Youth Strategy 2026-2030

The Corangamite Youth Strategy 2026-2030 sets the direction for how Council will support young people aged 12 to 25 to feel connected, heard and empowered.

The Strategy was shaped by the voices of more than 520 young people from across the Shire, gathered through workshops, school visits, community events and the Corangamite Youth Summit.

Our focus areas

The Strategy outlines actions across five key themes:

Community
Council recognises the unique barriers to community participation and engagement and understands the importance of mental health supports and access to health services in the health and wellbeing of our young people. Council commits to working with community, stakeholders and all levels of government to improve participation and engagement, and where possible to remove barriers.

Economy
Council values the contribution of young people and is committed to supporting them achieve their potential through education, training, and employment. Council recognises the additional barriers faced by rural and regional young people, and commits to building financial, education and workplace literacy and engagement, empowering our young people to take charge of their future.

Infrastructure
Council recognises the unique barriers young people face with transport and accessing services and commits to working towards reducing barriers to participation. Council recognises that young people engage with transport in different ways and for different purposes than their older peers, and that appropriate and safe transport is vital to support and facilitate young people’s engagement in their community and connection with their peers.

Environment
Council recognises that young people are at the forefront of driving change and shaping a sustainable future. As tomorrow’s leaders, young people can help create and advocate for positive environmental behaviours to benefit all people. Council recognises the importance of empowering young voices, fostering education, and encouraging active participation in addressing environmental challenges. It recognises the critical role of youth in climate action, conservation, and sustainable practices, ensuring their ideas and leadership are integral to creating a healthier planet for generations to come.

Leadership
Council values the voices of young people and commits to ensuring equity, access, and inclusion of these voices to help inform Council action. Young people and their perspectives are vital to the continued vibrancy of the community and Council commits to supporting community to embrace youth perspective.

Read the full Youth Strategy 2026-2030.(PDF, 3MB)