By Kirsty Ross
YOUNG people in new and emerging communities are needed to participate in a new leadership program designed to help them represent their people.
Hobsons Bay City Council plans to identify future leaders and will launch the Hobsons Bay New and Emerging Communities Youth Leadership Program on Monday 30 April.
Hobsons Bay mayor Leigh Hardinge said the program would help provide direction for new communities in the area.
“The council is working to ensure that new and emerging communities are not disadvantaged in utilising community services or participating in activities or events happening in Hobsons Bay,” Cr Hardinge said.
The program is based on a report the council prepared in 2006 titled Needs Analysis: A focus on New and Emerging Communities.
Cr Hardinge said the report identified the fact that young people in new communities lacked adequate access to information on recreational activities and council services.
“This program will not only address this issue, but also ensure that emerging communities have young leaders that can represent their interests, advocate on their behalf and help create a successful community in the future,” he said.
“People in new and emerging communities often speak very little English, lack knowledge about basic community services and face systems that are very different to those where they have come from.
“By implementing this program, we can assist their settlement in Australia and help their adjustment to the Australian way of life.”
The program is a joint initiative between the council’s multicultural development and youth services divisions.
The leadership program will help:
DEVELOPMENT of young people’s leadership capacity and confidence to represent community issues.
PEER skill development.
CREATE links with local government, police and emergency services.
UNDERSTAND carer opportunities for young people working in emergency services
The program will start on Saturday, 5 May, and conclude in August.
For more information regarding multicultural services in Hobsons Bay visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or contact the council on 9932 1199.
