people participated in a meet other young people from number of activities and were asked different parts of the state. to discuss what encourages them The forum and survey results to learn, what helps them to learn were combined in a report to and what challenges they may face communicate the ideas of young with learning, with the majority people and included some key Minister Rockliff and YNOT CEO of the participants saying a good findings. This included that young Joanna Siejka with the TYF support network is important. people are making decisions about Learning and Education Report The main focus for the day was their learning and education from to create opportunities for young an early age; not knowing what to people to share and create ideas in do after Year 12 can be a barrier to people were able to participate and small discussion groups centred on young people continuing training to our TYF members, volunteers and different topics, there being eleven or study; young people want sector workers who volunteered topics in total which were created opportunities to gain practical their time in the lead-up to the from the responses of young people experience; and young people forum and on the day. We would collected prior to the forum. Groups want supportive networks and also like to acknowledge our were asked about what they would environments for their learning. sponsors, Communities, Sport and retain, change and create in relation Recreation in the Department of to their discussion topic and learning YNOT and TYF would like to thank Premier and Cabinet (DPAC) and and education more broadly. The the young people who participated Launceston City Council. guest speaker for the forum was in the TYF Learning and Education James Riggall, founder of BitLink, Forum and Survey. We would also Eliza Haigh and he talked about his learning like to thank the workers who were YNOT Intern experiences and how they had led involved with us to ensure young

24 YNOT annual report 2016 Housing and Homelessness Report

The Youth Housing and Homelessness Forum began at 10am in Launceston. At the beginning of the forum we were welcomed and introduced to Mo, who was our facilitator for the day.

To begin with, everyone participated in some ice-breaker activities, which led to us all separating into groups and were given a box and materials to create a home with. This included making tables, chairs and beds out of paper and pipe cleaners, and putting in whatever else we thought a home should have. After that, two people per group explained to everyone else what their group thought a home was and why. Many of the groups said they thought a home was a place where you could every idea that people had in our up front and talked about the final feel safe and comfortable. groups on large sheets of paper. ideas that their group had decided on. This gave everyone the chance After a small recess, everyone We had a lunch break, which to see ideas other than their own together brainstormed issues, was followed up by our guest and the solutions for the issues which was accompanied by a speaker Zac Lockhart, who gave an they did not participate in. The day small presentation that included informative and moving speech on concluded at 3.15pm. facts and figures to do with youth his journey as a young homeless housing and homelessness. person and the process of how he The consultation data from the overcame homelessness. At the end forum and the survey will be Following this we moved on to of his speech, he gave people the developed into a report for YNOT to our first solution groups. Everyone opportunity to ask questions, which use to take to key decision-makers. picked a table with an issue people took advantage of. that interested them. The issues We would also like to acknowledge included ‘Managing Money’, We then had our second solution our sponsors, Communities, Sport ‘Buying or Renting a Place to Live’ groups, which were the same issues and Recreation in the Department and ‘Homelessness’. In our groups but gave people the chance to of Premier and Cabinet (DPAC) and we discussed what we would like discuss a different topic. Everyone Launceston City Council. to retain, things we would like to then moved to view the wall where Caitlin Gadd change and lastly things we would all the group ideas from the day TYF Member like to create in relation to our were hung up, and one or two chosen topic. We recorded any and people per group per session went

YNOT annual report 2016 25 National Youth Week

National Youth Week (NYW) is Australia’s largest celebration of those aged 12–25 on the youth calendar. The 2016 NYW ran from 8–17 April, the theme this year being Following the Future, which focused on young people following their dreams, creating their own paths to success and highlighting the important contributions of young people in Tasmania.

NYW is designed to give the wider community an opportunity to listen to the concerns of young people and promote a community focus on the issues raised. It gives young people the chance to be acknowledged and celebrated for their achievements. Most importantly, it provides the young people involved with an opportunity to express their ideas and views, raise issues that concern them, react to issues which affect their lives, and be able to do all this while creating and enjoying a range of entertainment and events. The entertainment and events this year included a photography competition, a Colour Run, a number other services were also involved in talking to young people and of festivals, music and dance the event including The Link Youth community members. YHMD also workshops, an outdoor movie night, Health Service, Headspace Hobart provided an opportunity for young a skate competition and information and Youth, Family and Community people to raise awareness of youth sessions, to name a few. Connections. Activities included a homelessness and discuss their As part of NYW, YNOT hosted Youth photo booth, a meme competition, points of view on this issue with a Homelessness Matters Day (YHMD) lots of giveaways and a treasure number of politicians who attended on Wednesday 13 April 2016. hunt through the mall. Zac Lockhart, the event. Held in the Elizabeth Street Mall 2016 Tasmanian Young Australian Eliza Haigh right in Hobart’s city centre, a of the Year, was involved in the YNOT Intern number of activities took place for event as a guest speaker by sharing young people to enjoy. A number of his experience of homelessness,

26 YNOT annual report 2016 Youth Homelessness Matters Day

Youth Homelessness Matters Day (YHMD) is an annual national campaign that aims to raise awareness of youth homelessness in Australia.

Run by the National Youth Coalition for Housing (NYCH), chaired by YNOT, the campaign focused on using social media to reach as many people as possible including politicians, decision-makers in communities and community members, as well as encouraging organisations to host their own local events. This year, the hashtag #YHMD2016 trended on Twitter in Australia and reached over 6 million social media users internationally. Key to the success of YHMD each year are the YHMD ambassadors who support the campaign by liking, sharing and acting.

YHMD Ambassador Report homelessness, and indeed all homelessness, could be treated with the same priority, to help those suffering The 13th of April 2013 saw thousands of people take from it, and to work extensively to prevent it, until it is to social media, to the streets, and to the media to talk cured. Isn’t that a nice thought? about youth homelessness. The campaign was well- received, and I know I am not speaking alone when I say The campaign in 2016 proved to be extensive, and has I felt inspired and empowered by YHMD 2016. had an impact on people’s thinking. I often get asked how someone can best help those young people who Last year, in 2015 I spoke about our determination and are homeless. I have always said that the first step strength to bring the issues out of the shadows. This year forward is to talk about it. Isn't it common in fixing reinforced that further. Having the opportunity to speak a problem that the first step is to acknowledge that to so many people, both face to face and through media there is one? So please, at home, at work, at school, outlets, was truly extraordinary. To see interest from everywhere. Have the conversation and bring it to the so many people in the issue, and to see people taking forefront. That is the most important thing that the action on it was so very powerful. Also very powerful was everyday person can do, to become the everyday hero. to speak to many politicians both in government and YHMD will unfortunately continue to be a necessity for opposition about the issue, and seeing all sides of politics many years to come, but year by year, and person by take a keen interest. person, lives will be changed and action will be taken. I am of the firm belief that homelessness should be On behalf of the other YHMD ambassadors, and on treated like a pandemic. Not in the sense that it is behalf of young people in Australia who have been infectious, or that you should quarantine homeless homeless, or who are experiencing it now, I’d like to people, but in the sense that when you see a pandemic thank everyone who has helped or contributed to the break out, like swine flu, for example, there is extensive campaign in some way; and I urge you to continue your work done to treat those who fall victim to it; while at support for YHMD 2017! the same time there is extensive research and work done to prevent it. Eventually they invent a vaccine, as Zac Lockhart well as advocate ways to prevent it, such as cooking YHMD Ambassador and TYF Member meat thoroughly and washing hands well. If only youth 2016 Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year

YNOT annual report 2016 27 Other opportunities with TYF

TYF provides a number of opportunities for young people to have their say, develop their skills and participate in the community. TYF uses a mailing list and YNOT social media pages to promote these opportunities for young people, including workshops, volunteer opportunities, scholarships, and information relevant to young people.

Over the past year, young people Youth Survey, consultations with the speak to the media, which over the have volunteered with TYF by Department of Education on the past year has included commenting speaking at the launch of the TYF Education Act Review, consultations on issues such as National Youth Learning and Education Report, with the Department of Health Week, youth homelessness, participating in consultations on and Human Services on Youth at education, employment, mental issues such as youth participation Risk Strategy and consultations health, gender and sexuality. and mental health, running with Cornerstone Youth Services TYF also nominates young people workshops at the Tasmanian #switchitround project. for awards, and supports young Youth Conference, running TYF has also continued to engage people who are nominated, to activities at National Youth Week, with youth-led organisations to recognise the contributions they being ambassadors for Youth determine ways the youth-led make to our community. This year, Homelessness Matters Day and sector network, which is facilitated Zac Lockart was awarded the supporting projects at YNOT. by TYF, can support these Tasmanian Young Australian of the In addition to these opportunities organisations. Year 2016 and Dakoda Leary was with TYF, young people have awarded the Human Rights Week TYF supports young people contributed to consultations run by Tasmania Youth Award for 2015. to advocate on issues that are YNOT and other organisations such important to them. One of the Tegan Pearce as YNOT’s State Budget Submission ways this is achieved is by providing TYF Policy and Project Officer survey, Mission Australia’s Annual opportunities for young people to

28 YNOT annual report 2016 Zac Lockhart, 2016 Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year speaking at YHMD 2016 Suite 4a, Mayfair Plaza 236 Sandy Bay Rd Sandy Bay TAS 7005 p 03 6223 5511 f 03 6223 2255 m 0458 235 511 e [email protected]