As part of National Youth Week, the Future Impact Group held a variety of free events to engage and celebrate young people.  The celebration included the launch of the George Town Youth Advisory Group which is part of the broader Our Futures program.

The new George Town Youth Advisory Group kicked off with an Open Forum discussion between young people and George Town Council Elected Members, to generate discussion, and ideas to improve George Town for its young people.

George Town Mayor, Greg Keiser said “George Town Council is excited to see its partnership with the Future Impact Group coming to life through the Our Futures project. Council is looking forward to actively engaging with the young people of George Town to ensure that their voices are heard.

The young people of the George Town Municipality have a critical role in shaping our community into the future and Council looks forward to the advice young people will provide through the Youth Advisory Group”

The Tasmanian Community Fund is pleased to see Our Futures George Town activating the area’s young people to get involved in the decision-making that affects them.

“The program’s inclusive and accessible approach to engaging participants will allow young people from a diverse range of backgrounds to participate. We see programs like this as critical to drive systematic change and build capacity, capability and leadership among our state’s youth.

We are confident that the program will benefit the entire George Town community and we are looking forward to seeing where the program heads next” said Sally Darke, Chairperson of the Tasmanian Community Fund

Andrew Beeston, Our Futures – Project Officer for the Future Impact Group reflected on the celebrations by saying “The George Town Youth Week event was a fantastic platform to kickstart opportunities where young people can influence local government decisions, engage with a new youth leadership program, but most importantly, have loads of fun!”

“Students from local schools came together with Council leaders to discuss youth issues and opportunities in the local area.”

“It was exciting to have a range of youth services and activity providers in the afternoon with activities such as a silent disco, Jack Jumpers basketball clinic, creative activities, live music and free food.”