Greater Bendigo Youth Strategy 2013-2016

GREATER BENDIGO YOUTH
STRATEGY 2013-2016
GREATER BENDIGO YOUTH STRATEGY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Greater Bendigo is committed to providing a range of youth engagement programs for all
young people aged between 12-25 years of age. It works within a community development model to
build the capacity of young people to create change in their community. The City seeks to empower
and enhance individuals and groups of young people to build capacity, develop strong support
networks, develop skills and strengthen connections which increase youth participation in social, civic
and economic aspects of the community.
The Greater Bendigo Youth Strategy has therefore been developed to provide a strategic approach to
youth development for the next three years. It has been shaped by 2,428 local young people from
Greater Bendigo, representing 12.3% of the entire municipal youth demographic.
This Strategy has been prepared, using information obtained from the consultative processes and has
been structured to clearly articulate the current situation in regards to each specific issue; to provide
details of the information obtained through the literature review, key stakeholder interviews and
consultations with young people; and to identify actions that need to be considered as part of the
Strategy.
Whilst some strategies are clearly the responsibility of the City of Greater Bendigo, many of the issues
identified are beyond its capacity to deal with, due to resource limitations, State Government funding
condition requirements, non-alignment with core activities or a potential duplication of services with
other organisations. Some of the issues identified may be able to be picked up by other youth services
in Greater Bendigo, or may be able to be worked on collectively by several agencies, or the whole of
community.
A Greater Bendigo Youth Strategy will inform how the City of Greater Bendigo provides targeted and
meaningful opportunities for young people in the future. It will assist to identify opportunities to influence
youth engagement, capacity building and partnerships to achieve better outcomes for young people in
Greater Bendigo.
GREATER BENDIGO YOUTH STRATEGY

BACKGROUND
The aim of this Strategy is to determine which areas of community life are considered to be most
suitable for the City of Greater Bendigo to address over the next three years in order to build the
capacity of young people to actively participate in the community. 2,428 local young people from
Greater Bendigo, representing 12.3% of the entire municipal youth demographic, have helped to shape
this Strategy.
The City of Greater Bendigo is committed to providing a range of youth engagement programs for all
young people aged between 12-25 years of age. It works within a community development model to
build the capacity of young people to create change in their community. The team seeks to empower
and enhance individuals and groups of young people to build capacity, develop strong support
networks, develop skills and strengthen connections which increase youth participation in social, civic
and economic aspects of the community.
To assist the City of Greater Bendigo to adopt a strategic approach to youth development for the next
three years, the Greater Bendigo Youth Strategy has been developed. In order to obtain the data and
information on which to base the strategy, the following tasks were undertaken:
Establishment of a steering committee comprising of representatives from the City of Greater

Bendigo, Bendigo Senior Secondary College, St Lukes, Headspace and Bendigo TAFE
Appointment of a consultant to guide the process and to undertake analysis of data
Establishment of a youth reference group comprising of 12 young people throughout the
municipality to assist with promotion of the strategy and running of workshops
Review of 23 relevant reports and documents to develop an understanding of the context of
youth development in Greater Bendigo and Victoria
Interviews of 31 key stakeholders from a variety of local organisations who work with young
people
Demographic analysis to identify key attributes of young people living in Greater Bendigo
Development of a youth survey to seek the ideas and opinions of young people living in Greater
Bendigo (2,278 completed surveys).
Facilitation of eight youth workshops throughout the municipality to seek further information from
young people relating to their ideas and issues (150 participants).
This Strategy has been prepared, using information obtained from the consultative processes outlined
above. It has been structured to clearly articulate the current situation in regards to each specific issue;
to provide details of the information obtained through the literature review, key stakeholder interviews
and consultations with young people; and to identify potential actions that need to be considered as
part of the Strategy. Whilst some strategies will clearly be the responsibility of the City of Greater
Bendigo, many of the issues identified are beyond the capacity of the City of Greater Bendigo Youth
Team to deal with, due to resource limitations, State Government funding condition requirements, nonalignment with core activities or a potential duplication of services with other organisations. Some of the
issues identified may be able to be picked up by other youth services in Greater Bendigo, or may be
able to be worked on collectively by several agencies, or the whole of community.
A summary of key issues / findings:
The youth survey conducted as part of the strategy had the highest response rate to any survey
conducted by the City of Greater Bendigo (2,278 completed surveys), demonstrating that young
people want their voices heard and want to have a say about things that matter to them.
However, many young people living in Greater Bendigo feel that the community has a negative
opinion of them (sometimes fuelled by negative media coverage) and dont always feel that
public spaces are welcoming of young people.
Crime, safety and violence were identified as the number one issue of concern for young people
living in Greater Bendigo. There are a number of public places around Bendigo where some
young people do not feel safe. The high rate of Community Based Orders for young people who
have committed some form of crime, is also a concern (2.4 per 1,000 young people in Bendigo
compared with 1.5 per 1,000 young people in Victoria).
Bullying, including cyber bullying, is the second most important issue for young people. 50.6%
of young people in Greater Bendigo report that they have recently been bullied.
The negative impact of drugs and alcohol worries a significant number of young people,
particularly the effects of binge drinking. It was rated as the third most important issue.
Encouragingly, the number of young people who smoke cigarettes is in a current period of
decline.
Greater Bendigo has a significantly higher number of teen pregnancies resulting in live births
(19.4 per 1,000 teenage women), compared with other cities and towns within Victoria, (10.6 per
1,000 teenage women). The municipality also has a significantly higher number of sexually
transmissible infections (5.7 per 1,000 adolescents) compared with other cities and towns within
Victoria (1.7 per 1,000 adolescents).
Only 13.2% of young people living in Greater Bendigo undertake the recommended amount of
physical activity every day and only 17.4% eat the minimum recommended serves of fruit and
vegetables every day.
72% of young people feel confident that they know where to get help if needed when
experiencing problems with issues such as school work / homework, bullying, abuse, etc, but
only 67.1% of young people have a trusted adult in their lives. Only 65.4% of young people feel
that they can access mental health services if needed.
The percentage of young people living in Greater Bendigo who attain Year 12 or equivalent by
19 years of age is significantly lower than the Victorian figure (68.5% compared with 79.8%
respectively). For those who attain Year 12 or equivalent, tertiary study may not be an option
due to costs associated with moving to other areas to study if suitable courses are not available
locally, and due to the inadequate living allowance provided through Youth Allowance and
Austudy.
Life skills training, regarding money matters; legal rights regarding renting; and assistance with
university and job applications is a core need for many young people.
Although a high number of young people are driven to places, access to transport is a major
issue for some young people, particularly those living in outlying suburbs or communities,
especially after hours and on weekends.
The YO Bendigo website and associated Facebook page are powerful information tools that link
2,400 young people in Greater Bendigo to youth related information and services.
There is strong support for young people for the development of more free or low cost creative,
cultural and sporting youth based events in Bendigo.
Young people are concerned about the environment and sustainability.
The catchment area served by City of Greater Bendigo for youth related activities such as
events, sport, shopping and entertainment often extends to other locations in the Loddon Mallee
region including Echuca, Kerang, Swan Hill, Wedderburn and Castlemaine.
CONTENTS
Background ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Personal Safety ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Current Situation ................................................................................................................................ 8
What the Literature Told Us................................................................................................................ 8
What Our Key Stakeholders Told Us ................................................................................................ 10
What Our Young People Told Us ..................................................................................................... 10
Possible Ways Forward .................................................................................................................... 11
Drugs and alcohol ................................................................................................................................ 13
Current Situation .............................................................................................................................. 13
What the Literature Told Us.............................................................................................................. 14
Physical Health and Wellbeing............................................................................................................. 16
Mental Health ...................................................................................................................................... 21
Education and Training ........................................................................................................................ 25
Employment ......................................................................................................................................... 30

Transport ............................................................................................................................................. 34
Accommodation ................................................................................................................................... 37
Support Services and Networks ........................................................................................................... 39
Participation in Community Life, Planning and Decision Making .......................................................... 42
Information........................................................................................................................................... 47
What our Key Stakeholders Told Us................................................................................................. 47
Events and Opportunities..................................................................................................................... 51

Perception of Young People in the Community and Media .................................................................. 56
Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................... 59
Youth Strategy Action Plan .................................................................................................................. 60
PERSONAL SAFETY
Current Situation
QUOTES
Personal safety refers to physical and psychological safety. There are

many situations where young people in Greater Bendigo may
sometimes feel unsafe, including:
Improve the security

around bus stops.
being out in public places at night where there is potential to be

threatened or harmed by other people
being at a party where there is potential for fights or gate
crashers
waiting at a bus station
walking down the street alone
travelling in a vehicle driven by an inexperienced or risk taking
driver
living in a home where family violence or abuse occurs
using the internet or mobile phones because of the potential to
be bullied or to have inappropriate messages or images
forwarded to other people.
The Federal and Victorian Governments are working towards reducing

actual or perceived threats to peoples personal safety through
programs such as production of Safer Design Guidelines for Victoria;
Transport Accident Commission Road Safety advertisements;
cybersmart website; Victoria Polices Partysafe Program, etc.
The City of Greater Bendigo convenes the Driver Education for Youth
Committee and supports the L2P Driver Training Program a
mentoring program to assist young people to get their drivers license.
There are numerous other agencies in Greater Bendigo that work to
help young people feel more safe and to reduce the risks of harm.
These include, but are not limited to Bendigo Police and the Safe
Community Forum.
What the Literature Told Us

A survey was conducted by the City of Greater Bendigo (BCentral
Youth Survey) to determine what young people would like to see in a
Youth Space. One question specifically asked young people where
their favourite places are to hang out. The four key destinations
selected were: the Market Place, Bendigo Cinema, Rosalind Park and
cafes. Young people liked these spaces as they feel that they are
inviting, comfortable, attractive and welcoming for young people.
Greater Bendigo 2036 also supports the need for welcoming spaces
for young people. As two of the key objectives listed under the heading
The Mall is really

scary to walk through.
We need more police

roaming the streets to
decrease crime and
increase our feeling of
safety.
We should have
CCTV cameras
installed in the Mall
and Rosalind Park.
Make the streets

safer; I often feel
uncomfortable in the
city, as do my peers.
Sometimes it is a bit
scary walking through
places like the Mall or
Rosalind Park,
particularly if you are
by yourself.
We need more lights

in public places.
liveability, this plan identifies the need to continue to create child and youth friendly places and to
foster the usability of open spaces.
The City of Greater Bendigos Road Safety Plan (2007) recognises that young males in particular are at
a high risk of injury on roads as drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. The strategies contained within this
plan relate to traffic safety around schools, safe departure of patrons from entertainment venues, safe
cycling network and bicycle programs, safe driving and alternative forms of transportation.
Child protection reporting and the number of children and young people counselled at the Loddon
Campaspe Region Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) are high according to the City of Greater
Bendigo State of Bendigos Children Report Report 1 & 2 (2009 & 2011). The City of Greater Bendigo
and Goldfields LLEN (2011) Youth Partnerships Project Proposal states that the proportion of child
protection substantiations and the proportion of young people on Community Based Orders, as a result
of some form of crime are higher in Greater Bendigo than in Victoria.
The Victorian Governments Engage Involve Create Youth Statement (2012) also recognises that
interaction via social media can also be problematic for some young people in terms of their sense of
safety.
People living in Greater Bendigo are generally comfortable seeking assistance from neighbours and
feel that most people are generally trustworthy and honest; however there are perceptions of risk about
walking alone after dark according to the City of Greater Bendigos Wellbeing Survey Report Card
(2012).
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Developments Adolescent Community Profile City
of Greater Bendigo 2010 Version 2 (2011) identifies the following statistics related to personal safety:
Proportion of adolescents:
who were victims of crimes against the person
who were victims of crime against property
who committed crimes against the person
who committed crimes against property
aged between 10-14 years of age who committed a crime
aged between 15-17 years of age who committed a crime
convicted and placed on a community order
who have a substantiated child protection report
who feel safe in their neighbourhood
who feel safe at home by themselves during the day
who feel safe at home by themselves after dark
who feel safe walking in local area alone during the day
Greater Bendigo
15.3 per 1,000
adolescents
6.7 per 1,000
adolescents
19.0 per 1,000
adolescents
66.0 per 1,000
adolescents
51.3 per 1,000
adolescents
174.9 per 1,000
adolescents
2.4 per 1,000
adolescents
8.4 per 1,000
adolescents
76.4%
78.5%
59.1%
73.0%
Victoria
11.1 per 1,000
adolescents
6.0 per 1,000
adolescents
12.5 per 1,000
adolescents
42.0 per 1,000
adolescents
32.5 per 1,000
adolescents
117.3 per 1,000
adolescents
1.5 per 1,000
adolescents
4.4 per 1,000
adolescents
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
who feel safe walking in local area alone after dark
who feel safe travelling on public transport during the day
who feel safe travelling on public transport after dark
Greater Bendigo
34.3%
69.9%
34.0%
Victoria
N/A
N/A
N/A
The report also identified the number of victims of crime in Greater Bendigo by age and gender:
10-14 years of age
Male
42
Female
55
15-17 years of age

Male
64
Female
97
Total
Male
106
Female
152
What Our Key Stakeholders Told Us

Our key stakeholders told us that many young people feel unsafe or vulnerable using transport at night,
particularly in quiet areas with limited or no lighting.
They also said that cyber-bullying is becoming more of a problem for young people. For some young
people the bullying no longer ends when they walk out of the school gate at the end of the day, instead,
it continues 24/7 via emails, text messages, social media sites, etc. Sexting, or the sending of
provocative or sexual photos, messages or videos usually over a mobile phone, is also a major issue.
Not only can these images or messages be forwarded on to other people, if charged and convicted in a
court of law, the person who sent, received or produced the image may be placed on a sex offenders
list. This can have a huge impact on the young persons life and their ability to obtain employment in the
future.
Further, there is concern amongst some key stakeholders that racism may become a problem as more
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) young people move to Greater Bendigo from places such
as Afghanistan.
What Our Young People Told Us

Through our survey we asked young people if they feel safe when they are in public places and spaces
such as the town centre, parks, gardens, Hargreaves Mall, etc. 36.9% had a neutral opinion; 36.7%
said that they did feel safe; and the remaining 26.5% said that they did not feel safe in public places
and spaces.
We also asked young people if they feel safe when they are in private venues and businesses such as
shops, nightclubs, shopping centre, etc. A higher percentage of young people feel safer in private
venues rather than public venues (45.7% compared with 36.7% respectively). 38.8% of young people
had no opinion in regards to safety in private venues and 15.6% said that they did not feel safe
(compared with 26.5% who said that they didnt feel safe in public places and spaces).
As part of our survey we asked young people to identify their three biggest concerns. The number one
concern by young people relates to crime, safety and violence. 34.0% of young people are concerned
about these aspects.
10
Through our workshops, young people identified areas within the City of Greater Bendigo where they
currently feel unsafe. Key areas include:
Hargreaves Mall
the front of the Market Place and the underground car park at the Market Place
the Bendigo train station
Mitchell Street bus stop in front of Toyworld
the front of Video Ezy.
Some young people said that they would not go to the Mall unless a parent accompanied them and
would like to see a greater police presence or security cameras in that location and also in Rosalind
Park. Several young people said that they only feel safe in areas where there are a lot of other families
around. Some feel less safe on weekdays as they feel that people who are hanging out down the street
with nothing to do make it an unpleasant experience.
Possible Ways Forward

Further Research
Crime, safety and violence are major concerns for young people living in Greater Bendigo. Some young
people may have personally experienced violence, or been a victim of a criminal act, whereas others
may restrict their activities in response to fear than such acts could occur. Further research by
organisations such as the Safe Community Forum could shed more light on actual and perceived
threats to young peoples personal safety and identify some measures to improve safety for young
people in Greater Bendigo. Perhaps the high number of young people on community based orders in
Greater Bendigo should be further explored too to determine why this figure is so much higher than for
the rest of Victoria.
Urban Design
Some practical ways to help improve young peoples perceptions of safety are to improve the design of
public transport hubs and stops so that they are attractive, well lit, well maintained and dont create
places for people to hide. A lighting audit of streets in the CBD area and around places frequented by
young people in the evenings may also be worthwhile to increase young peoples perceptions of safety.
Surveillance Cameras
Nine young people suggested the installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in key
locations in the CBD area, i.e. the Hargreaves Mall and Rosalind Park. Such cameras are used in a
number of municipalities in Victoria.
Safe Driving
The number of deaths and injuries involving young people from car accidents continues to be a
concern. Messages that promote safe driving and not using mobile phones whilst driving are important.
The City of Greater Bendigo can continue to promote safe driving messages through its involvement in
the Driver Education for Youth Committee, the promotion of the L2P Driver Training Program and
through the YO Bendigo website.
11
Cyber Bullying
The prevention of cyber bullying is a whole of community response involving families, schools and
youth based agencies. The City of Greater Bendigo can continue to promote the anti-bullying message
through its programs and through its YO Bendigo website. Protection from cyber bullying workshops
could potentially be held in the community through a combined partnership involving schools and youth
based agencies.
12
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Current Situation
Although the legal age for drinking in Australia is 18 years of age,
many young people, including young people living in Greater Bendigo,
consume alcohol occasionally or regularly before this time. According
to the Victorian Governments Youth Central portal1, binge drinking is
a particular concern and can lead to situations where young people
get into fights; have accidents; or may have unsafe sex.
Drugs, whether legal or illegal, can also have unwanted effects on a
young persons body. Organisations such as the Australian Drug
Foundation list possible side effects of taking drugs as anxiety;
paranoia; reduced appetite; risk taking behaviour; psychosis; damage
to organs; and even death.
Nicotine, which is contained in cigarettes, is also a drug. The risks
associated with smoking are well documented and include cancers of
the throat, lungs and mouth; strokes; heart attacks; amputations of
limbs, etc. It is illegal to smoke cigarettes in Australia for people under
18 years of age. In Victoria, smoking has been banned in all enclosed
restaurants, cafes and dining areas of hotels, licensed clubs, shopping
centres, most enclosed workplaces; outdoor areas of underage
music/dance events; and covered areas of train station platforms,
trams stops and bus stops under the Tobacco Act 1987 (Vic)
modified in 2006.
The City of Greater Bendigo initiates a number of music and cultural
events each year through the FReeZA program, focusing on
supervised drug, alcohol and smoke-free entertainment (note that all
youth events are smoke-free by law in Victoria). The City of Greater
Bendigo, through the establishment of a Local Law and a potential
$200 fine, also discourages consumption of alcohol in certain public
places such as the CBD.
QUOTES
Create more of a safe
environment for
teenagers free of
alcohol, smoking and
drugs.
Crack down heavier

on drugs and alcohol
and ban smoking from
places like outdoor
seating at restaurants/
cafes and sporting
events. As a young
person I find it
disgusting having to
put up with it and also
see young children
impacted by this
because they either
dont have a say or
people dont care
about smoking in
public places ... its
too much of a health
risk to ignore.
Prevent smokers in
town and the
disgusting culture
related to that.
In Bendigo there are a number of services that work with young

people with drug and alcohol related issues including, but not limited
to: Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service Victoria;
Bendigo Community Health Services; Headspace; Secondary School
nurses and Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS).
13
Victorian Government Youth Central website:

http://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/Health+%26+Relationships/Binge+drinking?gclid=
CLWfyoWExrQCFUhZpQodJxwANw#.UQctmGda9Fd
Australian Drug Foundation website: http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au/

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfares Risk Factor Trends: Age Patterns in Key
Health Risks Over Time (2012) report, the number of young people in Australia who smoke declined
between 1989-90 and 2007-08. The report indicates that as the smoking behaviour of young people
generally indicates future smoking levels, the rate is likely to continue to decline in the future. Similarly,
this study also states that the number of young people between 12 to 17 years of age who drank
alcohol in the week prior to the survey in 2008 has decreased from 1984 levels. However, the report
also states that the number of people over 18 years of age who drank at risky / high risk levels has
increased since 1995.
The Victorian Governments Engage Involve Create Youth Statement (2012) also identifies the fact that
drug and alcohol related issues are some of the main challenges that young people face.
One of the key areas local residents of all ages want assistance from City of Greater Bendigo,
according to the Bendigos Wellbeing Survey Report Card (2012), is to reduce the risks from excessive
drinking of alcohol and smoking.
of Greater Bendigo 2010 - Version 2 (2011) identified the following statistics related to drugs and
alcohol:
Proportion of adolescents in Greater Bendigo in 2009 who have:
ever drunk alcohol
drunk alcohol in the last 30 days
ever smoked cigarettes 2009
smoked cigarettes in the last 30 days
ever used marijuana 2009
ever sniffed glue/chromed
ever used illegal drugs
12-14 years olds:

54.6%
29.2%
19.6%
7.7%
4.6%
9.5%
1.2% *
15-17 years olds

79.2%
61.4%
41.3%
24.2%
16.7%
8.9%
5.2%
*(note that estimates have a relative standard error of between 25-50% and should be used with
caution).
This report also states that 27.8% of young people living in Greater Bendigo are exposed to tobacco
smoke in the home, compared with 24.5% young Victorians.

Drugs and alcohol were not identified by many key stakeholders as a significant issue during
discussions. However, one stakeholder suggested that the fallout from the new teen drinking laws could
be significant for young people and their families if properly tested in a court of law. The new law
imposes fines of up to $7,000 for adults who supply alcohol to young people under 18 years of age in a
private residence, unless parental consent is given.
14

As part of our survey, we asked young people what their three main concerns were. Alcohol and drugs
rated as the third highest concern, with a total of 30.1% of young people identifying this issue as a
problem.
Through our workshops, young people told us that they want more education about the dangers of
binge drinking, drugs and smoking.

Promotional Events
Clearly young people living in Greater Bendigo are very concerned about the impact drugs, alcohol and
smoking are having on peoples health and wellbeing and their general sense of safety. It is important
to continue to promote the message that such substances can do significant harm to people. The City
of Greater Bendigos FReeZA program is a brand that is well known among young people as promoting
drug, alcohol and smoke-free events.
Local Laws
City of Greater Bendigos Local Law in relation to consumption of alcohol in public places may assist in
removing alcohol and its impact away from public places frequented by young people. Some
municipalities in Melbourne have also banned smoking in outdoor areas not yet covered by state
legislation, such as playgrounds; within 10 metres of Council buildings (including sports pavilions
located on Council land); and at designated council events 2 . This type of local law could also be
considered in Greater Bendigo.
15
Tobacco in Australia website: http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-15-smokefree-environment/15-7legislation#Vic (accessed 10 January 2013).
PHYSICAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Current Situation
Young people from the age of 12-25 years of age experience
considerable body changes. Some young people have no issues with
these changes and in fact embrace them, whilst for others these
changes can be quite difficult to deal with. During this time, some
young people may develop body image issues, which can be fuelled
by media images of unrealistic bodies. Some body image issues can
result in young people developing eating disorders or undertaking
excessive physical training according to the Victorian Governments
Youth Central portal3.
Peak bodies such as VicHealth4 state that in order to remain fit and
healthy, young people need to eat well and be physically active.
Unfortunately, due to a range of reasons including lack of confidence
and self-esteem, poor body image, as well as work and study
pressure, a considerable number of young people, particularly girls,
drop out of organized sport during their teens. During this time of their
lives, young people may also skip meals to help reduce their weight or
may over indulge in junk food that is heavily marketed to young
people.
The Victorian Governments Youth Central portal states that
unprotected sex can also affect a young persons physical health and
wellbeing. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as HIV, herpes
and Chlamydia can occur. Unprotected sex may also result in an
unwanted pregnancy.
For young people in Greater Bendigo experiencing physical health
wellbeing issues, there are several agencies that can assist, including,
but not limited to: Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal
Service Victoria; B-Epic; Bendigo Community Health Services;
Bendigo Student Association; Country Awareness Network (CAN);
Headspace, Heathcote Health; Secondary School nurses; St Lukes
Connect Central; Womens Health Loddon Mallee; and Youth
Substance Abuse Service (YSAS).
QUOTES
Junk foodshould
NOT be sold in
schools. Bendigo has
high obesity rates and
therefore an unhealthy
population.
We need access to
health care, including
sexual health.
We need cheap and

accessible fitness
programs for
teenagers like yoga
and Pilates and also
sessions for teens on
how diet and exercise
can work together.
We need more
reasonably priced
physical activities that
I can participate in.
I would like sporting

events held with other
schools, groups and
teams.
16
Victorian Government Youth Central website:

http://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/News+%26+Features/Body+Image/#.UQcvRGda9Fc
4
VicHealth website: http://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/

The Victorian Governments Engage Involve Create Youth Statement (2012) identifies poor body image
as one of the main challenges facing young people in the State.
According to the City of Greater Bendigos Bendigo Wellbeing Survey Report Card (2012), the majority
of local residents who completed the survey feel that they are able to access the health services
required to maintain their physical health and wellbeing (81.5%). However, one of the key areas local
residents of all ages want assistance from the City of Greater Bendigo is to reduce the risks from of
obesity and chronic disease.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfares Risk Factor Trends Age Patterns in Key Health Risks
Over Time (2012) report also identified obesity as a major issue. It stated that there have been
increases in the rates of overweight/obesity for all ages, with the largest increases for females aged 12
to 44 between 1995 and 200708. It also stated that during the same period, the proportion of young
people aged 15 to 17 who were physically inactive increased. Further, vegetable consumption has also
decreased further in this time frame amongst young people between 12 to 17 years of age.
The City of Greater Bendigo (2009) Health and Wellbeing Strategy identifies two strategies to
strengthen the health and wellbeing of young people. The first is to develop a food safety education
package aimed at improving basic food hygiene and handling at school and in the home; and the
second is to work in partnership with Youth Agencies to create educational events that promote health
and wellbeing messages (including a focus on contraception and sexual health) to Bendigos young
people.
Another report, the City of Greater Bendigo and Goldfields LLENs Youth Partnerships Project Proposal
(2011), identifies the level of teenage births in Greater Bendigo as significantly higher than that for
Victoria (19.4 per 1,000 young people compared with 10.6 per 1,000 young people, respectively).
Young people over 12 years of age are also limited in terms of informal physical activity opportunities,
according to the City of Greater Bendigos Play Space Strategy (2008). Most play spaces throughout
the municipality only cater for children between 3-10 years of age currently. The Strategy suggests that
young people should be provided support to design youth friendly places to hang out in their local area.
This concept of young people participating in planning and urban design decision making is strongly
supported by the City of Greater Bendigos The Place of Children in Community Building: Turning
Theory into Practice (2012). This document also identifies the need to improve young peoples
pedestrian and cycling experiences.
of Greater Bendigo 2010 Version 2 (2011) identifies the following statistics related to physical health
and wellbeing for young people:
Greater Bendigo
17.4%
Victoria
19.0%
2.9%
64.1%
16.9%
3.1%
67.4%
15.3%
17
who are reported to eat at least the minimum recommended serves of fruit and
vegetables each day
who always wear sunscreen and a hat during summer when outdoors
who are reported to brush their teeth at least twice a day
with a special health care need
with asthma
with good health
who do the recommended amount of physical activity every day
with an eating disorder
who have had sexual intercourse 12-14 years of age
who have had sexual intercourse 15-17 years of age
who feel that they can access physical health services if needed
who feel that they can access dental health services if needed
with a need for assistance with core activities
who are sexually active and practice safe sex by using a condom
who are sexually active females and have used contraception to avoid
pregnancy
who have developed a sexually transmissible infection
who are female aged 15 to 19 years who had a live birth
who are admitted to hospital as a result of injury or poisoning
Greater Bendigo
13.3%
85.9%
13.2%
2.7%
7.9%
38.3%
75.4%
90.0%
2.3%
47.5%
67.5%
Victoria
11.6%
89.2%
12.3%
2.4%
4.7%
22.4%
79.4%
78.3%
1.8%
58.1%
78.9%
5.7 per 1,000

adolescents
19.4 per 1,000
teenage women
10.7 per 1,000
adolescents
1.7 per 1,000

adolescents
10.6 per 1,000
teenage women
8.4 per 1,000
adolescents
The top three causes of hospitalisations for adolescents in Greater Bendigo are:
'Chronic tonsillitis' (rate of 392.1 per 100,000 adolescents)

'Acute appendicitis unspecified' (rate of 313.7 per 100,000 adolescents)
'Other and unspecified abdominal pain' (rate of 165.6 per 100,000 adolescents).

Our key stakeholders told us that young people need to be better educated about nutrition and healthy
eating (or good food) and that healthy eating policies need to be developed across City of Greater
Bendigo and other youth service providers. Further, our key stakeholders feel that there would be value
in providing public health programs for young people in relation to body image. Poor body image is a
major barrier to participation by many young people, including young people from indigenous
communities.
They also told us that sex education needs to be provided to younger people to try and prevent
unwanted teen pregnancies and to ensure that young men know that they also have responsibilities if
their partner becomes pregnant.
Stakeholders told us that young people do not necessarily want to speak with their family General
Practitioner (GP) for sexual health related issues. Hence there needs to be easier access for young
people to access GPs independently of their parents / carers. Referrals by GPs to other services are
also crucial and needs to follow the no wrong door initiative. Young people also need to be made
aware that the can get their own Medicare card from the age of fifteen if they so desire.
18
The cost of participating in sport and recreation activities was mentioned a few times as a deterrent. It
was suggested that one way to reduce this barrier is to encourage the development of a second hand
equipment shop in Bendigo. Others suggested the need to lower sport and recreation participation fees
for young people so that cost is no longer a significant barrier. One key stakeholder noted the fact that
many outdoor sports facilities, such as tennis, netball and basketball courts, are usually locked up when
not in use by a specific club. This limits the ability of young people to access outdoor courts and
sometimes sports grounds for informal physical activity opportunities with their friends. Another key
stakeholder spoke about the inequity of sport and recreation facility provision by City of Greater
Bendigo in relation to traditionally male and female sports. It was suggested that a gender lens be
utilised to identify gaps in provision of physical activity places and spaces in the community.
Key stakeholders recognised the importance of engaging people in sport and recreation at a young age
to encourage healthy lifestyles. They felt that the City of Greater Bendigo has a role to play in engaging
young people in physical activities and needs to consider holding a variety of Come and Try Days and
other recreational programs. The AFL Youth Connections Program in Ballarat, which aims to engage
parents and increase health outcomes for young people, was suggested as one option to explore
further. Some stakeholders felt that females are not given the same opportunities as males in relation to
sport, particularly young women from CALD communities.
The concept of risk taking through physical activity was also identified. Key stakeholders felt that risk
taking is an important part of a young persons development, yet many organisations that work with
young people are risk averse, hence young people arent necessarily as exposed to trying something,
having it fail and learning from the experience.

Three quarters of all survey respondents (75.1%) agree or strongly agree that there are a wide range of
sport and recreation activities available in Greater Bendigo for young people. Approximately one fifth of
respondents have a neutral opinion and only 5.2% of people dont think that there are enough physical
activities available for 12-25 year olds.
As part of our survey we asked young people to identify their three biggest concerns. Health was
ranked at number five (15.9%) and body image was identified as the ninth biggest issue (12.0%).

Healthy Eating
The City of Greater Bendigo has been funded by the State Government to implement the Healthy
Communities Prevention Community Model to help prevent chronic diseases. This program focuses
on reducing levels of overweight and obesity, physical inactivity and poor nutrition. Opportunities exist
for the City of Greater Bendigo to work with this program to encourage better nutrition for young people
in the community. One such initiative could be the development of a healthy eating policy across City of
Greater Bendigo for all events, including youth related events such as FReeZA. It could also work to
encourage healthy eating policies at schools throughout Greater Bendigo (where such policies do not
already exist). Perhaps the YO Bendigo website could also provide links to healthy eating sites.
Physical Activity
19
Another opportunity exists for the City of Greater Bendigos Active & Healthy Communities and Youth
Development teams to partner with Sports Focus to encourage young people to be more physically
active. A variety of free Come and Try Days and other recreational programs could be offered so that
young people can experience different sport and recreation activities, which they may then choose to
pursue. Keeping the cost of activities to a minimum will also need to be a priority so that cost does not
become a major barrier for participation in physical activities by young people. The YO Bendigo website
could also be used to more effectively promote sport and recreation activities available in the
community for young people, e.g. at the beginning of each season when new members / players are
being sought; and through the appointment of a volunteer YO Bendigo sports journalist to promote
sport and recreation opportunities and achievements.
Positive Body Image
Other opportunities exist to help promote positive body images. Organisations such as the Butterfly
Foundation provide workshops to schools and workplaces through its education program. Information
about positive body image could be provided on the YO Bendigo website.
Health Promotion
Sex education is usually seen as the
responsibility of families and schools, rather
than
Local
Government
Authorities.
Nevertheless, information about free
condoms; sexual health service providers
available in the region; processes to obtain
Medicare cards; etc could continue to be
provided through the YO Bendigo website.
20
MENTAL HEALTH
QUOTES
Current Situation
We need less bullying

in sports teams.
Mental health refers to a persons emotional and social wellbeing.

According to VicHealth5, one in five Australians suffers from mental
health issues at some time in their lives. Young people in Greater
Bendigo are not immune from mental health issues. Things such as
relationship problems, bullying, body image issues, eating disorders,
family conflicts, pressure to do well at school, unemployment,
homelessness, etc can all make it difficult for young people to cope.
There are a number of services available in Greater Bendigo to assist
young people who are experiencing mental health issues, including,
but not limited to: Bendigo Community Health Services; Headspace;
Secondary School nurses; St Lukes; and Youth Support and
Advocacy Service (YSAS). As well as locally based services, there are
a number of online or telephone based counselling services to assist
young people with mental health issues, including: Beyond Blue, Kids
Help Line and Lifeline.

Stress, school / study problems and bullying have all been identified in
the Victorian Governments Engage Involve Create Youth Statement
(2012) as some of the main challenges facing young people and
potentially impacting on their mental health and their ability to cope
with daily life. The health and wellbeing of young people is related to
their connectedness and their level of engagement in the community,
according to the Better Youth Services The Greater Bendigo Youth
Trust Pilot Stage 2 (2010).
The City of Greater Bendigos Wellbeing Survey Report Card (2012)
states that local residents feel that more work is required to support
vulnerable community members and that only 61.2% of residents
believe that they can access the health services to maintain their
mental health and wellbeing. Another report, the City of Greater
Bendigo and Goldfields LLENs Youth Partnerships Project Proposal
(2011), identifies the level of self-harm in Greater Bendigo as higher
than that for Victoria (0.9 per 1,000 young people compared with 0.6
per 1,000 young people, respectively).
The City of Greater Bendigos Reaching Out to Rural Young People
Report (2011) offered a number of suggestions to assist young people
VicHealth (2007) Burden of Disease due to Mental Illness and Mental Health Problems
We need to crack
down on bullying so
young people feel safe
to live in Bendigo and
dont have to worry
about being bullied.
We need laws against

cyber-bullyingso
kids feel safer.
We need groups for

people with mental
health issues so they
can talk to others
about their problems.
More suicide
awareness is needed
in schools.
We need cheaper
rates for mental health
help
21
We need to be able to
access counseling in
schools without
parental permission.
to cope, including the development of a mentoring program and the trial opening of Bendigo
Headspace on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm, linked with public transport opportunities. It also
suggested that school counsellors and nurses should speak regularly at school assemblies about how
they can assist young people.
of Greater Bendigo 2010 Version 2 (2011) identifies the following statistics related to mental health for
young people:
who reported being recently bullied
who were hospitalised for intentional self-harm*
who were admitted to a psychiatric hospital
who reported very high levels of psychological distress
who have positive psychological development (high level of emotional
wellbeing)
who are living in families with healthy family functioning
who are satisfied with their quality of life
who feel that they can access mental health services if needed
Greater Bendigo
50.6%
0.9 per 1,000
adolescents
6.1 per 1,000
adolescents
15.1%
56.1%
Victoria
44.6%
0.6 per 1,000
adolescents
6.7 per 1,000
adolescents
13.0%
61.1%
80.3%
70.2%
65.4%
83.1%
77.1%
70.4%
*Young people who intentionally self-harm may present to hospitals, but are not necessarily admitted.
Hence the number of young people who intentionally self-harm may be much higher than this figure.
Furthermore, this data is dependent upon triage staff reporting an injury as intentional self-harm upon
presentation at a hospital.

A significant number of key stakeholders told us that mental health issues such as anxiety and
depression are becoming more common amongst young people living in Greater Bendigo, with an
increasing number of younger people becoming disengaged from friends, work and school. However,
one of our key stakeholders told us that although 75% of mental health issues arise during the ages of
12-25 years of age, only 25% of these young people get treated.
Our stakeholders told us that family breakdowns continue to have a big impact on the mental health of
young people, and the rate of young people who are involved regularly in online gambling is also
growing.
Key stakeholders see the provision of mental health first aid courses as one option to help family,
friends and agencies to identify and help young people with mental health issues. However, it must be
noted that Mental Health First Aid is an identification tool only, not a treatment tool for mental health.
Key stakeholders inform us that the waiting time for a young person to see a mental health practitioner,
after initially presenting to a service, can be around two weeks.
22

As part of our survey we asked young people to identify their three biggest concerns. Mental health was
ranked at number ten (11.8%). Other factors that can affect a young persons mental health or at least
their stress levels also ranked highly, including: bullying (2nd highest concern at 32.4%); pressure
related to school work / homework (6th highest concern at 15.4%) and abuse (8th highest concern at
12.0%).

Bullying Support
Bullying is a major issue for many young people living in the City of Greater Bendigo. Schools have
developed anti-bullying policies; however, bullying does not only occur in schools. Bullying also occurs
over electronic devices such as mobile phones and social media sites at any time of day or night.
Workplaces and sports clubs are not immune from bullying either. Responding to the issue of bullying is
a whole of community response. However, the City of Greater Bendigo may be able to provide
information on the YO Bendigo website about how to respond to bullying. It can also continue to
provide links to local agencies such as Headspace and state and national bodies such as Kids Helpline.
It may also be able to work in partnership with the City of Greater Bendigos Active & Healthy
Communities and Youth Development teams and Sports Focus to develop anti-bullying policies for
sports clubs.
Mentoring
Other ways in which the City of Greater Bendigo could help promote mental health is through the
establishment of a mentoring program, whereby young people are linked up with other trained
community members (e.g. CSOAR project in Charlton where a young person is matched with an adult
who they meet with for approximately two hours per week to help them connect to the community and
to recognise personal, social and vocational opportunities6). This type of relationship can provide a
young person with a trusted contact in the community whom they can discuss issues with and seek
advice in relation to specific problems. This mentoring program could be developed in partnership with
local businesses (e.g. banks and La Trobe University) with a variety of workshops based around
leadership and community planning, designed by participants.
Access to Services
Continued advocacy to ensure that youth services are open on weekends and to increase
transportation services from outlying rural areas on Saturdays into Bendigo may also need to be
considered so that young people in rural areas can potentially access mental health services on
weekends. Headspace plans to open its services on Saturday mornings in the near future and
Medicare Local is aware of the need for mental health services after hours.
Mental Health Awareness
23
Australian Youth Mentoring Network: CSOAR program:

http://www.youthmentoring.org.au/program_details.php?pgDetails=Mzk4
The City of Greater Bendigo or other local youth agencies may consider the facilitation of mental health
first aid courses to assist family, friends and agencies to identify and help young people with mental
health issues. Seven young people as well as several stakeholders explicitly stated the need for
improved mental health awareness. Mental health awareness days such as R U OK? could also
continue to be promoted through YO Bendigo.
24
EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Current Situation
There are 43 primary and 13 secondary schools (including DOXA,
NETschool and BTEC) throughout Greater Bendigo, as well as three
tertiary options Continuing Education, Bendigo TAFE and La Trobe
University. Many young people take up an apprenticeship or
traineeship where they learn the skills required for a particular type of
career on the job, supported by some additional training.
Whilst some young people cope well in the education or further training
sector, others do not. For those who are struggling in the mainstream
secondary education sector, there are several options available,
supported by the Department of Education and Early Childhood
Development and the Catholic Education Office, including DOXA and
NETschool. For those who experience issues related to their
apprenticeship (such as workplace violence) or who may be
terminated from a traineeship, or are seeking assistance with further
training, organisations including, but not limited to: BEST Community
Development; Centrelink; Conservation Volunteers Australia; CVGT
Career on Track; Futures for Young Adults; Goldfields Local Learning
and Employment Network; On Track Training and Employment Trade
Start Youth Empowerment Program (YEP); Regional Information and
Advocacy Council; St Lukes; Tradestart; Victoria Works for
Jobseekers; Job Watch; Business Victoria; Victoria Online Industrial
Relations; Law Institute of Victoria; and Fairwork Australia can assist.
The City of Greater Bendigo provides a range of training programs
including:
youth leadership courses;

media skills such as writing, photography, videos and graphic
design skills; and
event management skills such as production, promotion,
concept development, artwork / design, programming,
performance, sound engineering and lighting.
Schools should go
from Year 7-12 and
should offer trades as
well as VCE so that
young people are
more supported and
connected to school
and their friends and
get supported through
the transition.
Many young people

get lost when leaving
Year 10 and cant
navigate their way.
I know many
apprentice builders
who are treated
unfairly not given
payslips, made to
work over-time with no
pay, no travel
allowance, but they
are too scared to tell
anyone.
More options at La
Trobe University so
students dont have to
move to Melbourne or
further to get the
education they want.
I would like more

leadership
opportunities.
25
The City of Greater Bendigo is also involved in the Mundy Street

Innovation Centre Partnership based at The COG, 45 Mundy St. In
July 2010, City of Greater Bendigo, in partnership with the Bendigo
Regional YMCA (BRYMCA) undertook an extensive review of 45
Mundy St (previously known as Bcentral), as it had become apparent
several years after the launch of Bcentral that the existing operating
model was not sustainable from either a governance or financial
QUOTES
perspective. After extensive consultation with young people, the City of Greater Bendigo, key
stakeholders, business and community members, a new vision and model was endorsed for the site.
The primary focus of the facility's operating model will be engagement and capacity building: a place
where young people, community groups and businesses can connect and incubate ideas and develop
knowledge and skills. The Mundy Street Youth Innovation Centre has been developed and will colocate businesses and young people who have business aspirations at The COG. It connects business
and young people with a community that wants to be sustainable, liveable and productive. It
demonstrates that Bendigo is a place that values the development and positive participation of young
people.
Expected outcomes of The Mundy Street Youth Innovation Centre Partnership at The COG include:
Improved connections between young people and the business community of Bendigo;
New transition opportunities and increased retention and attraction of talented young people in
Bendigo;
Development of a young adult culture that values community participation and business
achievement.

The City of Greater Bendigos State of Bendigos Children Report Report 1 & 2 (2009 & 2011) notes
that compared with Victoria, there are still more young people in the municipality who are not engaged
in either learning or earning between 15 to 19 years of age. It also states that a significant proportion of
children in Year 9 at school did not meet reading or writing standards. The retention rates for Year 12 or
equivalent, as identified through the City of Greater Bendigo and Goldfields LLENs Youth Partnerships
Project Proposal (2011) was lower than the rate for Victoria overall: 68.5% compared with 79.8%
respectively.
The importance of the whole community being involved in education and training is identified through
much of the literature. The Better Youth Services The Greater Bendigo Youth Trust Pilot Stage 2
Report (2010) highlights the success of the Eaglehawk Secondary College Outreach Education Model,
DOXA and NETschool deemed enrolment programs. It also recognises the potential role of other
schools in identification of issues; early intervention; and in working in partnership with youth services,
but also recognises that many schools dont have the capacity to do so due to lack of resources and
skills.
By building the capacity of young people, they are more likely to participate effectively in the economy,
according to the Municipal Association of Victorias Engaging with Young People: Local Government in
Action (2004). However, the report acknowledges that in order for young people to participate
effectively, they may need to develop more specific skills and knowledge, e.g. dealing with people,
finding connections and support, understanding decision making and building organisations. Local
Government Authorities typically assist young people to develop these skills through leadership training
or community based programs focussed on music, physical activity, arts, etc.
26
of Greater Bendigo 2010 Version 2 (2011) identifies the following statistics related to education and
training:
in years 5, 7 and 9 at or above the national minimum standard for reading
who continued onto years 10 - 12 as full-time equivalent students
Greater Bendigo
Year 5: 91.6%
Year 7: 95.0%
Year 9: 91.1%
Year 5: 91.6%
Year 7: 89.5%
Year 9: 86.3%
Year 5: 94.4%
Year 7: 95.7%
Year 9: 93.8%
77.6%
Victoria
92.6%
95.3%
92.3%
93.8%
92.8%
89.4%
95.1%
96.2%
94.4%
82.4%
who attained Year 12 or equivalent attainment rates at age 19
68.5%
79.8%
in years 5, 7 and 9 at or above the national minimum standard for writing
in years 5, 7 and 9 at or above the national minimum standard for numeracy
Other information relating to school absences and connectedness:

School Connectedness
in Greater Bendigo (5
is the best possible
score)
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
3.62
3.38
3.41
3.32
3.65
3.66
School
Connectedness
in Victoria (5 is
the best possible
score)
3.92
3.53
3.42
3.35
3.42
3.53
Average absence
days of students
enrolled in
government schools
in Greater Bendigo
16.4
19.1
24.1
21.1
14.0
12.5
Average absence
days of students
enrolled in
government schools
in Victoria
16.2
19.8
22.5
20.9
15.8
13.0

Our key stakeholders believe that some primary schools need to further identify young people who may
be at risk of not doing well in secondary college and to notify relevant secondary colleges as part of the
transition process. They also believe that more resources need to be directed into early intervention
with families and schools. At the same time, it was felt that schools need to be more open to youth
organisations running programs or initiatives within the education sector.
Our key stakeholders told us that Youth Allowance and Austudy rates are too low to cover the living
expenses for students in the tertiary sector. This may result in further study becoming outside the reach
of many young people from Greater Bendigo, or at least placing considerable financial pressure on
families or young people themselves. Latest industry information suggests that it costs approximately
$20,000 per year for students in higher education to live and study.
27
A number of our key stakeholders believe that the City of Greater Bendigo has a role to play in relation
to training. They believe that City of Greater Bendigo should provide more work experience and
internship opportunities for young people and should set up section on the website for young people to
show what types of work experience opportunities are available within the organisation. There is
support amongst local service providers for The COG to become a site for a business incubator as it
can help young people to see that ideas can be turned into reality with some assistance. Although how
this model will be resourced is unclear to some service providers. The YO Bendigo model whereby
young people with an interest in graphic arts, journalism, event management, etc are able to further
develop their skills through the opportunities provided is also seen as a positive initiative (i.e. some
young people have received paid employment designing logos for businesses; some have gone on to
study journalism; and others have become involved in event management).
Another suggestion is to develop a cafe that could be run by young people and offer hospitality training
opportunities at the venue. An additional idea is to train up young indigenous people and young people
from CALD communities to run cultural awareness programs in schools. This initiative is likely to
increase the skills and confidence of young people from the indigenous and CALD community. At the
same time it is likely to encourage a greater understanding of the various cultures found within Greater
Bendigo and to promote reconciliation.
It is felt by key stakeholders that we need to invest in retaining young people in Bendigo by ensuring
appropriate courses and training are on offer. To do this, we need to work with local industry to find out
what their needs are in relation to employees. We also need to provide better non-traditional training
opportunities, but not necessarily courses run by employment agencies as many young people feel that
these courses do not mean anything. At the same time we need to increase the awareness of young
people of the training opportunities available.

Through our workshops, young people told us that they need additional life skills training in areas such
as:
paying bills
developing resumes
responding to key selection criteria for certain jobs
how to apply for university
understanding taxes.
Young people involved with City of Greater Bendigos various youth committees also told us that they
would like to see more culturally inclusive school curriculums available in Greater Bendigo.
28

Training
Although the City of Greater Bendigo already provides a range of training programs there will be
opportunities to expand this suite to incorporate practical life skills such as paying bills, developing
resumes, and techniques for applying for jobs and university through at The COG. Links could also be
made to relevant sites on the YO Bendigo website so that young people can easily access this type of
information.
Cultural Awareness
From a broader City of Greater Bendigo perspective, supporting young people from indigenous or
CALD backgrounds to provide cultural awareness training within schools and local organisations could
also be beneficial and at the same time build the capacity of young people. This training could occur
through The Mundy Street Youth Innovation Partnership could work with local agencies such as
Bendigo District Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC) or Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services (who
already provide some cultural awareness training in several schools in the region).
Employment Opportunities
Consideration could also be given to an increased commitment by the City of Greater Bendigo to
provide more work experience and internship opportunities for young people. In order to retain young
people in Bendigo, appropriate courses and training need to be available. The City of Greater
Bendigos Economic Development and Youth Development areas could work in partnership with local
industry to identify employment needs and to ensure that young people are aware of training
opportunities available locally.
Financial Support
The City of Greater Bendigo, in partnership with other agencies such as BENDIGO TAFE and La Trobe
University could advocate to the Federal Government to increase Youth Allowance and Austudy rates
so that more young people can afford to study at the tertiary level.
Advocacy
The City of Greater Bendigo may also consider advocating, in partnership with the education sector, for
increased resources to:
replicate the success of the Eaglehawk Secondary College Outreach Education Model
allow schools to work in partnership with youth agencies
allow schools to provide more early intervention programs
allow schools to provide more effective transition programs.
29
EMPLOYMENT
Current Situation
According to Business Victoria7 young people are permitted to obtain
employment from the age of fifteen, although there are some
exceptions, e.g. no minimum age for working in a family business or
on a family farm; and a minimum of 11 years of age to deliver
newspapers or to make deliveries for a pharmacist. Many young
people in Greater Bendigo combine part-time work with their studies.
Others may have completed their studies (either secondary or tertiary)
and commenced their careers. Others may be seeking work, but
finding it difficult to obtain.
Whilst for some young people, entering the workforce is a very
positive experience, for others, it can be very challenging. Workplace
violence, which incorporates bullying, verbal abuse, sexual
harassment, racial harassment and physical assault can have a
detrimental impact on a young persons life. Getting paid properly or
having fair working hours or shifts can be problematic for some young
people. Not being able to find a job can also have a major impact on a
young persons self-esteem, as well as financial resources. Both Work
Safe Victoria and the Fair Work Commission are working towards
improving the safety and rights of all Australians, including young
people.
To assist young people to obtain employment, or to get help with
workplace issues, there are several agencies in Greater Bendigo that
can help including, but not limited to: BEST Community Development;
Centrelink; Conservation Volunteers Australia; CVGT Career on
Track; Futures for Young Adults; Goldfields Local Learning and
Employment Network; On Track Training and Employment Trade Start
Youth Empowerment Program (YEP); Regional Information and
Advocacy Council; St Lukes; Tradestart; and Victoria Works for
Jobseekers. At a state and federal level, the following organisations
can provide assistance: Job Watch, Business Victoria, Victoria Online
Industrial Relations, Law Institute of Victoria and Fairwork Australia.

The City of Greater Bendigos State of Bendigos Children Report
Report 1 & 2 (2009 & 2011) notes that whilst the youth unemployment
rate for Greater Bendigo is similar to the Victorian average, compared
QUOTES
Have an event in
Bendigo, where we
get people with lots of
different jobs into the
one place, so kids can
have a look at a few
things they can do.
We need more parttime jobs for students.
More opportunities for

links between school
and employment, e.g.
work experience.
There needs to be
more done to attract
business to set up in
Bendigo to create
jobs. In particular,
professions that utilise
the degrees coming
out of La Trobe.
As a graduate I had
to
relocate
to
Melbourne
for
12
months in order to get
my foot in the door in
my industry- no one in
Bendigo would give
me the chance.
We need to get paid

more than 10 dollars
30
Business Victoria website: https://www.business.vic.gov.au/operating-a-business/employing-and-managingpeople/employing-children/child-employment-laws-and-requirements
with Victoria, there are still more young people in the municipality who are not engaged in either
learning or earning between 15 to 19 years of age.
of Greater Bendigo 2010 Version 2 (2011) stated that 19.3% of early school leavers in Greater Bendigo
were unemployed six months after leaving school in 2010, compared with 16.6% of young Victorian
early school leavers.
According to the City of Greater Bendigos Wellbeing Survey Report Card (2012), local residents
believe that its important for the City of Greater Bendigo to make stronger links between schools and
workplaces by continuing to support education initiatives and to develop initiatives that promote
employment growth and employment for minority groups, including indigenous people and recent
immigrants. This is supported by Greater Bendigos 2036 Plan (2010) which has productivity as a key
focus area. Two of the objectives identified under productivity in this report are: to overcome the
barriers preventing peoples full participation in employment; and to foster the development of local
expertise to meet our evolving needs.
Another plan prepared by the City of Greater Bendigo, Engage! Program Work Plan: January 2012December 2014 (2012), outlines the role of City of Greater Bendigo in relation to growing employment
opportunities for young people through the State Government funded Youth Community Opportunity
Growth Program. This document states that the aim of this program is to empower and enhance
individuals and groups of young people by providing these groups with the skills they need to
confidently engage and affect change within the community and to assist skilled young people to gain
employment and retain employment within the local community. Specific initiatives identified within the
report include: skill building of committee members involved with the Youth Advisory Group and YO
Bendigo; and social enterprise development at The COG.
The COG is a place for young people to access a professional environment with meeting spaces and
hot desks. They can use the spaces for a range of purposes that could include working on ideas and
new start-up businesses. The physical space will be developed in such a way that it actively promotes
opportunities for networking. Young people have expressed a desire for a professional space that
inspires and becomes a go to place for all young people seeking support to develop inspirational
education, employment and business development skills. This space will be shared with the business
community.
There are a variety of programs that have been trialled in Victoria in relation to employment of young
people. Three of these programs, which were identified in the Municipal Association of Victorias
Engaging with Young People: Local Government in Action (2004), are:
Wellington Shire Council set itself a quota of youth trainee positions to increase youth
employment in the municipality and reduce the exodus of young people from the area.
Whittlesea City Council worked in partnership with employers, government, schools, colleges
and many others to create their Youth Guarantee, which established a community-wide program
to create education, training and employment options for every young person leaving school
In Pyrenees Shire a rural partnership of council, school and employers is building the resilience
of those at risk through early school leaving.
31
In order to create a participatory employment environment, many LGAs have strategies to increase
youth employment within their own workforce and encourage other local businesses to do likewise.
Such strategies include 'youth friendly' recruitment processes, marketing, student placements and
engagement of young people as volunteers, according to the Municipal Association of Victorias
Engaging with Young People: Local Government in Action (2004).

Our key stakeholders told us that most jobs are listed online, but not all young people have access to
the internet, or they may be illiterate; hence they may not necessarily be aware of all relevant
opportunities. Once a young person has secured a job, they often have difficulties in the workplace with
being unfairly paid, not paid, bullied and provided with unfair conditions. Some young people are
dismissed once they have completed a certificate course or traineeship.
Our key stakeholders believe that City of Greater Bendigo should employ young people in a greater
number of roles, including young people with a disability. They also believe that a job network site
should be established for young people that not only allows the promotion of employment opportunities,
but also provides an opportunity for young people to profile their skills and experiences.

Through our workshops, young people told us that they would like a jobs board to be established on the
YO Bendigo website, providing information on casual, part-time, full-time or gap year jobs.
Some young people mentioned their concern about poor conditions for young workers through the
survey. One young person said: Youth are highly discriminated against and Bendigo businesses are
some of the worst for workplace rights and laws being followed, I believe an auditing service should be
created to ensure all businesses are regularly following workplace laws in relation to hours, time off,
wages, up to date award related laws, rosters; basically everything!

Capacity Building and Support
The City of Greater Bendigo could continue to develop the capacity of young people through its various
committees and groups so that these young people are more equipped with skills to help them gain
employment in the future. The City of Greater Bendigo could also focus on effectively promoting the
Mundy Street Youth Innovation Centre concept so that young people can seek support to develop
inspirational education, employment and business development skills through this facility.
Information
Through the YO Bendigo website, the City of Greater Bendigo could continue to provide clear links to
existing employment sites; agencies that promote workplace rights and laws; and information about
preparing a resume, responding to key selection criteria, etc.
32
Employment Policies and Initiatives

The City of Greater Bendigo could also make a commitment to employing more young people
throughout the organisation, including young people with a disability. This initiative could involve the
introduction of quotas, youth friendly recruitment processes and pathways for volunteers or work
experience students into employment. Career expos are another tool that can be used by City of
Greater Bendigo to promote employment opportunities available within the organisation.
33
TRANSPORT
QUOTES
Current Situation
I'm restricted with

transport because the
bus is not available on
weekends.
Young people in Greater Bendigo use a variety of forms of

transportation to get to places such as school, work, shops,
entertainment centres, sport and recreation facilities and friends
homes. Some will drive or be a passenger in a car; some will ride a
bicycle, skateboard, scooter, horse or motorbike; others will take a bus
or taxi; and many will walk. As young people cannot get their Ls until
they are 16 for a car or 18 for a motorbike and their Ps for a car until
they are 188, many are reliant on the availability of family and friends
to transport them to their desired destination or on public transport
schedules, which may not meet their specific needs.
The State Government funded Transport Connections Program, which
is managed by the City of Greater Bendigo, had enabled
transportation to rural areas such as Axedale and Heathcote to
improve in recent years. Similarly, the Salvation Armys L2P Program
has provided opportunities for young people who face a significant
barrier (economic, social or other) to successfully obtaining their
license through the support of a skilled local mentor.

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Developments
Adolescent Community Profile City of Greater Bendigo 2010 Version
2 (2011) states that the proportion of adolescents whose lack of
access to transport impacts on their capacity to work, study, see a
doctor or socialise in Greater Bendigo is 10.9%, compared with 9.3%
for Victoria.
The City of Greater Bendigos Wellbeing Survey Report Card (2012)
states that almost a quarter of respondents had difficulty accessing
public transport and only one third of respondents have used public
transport or commuted by bicycle or walking. Improvements to young
peoples pedestrian and cycling experiences were one of the key
recommendations contained within the City of Greater Bendigos The
Place of Children in Community Building: Turning Theory into Practice
Report (2012).
The Better Youth Services The Greater Bendigo Youth Trust Pilot
Stage 2 (2010) recognises that transport can be an issue for young
I rely on my parents
heavily as buses don't
run late.
The after-hours taxi

line can be too big.
Install a modern tram

service that runs
frequently to maximise
transport for youth.
I would like to see offroad bike paths and

connections between
where people like to
visit, as well as a more
walk-able CBD (with
pedestrians given right
of way).
We need more public

transport between
surrounding towns and
to outer town regions.
34
VicRoads website: http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Licences/
I can't catch a bus

home because they
don't run at
appropriate times.
people, so has identified the ability to provide outreach services as a key principle in an ideal service
model. City of Greater Bendigos Reaching Out to Rural Young People Report (2011) also highlights
transport issues faced by young people, particularly those living in outlying areas such as Heathcote.
This particular report proposed that transport should be trialled from Heathcote to Bendigo on
Saturdays to allow young people to access regionally based youth services and other desired locations.
It also suggested that City of Greater Bendigo provides transport from Heathcote to youth events in
other locations where possible.

Key stakeholders told us that young people need access to regular and affordable public transport
services, and services at a diverse range of times to cater for after-hours casual work, school times and
socialising on weekends. Young people living in the fringe suburbs, such as Huntly, Maiden Gully and
Marong as well as outlying towns such as Heathcote, Raywood, Sebastian and Elmore, are struggling
the most to access public transport. One place that a number of urban young people want to be able to
get to is the Post Office in Deborah Triangle so that they can pick up parcels (from e-bay or online
purchases) that are too big for home delivery.
Our key stakeholders also want cycling and walking and the use of public transport to be encouraged
as viable forms of transport for young people, rather than an over-reliance on parents or older family
members / friends to transport them around.

Through our survey, we asked young people to identify all of the different forms of transportation that
they use to get from place to place. Almost three quarters of respondents travel in a car as a passenger
(71.7%) and almost half walk to some of their destinations (48.5%). 41.3% of young people use public
buses periodically and 20.0% drive a car. Only 16.2% use a bicycle for transportation and 12.2% travel
to their destination by train. Taxis and motorbikes are used infrequently.
Over half of the respondents indicated that they rarely had transportation issues (50.6%), with 28.4%
stating that they never have transport difficulties. This latter group may be made up of people who have
their own vehicles, or may live in a family where they are driven or able to walk to their destinations as
and when required. For those who do experience transport difficulties, peak times seem to be fairly
evenly split between weekdays (12.0%) and weekends (10.1%).
For those who do experience transportation difficulties the key locations appear to be school (25.9%);
shops (18.3%); friends places (17.9%); entertainment venues (13.1%); sporting venues (10.3%); and
work (9.1%). Some young people commented on the difficulties getting transportation home from
nightclubs; the wait required for taxis or taxis that dont turn up; and their fear of riding a bicycle in the
traffic. Others spoke about lack of weekend services and over-crowding on school buses, particularly
between 4.00-4.30pm. Some spoke about feeling uncomfortable on public buses and the train service
during the day because some passengers occasionally swear and yell.
35

Local Initiatives
The City of Greater Bendigo could provide a number of events in regional areas so that young people in
these areas are more able to access these activities. Alternatively, it could consider providing transport
for young people from outlying areas to events within Bendigo.
Advocacy
The City of Greater Bendigo could also advocate for improvements to cycling and walking networks and
ensure that any City of Greater Bendigo strategies related to cycling and walking recommend linkages
to key destinations for young people, e.g. schools, entertainment venues, shopping areas, sporting
venues, workplaces, etc. Where possible, sealed off road paths should be considered. Further, it could
advocate to Transport Connections Program and Department of Transport for additional transportation
services to outlying areas, especially on weekends.
36
ACCOMMODATION
Current Situation
Many young people between 12-25 years of age in Greater Bendigo
live with their family. However, there are others, who have chosen to,
or may have been forced to leave their family home and now live
elsewhere. Some of these young people live in shared houses or
student accommodation with other young people, some live with
friends or other family members, some are in foster care, and others
may be homeless. Some young people may have even purchased
their first home.
Peak bodies such as the National Youth Coalition for Housing
acknowledge that living away from home can be a very challenging
experience for many young people. For some there will be no
guarantee of a roof over their head. For others, the expenses
associated with living independently such as rent or mortgages, bonds
and bills as well as the purchase of furniture and food will be difficult.
Others will have to learn how to get along with housemates, different
family members or new carers and to possibly undertake cleaning and
maintenance of their abode for the first time in their lives.
In Greater Bendigo, there are several organisations that can assist
with accommodation for young people, including, but not limited to:
Bendigo Community Health Services; Horizon House Bendigo; Haven;
St Lukes; and Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS).

2 (2011) identified Eaglehawk and the Central Area of Bendigo as the
two most disadvantaged areas in the municipality for young people
and Strathfieldsaye, Inner East and Inner North as the least
disadvantaged areas. It also stated that public housing retention rates
for families with adolescent children in Greater Bendigo are 90.0%,
compared with Victoria at 88.1%.
According to the City of Greater Bendigos State of Bendigos Children
Report Report 1 & 2 (2009 & 2011), the number of young people
registered as homeless has decreased over time. However, compared
with the Victorian average, more children in Greater Bendigo are living
in low income households and in households that experience time
pressures as measured by work / life balance.
QUOTES
We need more lowcost housing. It's
nearly impossible for
young people to get a
nice place to live in
Bendigo.
Make renting more

affordable.
We need to house
every young person
who doesn't have a
roof over their head;
it's great to see a new
multi-million dollar
theatre being built in
Bendigo for
entertainment, but
don't basic needs
come first?
Dont put houses on

small blocks so that
they are overcrowded.
There should be
loans for housing; cooperative housing.
We should have more

homeless shelters.
37
Through the City of Greater Bendigos Wellbeing Survey Report Card (2012), there was a strong desire
by community members for the City of Greater Bendigo to support people with temporary
homelessness and housing insecurity. City of Greater Bendigos Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2009)
also supports improved access to housing by recommending that City of Greater Bendigo advocates for
additional social housing stock throughout the municipality - including suitable housing for younger and
older people, particularly those on low incomes.
The Victorian Governments Engage Involve Create Youth Statement (2012) identifies the delayed
transition of young people from family life to independent living as one of the key challenges facing
many young people and their families.

Our key stakeholders are concerned both about the lack of affordable accommodation in Bendigo for
BENDIGO TAFE students and the number of young people who are homeless in Greater Bendigo.
They also feel that many young people dont understand the costs associated with housing, nor their
responsibilities as a tenant or owner.

Accommodation and homelessness were not identified by young people as major issues by survey
respondents. In the key areas of concern, homelessness was ranked as the 17th most important issue
and housing and property rental as the 21st most important issue. Given that the majority of young
people who completed the survey were students in their early teens, this result is not unexpected. For
those aged between 18-25 years of age, housing and property rental rated much higher (i.e. the 12th
most important issue), but concern about homelessness was fairly similar at priority number 19.

Information
The City of Greater Bendigo could potentially work in partnership with other community based agencies
such as Haven to facilitate a workshop on the costs of housing and the responsibilities of being a tenant
or owner.
Advocacy
In relation to homelessness, it could advocate for additional resources in Bendigo to provide shelter and
other forms of support for people with nowhere to live. City of Greater Bendigo could potentially
advocate for additional social housing stock throughout the municipality - including suitable housing for
young people on low incomes.
38
SUPPORT SERVICES AND NETWORKS
QUOTES
Current Situation
There are numerous formal and informal support systems based in the
City of Greater Bendigo that can assist young people who are
experiencing difficulties, such as youth workers, doctors, counsellors,
teachers, school nurses / counsellors, private counsellors,
psychologists, psychiatrists, emergency service workers, priests /
ministers, relatives, family friends and friends. There are also several
mentoring programs run by agencies such as CentaCare and St
Lukes and a number of online or telephone based services such as
Kids Helpline, Beyond Blue and Lifeline.
The City of Greater Bendigo developed a youth worker portal on the
YO Bendigo website after consultation with the youth sector and
following recommendations from the previous Youth Strategy (2008).
The youth worker portal can only be accessed by registered service
providers and the site is managed by the City of Greater Bendigo. The
site provides a forum to share ideas, resources and opportunities.
Service providers are able to access training and professional
development opportunities; current research papers; information about
other services available to young people and their families; and a
variety of other relevant information.

2 (2011) identifies the following statistics related to support services
and networks:
Proportion of adolescents
who have a trusted adult in their life
who have someone to turn to for advice when
having problems
Greater
Bendigo
67.3%
81.7%
Victoria
70.8%
86.1%
The Better Youth Services The Greater Bendigo Youth Trust Pilot
Stage 2 (2010) outlines the Greater Bendigo Youth Trust model, which
is based on the integrated services delivery model developed by St
Lukes. This model focuses on the development of a single entry point
/ no wrong door into youth services and the development of a generic
youth service that responds to the vulnerability and disconnection of
We need a youth
centre where kids can
hang out and have a
positive recreational
place to have fun and
get support.
We should have a get

to know your
neighbour day event.
I think we need more

places where
teenagers can go to
talk about certain
things and get support
about certain issues
that rise in our lives
such as maybe family
divorce, bullying.
Make a place for

everyone to chill.
We need youth
events/days that
encourage young
people to engage and
participate; something
that doesnt waste
their time, but builds
their confidence to
seek help when it
comes to bullying and
youth suicide
prevention.
39
young people. The proposed outcomes of this model are optimal health and wellbeing, resilience and
competence.
The key principles identified to underpin an ideal service model are:
Youth centred and family focused

Accessibility of service (timely response and outreach)
Holistic approach to service delivery
Culturally and contextually appropriate service delivery
Sustainable change
Evidence based with an outcomes focus
Working collaboratively.
This document noted that some key stakeholders feel that the existing youth services sector has many
and varied components, but no system. These key stakeholders described services as ad hoc and
difficult to navigate.
The City of Greater Bendigos Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2009) recommends that a strategic
framework be initiated that incorporates all youth support services to strengthen the network and
uptake of services / programs /activities for disengaged young people.

A number of key stakeholders feel that youth services in Greater Bendigo are somewhat fragmented at
present and would be quite difficult for young people to access. They said that they would like to see an
organisation such as the City of Greater Bendigo take on more of a coordination role.
Our key stakeholders also told us that young people need access to generalist youth services where
the workers do not take case notes, as some of the case notes taken in the past have labelled a young
person in a certain way and then they are tagged forever. They also believe that there is a need for
programs to help parents to cope and to develop their resilience with their adolescent children.
Key stakeholders feel that although there is a growing acceptance of transgender young people in
Greater Bendigo, we still have some way to go to reduce discrimination against young people who are
gay, lesbian, bisexual, intersex or transgender. They are aware that same sex attracted young people
want to be able to attend events with their partner or friends and not be judged, but included.
Other key stakeholders were insistent that the Youth Strategy and the provision of services focus on all
young people, not just vulnerable young people. Further, they believe that services which may be
aimed at vulnerable young people are often accessed by mainstream young people who need
information and / or assistance in this area. Therefore a suite of service providers need to be involved
in providing support to young people, including GPs, counsellors and school psychologists, through to
agencies which specialise in providing support and services to vulnerable young people such as St
Lukes, Headspace and Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS).
40

We asked young people through our survey if they know where to get help or support (e.g. Doctor,
Teacher, Emergency Services, Help Lines etc.) if they need it. Almost three quarters of respondents
feel confident that they are aware of support services (72.0%); 21.8% have no opinion; and 6.6% dont
feel confident that they do know where to get help or support if needed.

Youth Sector Model
The Bendigo LGA Youth Partnerships Project involves member organisations from the youth services
sector including education, government and Not for Profit organisations. The aim of this work is to
create a strong and sustainable place-based local governance to plan and coordinate the delivery of
services to youth with a specific focus on vulnerable young people aged 10-18 years across the City of
Greater Bendigo Local Government Area (LGA).
The City of Greater Bendigo continues to work in
partnership with the youth sector and
government departments to establish the Youth
Partnerships Governance model. Development
of the Greater Bendigo Youth Trust model could
be explored so that services work collaboratively
and in an integrated manner with the ultimate
aim of enhancing young peoples health and
wellbeing, resilience and competence.
Information and Advocacy
The City of Greater Bendigo could continue to
provide information about local, state and federal
youth services on YO Bendigo website. It could
also advocate for youth services to be open on
weekends to allow young people better access
to services. This may also require advocacy to
ensure that transportation is also available on
weekends.
41
PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY LIFE,

PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING
Current Situation
Whilst some young people are involved in planning and decision
making within the school environment (as student representative
council members for example), their ability to participate in planning
and decision making in the broader community is still somewhat
limited. The Child and Youth Friendly Cities concept that has been
embraced by the City of Greater Bendigo has heightened awareness
of the need and value of involving young people in planning and
decision making in their community, as has the advocacy work
undertaken by the City of Greater Bendigo and several other youth
related agencies.
City of Greater Bendigo has recently established a Youth Advisory
Group consisting of a broad range of young people from the
community to enable meaningful input into the decision making
process within City of Greater Bendigo and to increase young peoples
knowledge about current youth issues. This group has provided advice
on the redevelopment of the Bendigo Library, the Mitchell St public
transport redevelopment, the location of Wifi hotspots throughout
Bendigo and the development and implementation of the City of
Greater Bendigos Youth Strategy Survey. It will continue to work on
issues that have been identified in Youth Strategy.

The Victorian Governments Engage Involve Create Youth Statement
(2012) strongly supports young peoples involvement in community
life, planning and decision making. The statement reads as follows:
That all young Victorians experience healthy, active and fulfilling lives
and have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, participate in
the workforce and be involved in their community. Underpinning this
vision are the following principles:
Empowering all young people

Listening, responding to and promoting young people
Delivering through partnerships
Remaining relevant for young people
Understanding families and communities
QUOTES
More opportunities to
cement young
peoples voices,
showing young people
they can trust that
people will trust them
to make changes.
We need more places

that are welcoming to
young people and free
of discrimination.
We need
opportunities to be
involved in local
decision-making
without this
participation being
tokenistic.
We need more
opportunities to get
politically involved; the
ability to feel like big
change is being made
by young people.
It would be great if we
elected a young
person for a position in
the council to
represent the youth of
the city.
The statement focuses on:
42
engaging young people in employment, training, education and positive relationships;

involving young people in decision making processes, activities, programs and their
communities; and
encouraging young people to create cultural activities, festivals, art, music and enterprise.
The Municipal Association of Victorias Engaging with Young People: Local Government in Action
Report (2004) talks about creating participatory environments and poses the following questions to
determine whether or not young people can genuinely participate in their environments:
Is a youth voice an expected part of council's decision making?

Are young people engaging in partnerships with local businesses, community groups and
service providers?
Do they occupy space in the community?
Are young people and youth culture visible and celebrated in their community? Are they
expected to be active and influential participants in their communities?
Do young people feel like efforts on their part are worthwhile?
It states that youth participation becomes more sustainable as young people are increasingly valued
by the community, their contributions recognised, the environments made more supportive, and their
relationships connected.
In addition the report focuses on capacity building, which it defines as access and opportunities to
share and develop information, resources, skills and knowledge. It goes on to state that it is also
about:
building the capacity of people to actively engage in a wide variety of social, economic, cultural,
recreational, learning and civic activities.
Building stronger relationships and linkages across the myriad of institutions and groups which
underpin our society.
Capacity building has the potential to result in:
better educational outcomes,

better health outcomes, and
effective participation in the economy.
Access to Information and resources and the ability to control resources have been identified as key
factors that facilitate a young persons ability to participate in civic life.
of Greater Bendigo 2010 Version 2 (2011) identifies the following statistics related to participation in
community life, planning and decision making for young people:
43
Proportion of adolescents
who report opportunities help make decisions at school
who report opportunities to help make decisions at home
who report that adults in the neighbourhood pay attention to what adolescents
say
who report opportunities to make decisions regarding activities in the
neighbourhood
who 'agreed' or 'strongly agreed' that they have access to basic shopping
facilities
who 'agreed' or 'strongly agreed' that they have access to basic services
who 'agreed' or 'strongly agreed' that they have access to playgrounds, parks or
gyms near home
Greater Bendigo
67.4%:
60.1%
58.7%
Victoria
58.8%
61.5%
61.0%
42.1%
47.1%
68.9%
79.7%
63.6%
40.4%
76.1%
48.3%
According to the City of Greater Bendigos Wellbeing Survey Report Card (2012), less than half of
respondents (44.2%) feel that the City of Greater Bendigo provides adequate opportunities for young
people to be involved in their planning and other forms of community engagement.
The need to establish a youth advisory group was identified through the City of Greater Bendigos
previous Youth Strategy. It was also identified in the City of Greater Bendigos The Place of Children in
Community Building: Turning Theory into Practice Report (2012). This report stated that the aim of an
advisory group or leadership group is to ensure that City of Greater Bendigo staff and young people
work together to share knowledge and develop skills which will enable children to effectively participate
in planning and urban design decision-making.
One way in which young people can be involved in the community is through volunteering. However,
according to the City of Greater Bendigos Valuing Our Volunteer Sector Draft Report (2009) many
organisations are yet to adapt to the notion that many young people prefer to be involved in episodic
volunteering, i.e. short term or issue oriented roles. This report suggests that the City of Greater
Bendigo and the Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre and other volunteer organisations should work
together to create contact lists of volunteers who wish to be involved in episodic type volunteering
teams.

Our key stakeholders told us that young people want to feel connected to their community and useful,
however, they do not always feel welcome in and able to access public space. These service providers
are also aware of the value of engaging young people in civic life more effectively, particularly those
who are most disadvantaged, such as young people with disabilities. Engaged young people are more
likely to develop better social skills, be more able to deal with life in general, and less likely to
participate in risky behaviour. Our key stakeholders also told us that the built environment needs to
facilitate connectedness for young people, e.g. the development of seating areas that encourage
interaction.
Suggestions for specific ways young people can have a greater say in community life include:
44
engaging young people in the planning of places and spaces from the very beginning, not half
way through a project.
establishing a youth reference group that City of Greater Bendigo and others can consult with
on a range of issues.
establishing a mini youth council in each school so that young people can have a voice through
regular newsletter contributions, presentations at assemblies, etc.
ensuring that all City of Greater Bendigo plans have a youth voice.
providing meaningful volunteering opportunities for young people.
utilising young people on interview panels as appropriate (and remunerate them for their input).
providing more flexibility with community grants for young people in relation to smaller amounts
and a program that is open at all times.
encouraging more businesses and organisations to include young people on their boards /
committees of management.
providing sufficient resources and support for young people to achieve their goals.
training all staff in youth based organisations to be youth focused so that young people feel
valued and welcome.

Through our survey we asked respondents if they think that young people have a wide range of
opportunities to participate in community activities. Over half of all respondents agree that there are
good opportunities to be involved in the community for young people (57%). 29.8% of respondents had
a neutral opinion and a further 13.5% disagreed or strongly disagreed with this statement.
We also asked survey respondents if they believe that young peoples voices and opinions about local
planning and decision making are heard or valued. Whilst neutral was the most common response to
this question (41.2%), there were an additional 36.0% of respondents who think that this is not the
case. Conversely, 22.9% of young people surveyed feel that the voices and opinions of people between
12-25 years of age in relation to local planning and decision making are heard or valued.
Part of being able to participate in community life involves feeling welcomed and accepted and having
public and private spaces in which people feel comfortable inhabiting. We asked 12-25 year olds
whether or not public places and spaces such as the town centre, parks, gardens, Hargreaves Mall, etc
are welcoming of young people. 46.1% of respondents feel that public places and spaces are
welcoming; whilst 35.1% had a neutral opinion; and 18.8% disagreed.
We also asked whether or not private venues and businesses e.g. shops and shopping centres are
welcoming of young people. 47% believe that such venues are welcoming; 38.6% had no opinion either
way; and 14.6% dont believe such places are accepting of young people.
Through our workshops, young people told us that they dont feel particularly welcome in Hargreaves
Mall. Comments were received about the lack of colour, shade and things to do. It was felt by a number
of participants that the Mall lacks life. Young people particularly commented on the lack of a family
friendly atmosphere (in part due to the removal of the childrens playground several years ago which
will be replaced shortly) and the lack of things for people to do. Workshop participants also feel that
there needs to be more opportunities for young people with disabilities to interact with other similar
aged community members.
45

Support
In order for young people to have their voices heard in the community, they need the support of adults
and various institutions. The Youth Advisory Group established by the City of Greater Bendigo has
contributed to a number of public projects in the past and has the potential to be involved in many
more. However, young people will need to be regularly recruited to this group (as older members of the
group leave for work or study reasons) and provided with training and support. It is not enough to say
that such a group exists; other community groups and internal City of Greater Bendigo departments will
need to be encouraged (potentially through formalised policies or procedures) to use the expertise of
this group of young people. At the same time, organisations and people working within City of Greater
Bendigo departments will need to be trained to understand how they can use the expertise of the Youth
Advisory Committee members.
Other opportunities to ensure that young peoples voices can be heard include:
Development of worthwhile volunteering opportunities

Leadership training for young people
Placing young people on interview panels for youth related positions (e.g. employment of a
youth worker)
Reviewing City of Greater Bendigos community funding program so that grants can be obtained
throughout the year
School Linkages
It could be beneficial to develop a link between school leaders (e.g. school captains, student
representative councillors, house captains, class captains, etc) and the City of Greater so that
community-based information is also effectively distributed throughout the education sector.
Urban Design
Another component that needs to be considered if young people feel genuinely accepted in the
community is to ensure that the built environment facilitates connectedness for young people, e.g.
developing seating areas that encourage interaction and creating public places that are safe, fun and
welcoming. Further, greater support from City of Greater Bendigo departments is required so that
young people can access facilities and venues owned and operated by City of Greater Bendigo. Public
spaces also need to be accessible by foot, bicycle and public transport for young people.
46
INFORMATION
Current Situation
The City of Greater Bendigo provides information to young people
about events, local services, youth issues and community groups,
primarily
through
its
youth
portal,
YO
Bendigo
(www.yobendigo.com.au). Connected to YO Bendigo is a Facebook
page which currently has approximately 2,400 friends. This Facebook
page is managed by the City of Greater Bendigo and is regularly
updated. The City of Greater Bendigo also uses another social
networking site, twitter, to communicate with young people. In recent
times, the City of Greater Bendigo has been visiting secondary schools
in the area and speaking at school assemblies about various issues
and initiatives. Events such as FReeZA are promoted through YO
Bendigo, Facebook and also through posters.
QUOTES
Where I find out
information:
Mum and Dad
If I want to do
something; Ill Google
it.
Other service providers disseminate information to young people

through their own websites, social media outlets, word of mouth,
posters, pamphlets, newsletter articles, emails, etc.
In my orchestra we
talk about heaps of
The City of Greater Bendigos Reaching Out to Rural Young People

(2011) had a major focus on information and communication for young
people living in Heathcote. Specific recommendations contained within
this report include:
Develop a Heathcote page on the YO Bendigo Website and

link to YO Bendigo Facebook.
Link young people in Heathcote via Facebook to the YO

Bendigo website.
Include YO Bendigo website details in secondary school diaries

throughout the region.
Place YO Bendigo website advertisements in school buses.
Support young people to design posters to promote events and

services in Heathcote.
stuff.
My Learning Team
Mentor
My Koorie Educator
Tumblr
What our Key Stakeholders Told Us
47
Our key stakeholders told us that YO Bendigo has the potential to be

an extremely valuable source of information for young people living in
Greater Bendigo. They believe that all relevant community groups and
agencies need to be included on the YO Bendigo website. Further,
they believe that awareness of the site needs to continue to be
Church youth group
improved, through actions such as placing the website address on the back of all secondary school and
tertiary institute student cards, as well as on all education websites (i.e. providing a direct link to school
websites).
Some stakeholders spoke of the lack of understanding several organisations appear to have of YO
Bendigo. Rather than viewing the portal as a community service, they view it as a commercial product.
This has impeded the ability of the City of Greater Bendigo to promote the site through as many
avenues as it would have liked.
Key stakeholders also suggested using high profile people on YO Bendigo to seek feedback from
young people about issues. Another form of information provision suggested by local youth based
agencies is the use of text messaging.
Key stakeholders warned that not all young people will use YO Bendigo and that therefore other forms
of communication need to be instigated in parallel.

We asked young people to identify the three most important sources of information when wishing to find
out about events and other opportunities in Greater Bendigo. Young people told us that they have a
strong preference to find out information through the use of Facebook (69%).
Young people have also identified their friends as a key source of information about events and
opportunities (62%). Information from friends may be gleaned though conversations, or through other
forms of communication such as text messages, emails, telephone conversations, Skype, instagram,
tumblr, messenger, viber, etc.
Information in newspapers was identified as the third highest priority in relation to communications
(38%), followed by presentations at school assembly (26%), posters displayed in prominent positions
where they can be seen by young people (24%) and articles in school newsletters (24%). twitter is not
considered a key information source by many young people at this time (12%). Whilst only 10% of
young people identify YO Bendigo as their preferred source of information, this figure should not be
seen in isolation from the data for Facebook as 2,400 young people are connected to the Facebook
page attached to YO Bendigo at present. Other responses included youth groups, teachers,
workplaces, Google, podcasts, school emails, radio, television, school bulletins, clubs / organisations
(such as orchestra, girl guides, soccer club, etc), You Tube, magazines, parents and books.

Communication Strategy
Given the large number of young people who prefer to access information via Facebook this should
form a key component of any communications strategy with young people by City of Greater Bendigo
and other service providers. However, given that young people under 13 are not legally allowed to set
up a Facebook page (although a number of younger people have been known to set up their own page
by using a false birth date in fact 38% of 12 year olds in the USA used social networking sites in
48
20099), and given that some others are not permitted to use, or have any desire to use Facebook,
communications strategies should not rely solely on this tool to deliver messages and to seek feedback.
Communications strategies should recognise the heavy reliance of young people on their friends for
information and try to ensure that as many young people as possible are provided with several different
means to source information which they can pass on to their friends either verbally or electronically. It is
important that information provided is clear and accurate, so as to prevent possible misunderstandings.
Print Media
Although newspapers have been identified as the third highest priority in terms of information provision
for young people, there is a worldwide trend of declining readership of printed newspapers and a shift
towards online news readership, particularly for younger people. In the City of Greater Bendigo, there
are four locally produced newspapers (one daily and the other three weekly editions), in addition to two
main state and one main national daily newspaper. The Bendigo Weekly and the Bendigo Advertiser
both have an online presence, but readership by young people is unknown. It is possible that
information in a newspaper may not be read directly by a young person in the first instance, but referred
to them by others, such as parents, guardians, teachers or other adults.
Whilst posters still have a place in terms of promoting events and opportunities for young people, they
can be expensive to produce and it may be difficult to find a location to put up the poster where lots of
young people will see the information. Another challenge associated with relying on posters is that
details may not be clearly remembered when the poster is out of sight.
Schools
For young people still at school, there appears to be real benefits for the City of Greater Bendigo and
other service providers to take their message to schools, either through school assembly presentations
or through articles in school newsletters or bulletins. In the past, some service providers have had
difficulties getting information printed in school newsletters or in developing a key contact within the
school that can provide an opportunity to speak directly with students at assemblies. With the
increasing focus on a whole of community approach to developing and supporting young people,
linkages with schools are considered critical.
Rural Issues
The Reaching Out to Rural Young People Report commissioned by City of Greater Bendigo and Office
for Youth in 2011 to research and propose improvements to the current models of service access for
young people living in rural communities outside regional service centres such as Heathcote identified
several ways in which to increase the profile of YO Bendigo, including placing information about YO
Bendigo into secondary school diaries throughout the region and placing YO Bendigo advertisements in
school buses.
49
The New York Times (2011) Facebook Users Who are Under Age Raise Concerns. Article published March 11, 2011:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/12/technology/internet/12underage.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
YO Bendigo
The YO Bendigo website, launched in 2008, has great potential as a reliable source of information for
young people in relation to events, resources, local services and community groups. This website
should be seen as a key location in which to provide information to young people. However, in order to
increase its effectiveness, awareness of the site amongst young people needs to be increased.
Increasing the profile of YO Bendigo and ensuring that current and relevant information is available for
young people in an easy to digest and attractive format needs to be a priority for the City of Greater
Bendigo. In order to do this, it may be useful to hold regular focus groups with young people to ensure
that the portal is designed in such a way as to be the number one site that young people from Greater
Bendigo access when looking for information.
Local service providers should also be encouraged to provide information to be included on the site so
that it can become a one stop shop for information. However, once again, it needs to be recognised
that not all young people have access to the internet (23.2% of households in Greater Bendigo do not
have any internet connection10 ) or choose to source information this way. Other techniques will need to
be engaged with these young people, e.g. school newsletter articles, newspaper articles, etc.
Some further industry and internal City of Greater Bendigo education may also be required to ensure
that youth related organisations understand that YO Bendigo is a community service, not just a brand.
This needs to be incorporated into the communications strategy.
City of Greater Bendigo website: http://profile.id.com.au/bendigo/internet-connection
50
10
EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
QUOTES
Current Situation

the performing arts.
Currently in Greater Bendigo there are a number of options for young

people to attend events and to take part in a variety of community and
social opportunities. The City of Greater Bendigo offers, through
funding from the State Governments Office for Youth, several
FReeZA events each year focusing primarily on music events; arts
events; leadership development programs; seeding grants for National
Youth Week; production of a calendar of events; event management
training opportunities; and a variety of opportunities to be involved in
consultations and other programs or events.
Various church groups around the City provide youth groups, several
of which attract around 100 participants each week. Commercial
businesses such as The Zone and Bendigo Cinema provide
opportunities for young people to recreate and socialise with their
friends. Major commercial music festivals such as Groovin the Moo
attract thousands of young people from all over Victoria to Bendigo.
The FReeZA team has worked alongside Groovin the Moo since its
inception. A number of young people who volunteered at this music
festival have been offered paid employment at the festival when they
reached 18 years of age.
During summer, public swimming pools operated by the City of
Greater Bendigo are popular meeting places for young people.
Throughout the year, sports clubs provide physical activity and social
opportunities for young people. There are numerous other
organisations that provide opportunities for young people to engage in
various social, creative and physical activities.

The City of Greater Bendigos Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2009)
identified the need to provide additional activity programs for the early
teenage years to strengthen community connections and personal
resilience. It also suggested that opportunities to build
intergenerational relationships using current networks and projects.
It was noted in the City of Greater Bendigos Wellbeing Survey Report
Card (2012) that less than half of respondents feel that Greater
Bendigo provides adequate activities and learning programs for young
people (43.8%) at present. This report stated that many residents
believe that more work is required to promote programs and cultural
A nightclub for 15-17

year olds.
Theme parks, water
parks and a zoo.
Put more fun
activities into the
streets.
Create a busking
booth.
More youth filming
and movie options.
More music festivals.

Art / fashion
showcases.
A community
recording studio.
Art / Photography
Classes.

other schools to
interact.
Video game league.
Gigs/open mics in a
park where everyone
can go along and have
fun.
Helping the
community more, e.g.
gardening for the
elderly.
51
and leisure activities.

The City of Greater Bendigos Arts and Cultural Strategy (2008) has a strong focus on improving
access to the arts for all members of the community including young people, particularly in relation to
art in public spaces, community arts facilities and programs, professional arts practice, communications
and festivals and events.
The City of Greater Bendigos Reaching Out to Rural Young People Report (2011) recommended that a
youth drop-in centre be developed in Heathcote to provide young people with a place to go to socialize
with their peers and to seek advice and support when required. It also suggested that at least one youth
event be held in Heathcote each year through FReeZA or that transport is provided from Heathcote to
events in other locations.

Our key stakeholders recognize the value of facilitating a range of events and opportunities for young
people. However, they feel that:
there is a gap in event provision for young people between 16-18 years of age (i.e. there is a
perception that FReeZA is generally not considered cool for young people over 16)
programs need to be activity based, rather than just sitting around in groups
activities need to be affordable, accessible and age appropriate
events need to be sustainable
opportunities should be made available to value add to events, i.e. provide messages about
cyber safety, promoting positive body image, discouraging consumption of alcohol and drugs,
being sun smart, etc.
programs should have a focus on prevention of issues such as crime, drug and alcohol abuse,
etc.
a broad range of events that cater for the diversity of interests of young people should be
provided.
stronger youth components need to be built into events such as the Bendigo Easter Fair and
into venues such as the Art Gallery
young people should be involved in organising events from the very beginning
event organisation should be linked into certificate courses or other pathways for young people
the rationale why the City of Greater Bendigos Major Events Unit is involved in some youth
related events, e.g. Groovin the Moo, but not others, e.g. FReeZA, is not clear
there may be a bigger role for the private sector in relation to the provision of events for young
people.
They understand the positive attributes of existing programs such as the Chill Out Space (run by the
Salvation Army), but also understand that programs such as these need to collect statistics to ensure a
better opportunity of funding and support from government and other agencies in the future.
From an arts and cultural perspective our key stakeholders believe that there are a lack of creative
opportunities available in Greater Bendigo, and those which are available may be very costly to
participate in. They believe that arts and music programs should be accessible to young people not
engaged in school or work, throughout the day. They also feel that a less formal performing arts venue
than the proposed new theatre for young people is required.
52
Our key stakeholders think that visual arts, drama and dance (especially hip hop) should be used to
engage with young people and to allow them to express themselves. They would also like to see more
opportunities provided to display art work by young people so that it is visible to the broader community.
Our key stakeholders had numerous suggestions regarding the types of events and opportunities that
they think may be of interest to young people, including:
music jamming sessions, supported by older musicians

busking in public places
University of the 3rd Age (U3A) for young people ( a program which provides a range of learning
opportunities taught by group members, e.g. language, photography, film making, hiking, etc)
challenge weekends to teach young people resilience, help with socialisation and model
appropriate behaviour
new events like the Great Race, Geo Caching, etc that can be run in small towns, rather than in
Bendigo
a centre like a Mens Shed for young people
replication of the church youth group model, without the religious component.

As part of the survey, we asked young people about the types of opportunities or events that they
would like made available in Bendigo. The ten most popular responses were (n=1,144):
more sporting events and facilities (190)

free youth events, social activities and entertainment (119)
arts, creative and cultural activities (72)
employment opportunities (60)
theme park / water park / playgrounds (33)
education opportunities (30)
more places to hang out such as a youth venue (18)
more shopping outlets (16)
events and activities in parks (14)
comic books and gaming opportunities (13)
Also as part of the survey we asked survey respondents if they believe that there are a broad range of
social activities and events available in Greater Bendigo for young people. Over half of all respondents
agreed that this is the case (50.4%) and a further 31.6% had a neutral opinion. 18.2% of young people
who filled out the survey disagree that there are enough social activities and events available for people
between 12-25 years of age.
Survey respondents were also asked if they think that there are a wide range of creative opportunities
available in Greater Bendigo. Almost half of all respondents (44.7%) agreed that there are sufficient
creative opportunities such as music, dance, drama, art and craft, with an additional 37.3% holding a
neutral opinion. 18.1% of young people dont think that there are enough creative opportunities
available.
53
Through our workshops, young people also identified several events and opportunities that they would
like to see developed for 12-25 year olds, including:
Mixing schools together for activities such as socials more often

Holding more all ages music gigs in Bendigo as well as more FReeZA events
Holding a harvest festival incorporating story-telling, events and school involvement
Holding more programs that celebrate the different cultures in Greater Bendigo
Establishing a community centre where young people can hang out, be inspired by others and
get advice about careers and education
More singing classes and talent quests
Music workshops and festivals, including school bands, inter-school battle of the bands, more
performances in the Hargreaves Mall, well known musicians and workshops to teach guitar and
drums
More sporting competitions which are social, free or low cost and with equipment provided, such
as street soccer, the amazing race, triathlons and yoga
AFL games in Bendigo
Mentoring programs
More low cost dance classes, including hip hop classes
Swimming pools opening earlier in Spring
New and improved facilities for young people, e.g. heated pool, bigger skate parks, BMX track,
cinemas in outlying towns, more walking tracks, ice skating rink, gym, etc.
Lower entrance fees for entertainment such as the cinema.
Workshops to teach young people new skills, e.g. skating, woodwork, sporting activities, etc
Blue Light Discos
Camps for young people
Book fair
Opportunities for video gamers such as Wii competitions
Development of a theme park incorporating a monorail
Art workshops involving painting, multi-media, drawing, ceramics, scrap booking
Pop-culture events nerf guns, humans vs. zombies, flash mobs
More fishing areas
Availability of free drinking water everywhere
Short film and photography competitions
Adding youth activities to existing events such as the Bendigo Easter Fair
Support for teen mums
One person stated: I think that young people (particularly those in low socio-economic areas) would
benefit from a place (a community shed) where they had access to tools / materials to explore passions
like Cars / Welding and Fabrications and Carpentry. It would provide entertainment, develop useful
skills and keep them out of trouble.

Events and Activities
There is strong support from young people for the development of more youth based events in Bendigo
including sporting, social, music, arts, creative and cultural activities. However, organising and running
events and other opportunities takes considerable time and resources. The City of Greater Bendigo is
currently limited in terms of staff members and a program budget. In order to ensure that a broad range
of events are offered, partnerships with other agencies may need to be developed, and funding may
need to be obtained from other sources. A review of existing events could be undertaken to determine if
54
there is an oversupply of certain types of events and an undersupply of others. A program plan could
then be developed taking into consideration:
Youth involvement in planning of all events from the conception

A broad range of different activities and events (including sporting, social, music, arts, creative
and cultural activities)
Events catering for 12-25 year olds (sometimes broken down into the following age groupings:
12-15; 16-18; over 18)
Activities located throughout the municipality, or at least featuring transport to enable rurally
isolated young people to attend
Activities that are affordable, accessible and age appropriate
Opportunities to value add positive messages to events and to build onto existing events
Sustainability of events beyond funding cycles
Potential career pathways for young people as performers or organisers
Youth Space
A specific place for young people to hang out to socialize with their peers, take part in recreational
activities, learn new things and to seek information and guidance from trained youth workers could also
be explored further.
55
PERCEPTION OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE

COMMUNITY AND MEDIA
Current Situation
In the past, the portrayal of young people in the media was fairly
mixed. Whilst there have always been some good news stories, such
as when a young person has excelled in sport, or the arts or the
voluntary sector, there was possibly a larger portion of bad news
stories whereby any wrong doings committed by a young person (e.g.
alcohol / drug issues, theft, dangerous driving, etc) was highlighted.
The Federal Department of Health and Ageing also acknowledges that
the medias representation of young people is unfortunately not
always a positive one. This can have a major impact on the way that
society and individuals perceive and treat young people.11
To counteract the generally negative portrayal of young people in the
media, the City of Greater Bendigo established its own youth portal in
2010 following recommendations contained within the last Youth
Strategy. This youth portal is known as Youth Online Bendigo or YO
Bendigo. To help develop positive news stories, a YO Bendigo Media
Team was created. This group of young volunteers regularly write a
variety of articles for the YO Bendigo website as well as review books,
music and films.
The City of Greater Bendigo has also undertaken a number of
initiatives aimed at improving the image of young people in the
community such as:
facilitation of media workshops to provide guidance for young

people interested in all aspects of the media.
the development of an innovative film documentary in
Hargreaves Mall to explore and challenge the perceptions of
the value of young people in society. This film was used for
community education and discussion.
photography project whereby photos of young people aged 1225 years, who other young people felt deserved to be
acknowledged, were exhibited in the Allans Walk Art Space as
part of a federally funded National Youth Week project
designed to celebrate what young people have achieved in
their communities.
QUOTES
Some people in
Bendigo think that all
young adults are not
very nice and
generalise us all as
being scary.
Ive had shopkeepers

watching me the entire
way around a shop. I
would never shop lift
and I feel very
uncomfortable being
watched and
followed.

young people to show
their talents to the
community, maybe
through a TV program
run and produced by
young people moving
through the different
schools each week
showing the amazing
achievements and
talents of Bendigos
young people.
11
56
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing website:

http://health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/drugtreat-pubs-front2-wk-toc~drugtreat-pubs-front2-wksecb~drugtreat-pubs-front2-wk-secb-2~drugtreat-pubs-front2-wk-secb-2-3
One way in which the City of Greater Bendigo recognises the achievements of a young person in the
community each year is by announcing a Young Citizen of the Year Award on Australia Day.

The City of Greater Bendigos Wellbeing Survey Report Card (2012) reports that despite the fact that
there is very strong support by local residents for the City of Greater Bendigo to become a leader in
celebrating and recognizing young peoples achievements (83.1%); only half of respondents (51.5%)
feel that Greater Bendigo is inclusive, accessible and welcoming to young people.
The City of Greater Bendigos Engage! Program Application for Funding (2012) recognises the need for
City of Greater Bendigo to build partnerships with local media outlets to continue to promote positive
stories about young people while also providing young people with the opportunity to have their
opinions and ideas heard by the boarder community.

Our key stakeholders told us that we need to counteract negative view that many people have of young
people with positive media and by celebrating the achievements of young people through media
stories. One stakeholder felt that we need to explore the possibility of establishing a youth program on
a local radio station.

Through our survey we asked respondents if they feel that the community generally has a good opinion
of young people. 41.5% of respondents feel that the community does have a good opinion; 38.8% have
no opinion either way; and 19.9% of respondents think that the community generally has a poor opinion
of young people.
A similar question was asked to determine whether or not young people feel that they are positively
recognized and acknowledged in Greater Bendigo. Almost half of all respondents didnt have an
opinion either way, i.e. their response was neutral (42.4%); whilst 34.9% agreed or strongly agreed that
there is a positive recognition of young people. 22.8% of young people dont feel that young people are
positively recognised and acknowledged in Greater Bendigo.
We also asked survey respondents if they believe that young people are positively recognized and
given appropriate coverage in the media. 45.6% of young people agree or strongly agree that the
media does portray young people in a positive light. At the same time there is a fairly high percentage
of young people with a neutral opinion (38.1%). Conversely, 16.5% of young people think that media
coverage is negative.

Initiatives
Work undertaken by the City of Greater Bendigo in establishing a more positive media image through
the YO Bendigo website has been encouraging. Other initiatives such as photographic exhibitions of
young role models and the development of films can also help be used to promote positive images.
57
It may also be possible to develop a regular column or segment in other forms of media such as
television, radio or newspapers to provide positive stories on youth achievements or issues.
Continuation of the Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year and the possible introduction of additional
awards may also be considered.
58
CONCLUSION
The Bendigo Youth Strategy project team, comprising of:
The Youth Reference Group

The Youth Strategy Steering Committee
The Youth Development Team
and supported by planning company, communityvibe, is pleased to

provide stakeholders with this comprehensive assessment of the
needs, issues and aspirations of young people living in Greater
Bendigo.
Together we will create an even better place for our young people to
live, study, work and recreate, and a safe and supportive environment
in which they have the freedom to pursue their individual goals and
dreams.
Photos by Sebastian Young Photography
59
YOUTH STRATEGY ACTION PLAN

The following action plan has been formulated using information from the literature review, demographics, key stakeholder interviews,
surveys and workshops.
No. Focus Area
1
Governance and
Policy
Personal Safety
Action
Continue to operate within a community
development model aimed at developing the
capacity of all young people.
Promote collaboration and cooperation
between various youth service agencies and
government departments through the Youth
Governance Partnerships.
Undertake training and regular
communications with internal City of Greater
Bendigo staff and external agencies to
increase the capacity of such units and
agencies to effectively engage with and
include young people in planning and other
relevant initiatives.
Work in partnership with Safe Community
Forum to undertake additional research into
crime, safety and violence and its impacts on
young people living in Greater Bendigo.
Work in partnership with CoGBs Asset
Planning and Design Unit to ensure that
public transport hubs and stops are designed
and lit according to best practice standards
and principles and involve young people in
consultations at the beginning of any project.
Partners
Resources
Priority
Staff time
Ongoing
Youth Governance
Partnerships
Staff time
Ongoing
CoGB staff
CoGB Councillors
External agencies
Staff time
Funding to assist
with training
High
Ongoing
Safe Community Forum
Staff time
High
CoGBs Asset Planning and

Design
Public Transport Victoria
Staff time
Medium
60
No. Focus Area
Action
Partners
Resources
Priority
Advocate to CoGBs Asset Planning and

Design Unit to undertake a lighting audit of
the streets in the CBD area with a view to
creating better lit public places.
Continue to promote safe driving messages
through the Driver Education for Youth
Committee and through support of the L2P
Driver Training Program.
Promote information about cyber bullying on
the YO Bendigo website.

Design
Staff time
Medium
Driver Education for Youth

Committee
Salvation Army
Staff time
Ongoing
Victoria Police
Schools
Ongoing
Continue to promote drug, alcohol and

smoke-free events through the FReeZA
program.
Develop a policy to prevent smoking within
10 metres of regional playgrounds within the
City of Greater Bendigo.
Office for Youth
Staff time
Small budget for
promotion and
catering
FReeZA grants
Staff time
CoGBs Parks and Natural

Reserves Unit
CoGBs Children and Family
Services Unit
CoGBs Active & Healthy
Communities Unit
Design
CoGBs Environmental
Health and Local Laws
Staff time
Medium
Advocate for youth drug and alcohol workers

to attend school wellbeing weeks to provide
information on the negative impacts of drugs
and alcohol.
Youth drug and alcohol

workers
Schools
Staff time
Ongoing
10
11
Drugs and
Alcohol
Ongoing
61
No. Focus Area

12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Physical Health
and Wellbeing
Action
Partners
Resources
Priority
Work in partnership with CoGBs Active &

Healthy Communities Unit to develop healthy
eating guidelines for youth events, in
partnership with young people.
Provide information about good food / healthy
eating on the YO Bendigo website.
Advocate for CoGBs Active & Healthy
Communities Unit and Sports Focus to
provide Come and Try Days and other
recreation programs to encourage greater
participation by young people in physical
activity.
Communities Unit, Sports Focus and local
sports associations to keep costs of sport and
recreation participation by young people to a
minimum.
Communities Unit and local sports clubs to
provide access to more outdoor sports
grounds and courts to allow informal
participation in physical activities by young
people.
Work in partnership with local sporting
associations and sport and recreation clubs /
organisations to promote sport and recreation
activities on YO Bendigo, particularly at the
start of a new season.
Facilitate positive body image workshops in
schools and workplaces for young people

Communities Unit
Schools
Staff time
Medium
Staff time
Medium

Communities Unit
Sports Focus
Staff time
Medium

Communities Unit
Sports Focus
Local sports associations
Staff time
Medium

Communities Unit
Local sports clubs
Staff time
High
Local sporting associations

Sport and recreation clubs /
organisations
Communities Unit
Body image organisations
Staff time
High
Staff time
Funds to cover
facilitator ($5,000)
Medium
62
No. Focus Area
Action
19
Provide information about positive body

image on the YO Bendigo website.
Provide information about sexual health
issues on the YO Bendigo website.
Provide information about how to respond to
bullying and other mental health issues on
Advocate to various youth services to ensure
that their services are open on weekends and
after hours wherever possible.
Provide life skills training courses for young
people focusing on financial management,
interview techniques, developing resumes,
etc.
Provide information about life skills on the YO
Bendigo website.
Advocate for young people from Culturally
and Linguistically Diverse and Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander backgrounds to provide
cultural awareness training within schools
and local organisations.
20
21
Mental Health
22
23
24
25
26
27
Education and
Training
Advocate for additional work experience,

internship and traineeship opportunities
within the City of Greater Bendigo and the
development of policies and procedures to
support this initiative effectively.
Advocate to CoGBs Economic Development
Unit to inform young people, secondary
schools, the tertiary education sector and
employment agencies of training
Partners
Resources
Priority
Staff time
Medium
Staff time
High
Staff time
High
Headspace
Staff time
High
The Mundy Street Youth

Innovation Centre
Partnership
Staff time
Medium
Staff time
Medium
Bendigo District Aboriginal

Cooperative
Loddon Campaspe
Multicultural Services
CoGBs Community
Partnerships Unit
CoGBs Economic
Development Unit
CoGBs People and
Performance Unit
Staff time
Low
Staff time
Medium
CoGBs Economic
Development Unit
Staff time
Medium
63
No. Focus Area

28
29
30
31
Employment
32
33
34
35
Transport
Action
opportunities available locally.
Provide information about training
opportunities on the YO Bendigo website and
Facebook page.
Advocate for an increase to Youth Allowance
and Austudy rates so that tertiary education
may be more accessible for some young
people.
Advocate for increased resources to the
education sector to allow schools to have a
greater focus on early intervention,
transitions, relationships with youth agencies
and the introduction of programs which help
to increase school retention rates.
Promote The COG to young people as a
resource where they can develop
employment skills or begin enterprises.
Provide information about employment (e.g.
workplace rights, job sites, resume writing,
responding to key selection criteria, etc) on
Advocate for a continuation of career expos
to provide young people with information
about career opportunities.
Continue to support youth events in regional

areas and facilitate transport from regional
areas to events held within Bendigo.
Advocate to CoGBs Asset Planning and
Design Unit and Active & Healthy
Partners
Bendigo TAFE
La Trobe University
Schools
YACVIC
Schools
Department of Education and
Early Childhood
Development
Youth Governance
Partnerships
CoGBs Economic
Development Unit
Bendigo TAFE
La Trobe University
Major employers
Transport operators

Design Unit
Resources
Priority
Staff time
Medium
Staff time
Medium
Staff time
Medium
Staff time
Medium
Staff time
High
Staff time
Medium
Staff time
Budget for
transport
Staff time
High
Medium
64
No. Focus Area
36
37
38
Accommodation
39
40
41
Support
Services and
Networks
Action
Partners
Resources
Priority
Communities Unit to improve cycling and

walking networks and to ensure that there are
linkages to key destinations desired by young
people.
Advocate to Public Transport Victoria for an
audit of the location of bus stops and
timetables to ensure there suitability for
young people.
Advocate to Public Transport Victoria to
improve after hours and weekend public
transport services to outlying suburbs and
towns.
Facilitate workshops for young people to
provide information about the costs of
housing and the responsibilities of being a
tenant or owner.

Communities Unit
Staff time
High
Staff time
High
The Mundy Street Youth

Innovation Centre
Partnership
St Lukes
Haven
Loddon Campaspe Legal
Centre
Department of Consumer
Affairs
Staff time
Medium
Advocate for additional resources to provide

shelter and other forms of support for young
people who are homeless.
Advocate for additional social housing stock
for young people on low incomes.
Consult with the youth services sector to
determine the most appropriate mechanism
to distribute information about youth services
and issues.
St Lukes
Haven
Staff time
Medium
St Lukes
Haven
YO Media Team
Staff time
Low
Staff time
Medium
65
No. Focus Area
Action
42
Review support services available and

provide linkages to the most relevant and
useful services and networks on the YO
Bendigo website.
Continue to develop the capacity of young
people through leadership training and
participation on various committees.
43
Participation in
Community Life,
Planning and
Decision Making
44
Provide information and training to internal

City of Greater Bendigo units and external
agencies about opportunities to work in
partnership with the various youth
committees.
Advocate for genuine and inclusive
opportunities for young people to be involved
in the planning and design of public spaces to
ensure that built and natural environment is
fun and welcoming for young people.
45
46
47
Information
Develop a communication strategy to ensure

that all events and opportunities will be
promoted to young people via a variety of
sources. The communication strategy should
also contain information about the YO
Bendigo brand and guidelines on usage of
the logo, Facebook and the website.
Undertake a review of the YO Bendigo
website with the aim of improving the
Partners
Resources
Priority
Staff time
High
Staff time
High
Ongoing
CoGB units
CoGB Councillors
External agencies
Staff time
Funds for training
High
CoGBs Parks and Natural

Reserves Unit
CoGBs Children and Family
Services Unit
Communities Unit
Design
Staff time
High
Staff time
High
Staff time
Some funds for
High
66
No. Focus Area
49
Events and
Opportunities
51
52
53
54
Partners
usability of the site.

Utilise Facebook attached to YO Bendigo to
distribute information about key issues and
where to get help on a regular basis.
48
50
Action
Perception of
Young People in
the Community
and Media
Advocate to secondary schools and the

tertiary education sector to allow communitybased information to be distributed to
students as required.
Undertake a review of existing events to
determine gaps and potential over-supply of
various types of activities.
Continue to support the activation of 45
Mundy St and provide opportunities for
workshop and training for young people.
Continue to support and publicise the YO
Bendigo Media Team.
Continue to promote the Australia Day Young

Citizen of the Year award and instigate
additional awards for young people to
highlight their achievements (promoted in the
media).
Seek to develop permanent columns and
segments in the media (newspapers, radio or
television) to promote positive achievements
of young people.
Schools
Bendigo TAFE
La Trobe University
Resources
Priority
upgrading website.
Staff time
High
Staff time
Medium
Funding for events.
Medium
Staff time
Low
Staff time
Ongoing
Staff time
Medium
Staff time
Medium
67

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GREATER BENDIGO YOUTH

GREATER BENDIGO YOUTH STRATEGY

GREATER BENDIGO YOUTH STRATEGY

Establishment of a steering committee comprising of representatives from the City of Greater

Young people are concerned about the environment and sustainability.

Current Situation .............................................................................................................................. 30

What the Literature Told Us.............................................................................................................. 30

Current Situation .............................................................................................................................. 51

Personal safety refers to physical and psychological safety. There are

Improve the security

being out in public places at night where there is potential to be

The Federal and Victorian Governments are working towards reducing

What the Literature Told Us

The Mall is really

We need more police

Make the streets

We need more lights

15-17 years of age

What Our Key Stakeholders Told Us

What Our Young People Told Us

Possible Ways Forward

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Crack down heavier

In Bendigo there are a number of services that work with young

Victorian Government Youth Central website:

What the Literature Told Us

12-14 years olds:

15-17 years olds

What Our Key Stakeholders Told Us

What Our Young People Told Us

Possible Ways Forward

Tobacco in Australia website: http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-15-smokefree-environment/15-7legislation#Vic (accessed 10 January 2013).

PHYSICAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

We need cheap and

I would like sporting

Victorian Government Youth Central website:

What the Literature Told Us

5.7 per 1,000

1.7 per 1,000

'Chronic tonsillitis' (rate of 392.1 per 100,000 adolescents)

What Our Key Stakeholders Told Us

What Our Young People Told Us

Possible Ways Forward

We need less bullying

Mental health refers to a persons emotional and social wellbeing.

What the Literature Told Us

We need laws against

We need groups for

What Our Key Stakeholders Told Us

What Our Young People Told Us

Possible Ways Forward

Australian Youth Mentoring Network: CSOAR program:

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

youth leadership courses;

Many young people

I would like more

The City of Greater Bendigo is also involved in the Mundy Street

What the Literature Told Us

who continued onto years 10 - 12 as full-time equivalent students

who attained Year 12 or equivalent attainment rates at age 19

in years 5, 7 and 9 at or above the national minimum standard for writing

in years 5, 7 and 9 at or above the national minimum standard for numeracy

Other information relating to school absences and connectedness:

What Our Key Stakeholders Told Us