Cumberland Youth Strategy 2017 - 2021 - Cumberland Council
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Cumberland Youth Strategy
2017 - 2021
A message from young people…
Written by youth representative, Susan Chen
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO LISTEN TO WHAT DID YOUNG PEOPLE IN
YOUNG PEOPLE? CUMBERLAND TELL US?
With 1 in 5 people in the Cumberland local government Young people have aspirations - Young people care
area aged between 12 and 25, young people form a about their future. They have strong concerns for their
substantial and valuable part of our community, and education, employment and wellbeing. They experience
offer diverse perspectives on the issues affecting them. many challenges in their day-to-day lives, including
In the process of developing this Strategy, Council heard lack of learning opportunities and support, and
from many young people from diverse backgrounds difficulty seeking and securing employment. Despite
across Cumberland. All of the young people involved in the many barriers, young people have high aspirations
the consultation process offered a little bit of insight into for their future.
their world. Some of the stories of these young people
Young people want to be engaged - Young people
are featured in this document, and they are incredible
want to be occupied with productive and engaging
and inspiring. With 38,000 young people living in our
activities such as sport, youth programs and community
area, one can only imagine the plethora of unique voices
events. Young people are also eager to play a role in
and experiences within our community that deserve to
shaping their community. Many voiced their interest in
be heard and valued.
being involved in decision-making, volunteering and
As this Strategy is implemented, we hope that young youth leadership programs.
people’s voices and perspectives remain at the centre of
Young people value their diversity - Young
any and all actions undertaken.
people recognise and value the unique, diverse
and multicultural community they live in. They want
“Focus on young people - they are the future.” opportunities to celebrate, share and learn about
“Give everyone opportunities to have a say.” the different cultures and perspectives within their
community.
“Understand what the younger members of the
community are thinking or need.”
“Hear and listen to opinions and recommendations
of young people.”
2
WHAT DO YOUNG PEOPLE WANT COUNCIL TO
DO TO SUPPORT THEM?
What we want
Support youth involvement in community events and provide
more community events which bring everyone together. Cumberland to be
Provide more safe places for young people to hangout, “A community which exemplifies
including youth centres and programs which support vulnerable how successful multiculturalism and
young people. diversity can be”
Provide more affordable and accessible sporting facilities “[A place where ] youth are well
catering to the needs of young people. represented and heard and are valued
members of the community”
Involve young people in decision making and create more
opportunities where young people are empowered to learn, “A community that cares for the needs
engage, and take action to make positive change in their of young people”
community.
“Multicultural and peaceful while
Provide more employment support and help when young giving the youth the best opportunity
people leave school. to receive the best education and
attention”
Provide free wi-fi and more study hubs in Council libraries.
“A safe, fun and enjoyable community
Help with their education, help with their mental wellbeing. that is accessible to everyone”
“[A place where] everyone has equal
access to education, emotional and
WHAT IS OUR VISION FOR CUMBERLAND? mental support, and a place where
“Our vision for Cumberland is to become the best place people feel a part of society”
for young people in NSW. This means that Council fosters
a community of young people that are engaged and “A Council that celebrates people’s
connected, feel valued and supported, share a sense of cultural background and traditions but
pride in their local community, and have the resources seeks to be progressive and innovative
and opportunities to shape outcomes for themselves and in servicing the community”
the community around them.”
3
Contents
Introduction .................................................................. 5
Snapshot of young people
in Cumberland............................................................... 6
Council facilities supporting young people............. 8
Community Engagement.......................................... 10
How this strategy was developed.............................10
What young people told us .................................13
Council’s role in delivering better
outcomes for young people.................................... 18
Action Plan................................................................... 19
Priority 1: Employment..............................................22
Priority 2: Education..................................................20
Priority 3: Health and Wellbeing...............................25
Priority 4: Community Connection............................28
Priority 5: Safety........................................................31
Monotoring and evaluation...................................... 33
Acknowledgements.................................................... 35
4
Introduction
We aspire for Cumberland to be the best place for young people in NSW.
1 in 5 people in the Cumberland local government area are aged between 12 and 25
years old, with the number of young people predicted to reach 52,376 in 2036.
WHY HAVE A YOUTH STRATEGY? WHAT IS COUNCIL’S ROLE IN
The Cumberland Youth Strategy provides a clear direction IMPLEMENTING THIS STRATEGY?
for Council and partners over the next four years to To build a great community for young people, Council
support better outcomes for young people and make will focus on helping young people access and
Cumberland a vibrant place of opportunity where all experience local opportunities to live, learn, work, stay
young people are supported to learn, be safe, belong, healthy, be safe and feel included in their community.
work and contribute.
This strategy is a whole of community plan for
delivering better outcomes for young people in
WHAT ARE THE KEY PRIORITIES FOR Cumberland. There are already many organisations,
YOUNG PEOPLE? groups and individuals who are working hard in this
community to deliver services for young people and
Young people in Cumberland have identified the cater to many different needs and priorities.
following five priorities for action over the next four years:
Council’s role is to support, strengthen and take to
1. Employment scale the important work which is already happening
2. Education locally.
3. Health & wellbeing We do this through building capacity of local groups,
4. Community connection service providers and other stakeholders.
5. Safety
Changing the story of • Poor and/or unaffordable public transport services;
• Access to local jobs, insufficient opportunities for young
“disadvantage” people to obtain work experience and/or have the
support they need to find and apply for jobs;
Consultations with over 1,600+ young people to • Not enough resourcing in schools to support young
develop this Strategy have highlighted that young people who are struggling to learn including newly
people in Cumberland have enormous talent, arrived young people;
resilience, ideas and skills.
• Stress at home, including intergenerational issues,
Young people said that they do not want to be families unable to support young people in further
labelled as “disadvantaged” and that their lives and education, family separation across different countries,
experiences are diverse and usually very different from domestic and family violence;
the negative stereotypes of youth in Western Sydney
• Mental health issues for young people as well as young
portrayed in the media.
people caring for family members with mental or other
Council acknowledges that while there are many young health issues;
people in Cumberland who may be facing social,
• Housing insecurity and risk of homelessness;
geographical and economic disadvantage, this is not
the way local young people want to be described. • Food insecurity;
Council recognises that whilst many young people • Visa uncertainty and lack of support for young people
in the community experience multiple barriers to seeking asylum;
accessing local support and opportunities, this • Language and cultural barriers for people who are
Strategy focuses on the actions that Council will take, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds,
in partnership with young people and stakeholders, particularly newly arrived young people.
to tackle the barriers that exclude, marginalise
and prevent young people from reaching their full Council is committed to working in partnership with
potential. young people, parents and families, religious groups,
community groups, service providers and other levels of
Some of the barriers many young people experience government to address inequality and improve outcomes
on a daily basis include: for all young people in the Cumberland community.
5
Snapshot of young people
in the Cumberland local area
11.5% ONLY
OF PEOPLE AGED
15-24 YEARS OLD
31%
ARE NOT EMPLOYED SPEAK
OR ATTENDING AN ENGLISH AS THEIR
EDUCATION INSTITUTE FIRST LANGUAGE
This is higher than Western Sydney (10.8%) OTHER LANGUAGES
or Greater Sydney (8.1%). SPOKEN INCUDE
Arabic ............. 18%
Cantonese ...... 5.61%
Mandarin ........ 5.33%
Turkish ............ 4.46%
Dari ................. 2.13%
Tamil ................ 2%
Vietnamese..... 1.99%
Hazaraghi........ 1.63%
RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND Hindi ............... 1.58%
Korean ............ 1.55%
Islam 24.63%
Roman Catholic 23.36%
No religion 10.68%
Hinduism 5.6%
Buddhism 4.6%
BIRTHPLACE
Just over half of the youth
FUTURE POPULATION
41% in Cumberland were born
in Australia. 41% of young
The youth population of
Cumberland is forecast to grow.
people were born in over
39,027 in 2016
150 DIFFERENT
COUNTRIES 52,376 in 2036
6
39,027 YOUNG PEOPLE
IN CUMBERLAND
1 in 5
DEFINITION OF
YOUNG PEOPLE:
PEOPLE AGED
Residents in Cumberland LGA are aged
12-25 years old (20.2% of total population) 12-25 YEARS OLD
Toongabbie
Girraween
Pendle Hill
Wentworthville
Train Station
Prospect
Westmead
Higher Education
South
Wentworthville Mays Hill School
Greystanes
Pemulwuy Holroyd
Granville
Merrylands Auburn
Merrylands
West
Woodpark
Lidcombe
Guildford West
Smithfield South
Granville
Yennora
Guildford
Rookwood
Fairfield
Berala
Chester Hill
Regents Park
7
Council facilities supporting
young people
COUNCIL FACILITIES SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE IN CUMBERLAND
Sport and recreation
Toongabbie
Girraween Youth recreation facilities
Pendle Hill
Wentworthville Skate/BMX facilities
Prospect
Westmead
Aquatic Centres
South
Greystanes Wentworthville Mays Hill Libraries
Pemulwuy Holroyd
Merrylands Merrylands Auburn
West
Granville
Woodpark
Lidcombe
Guildford
Smithfield West South
Granville
Yennora
Guildford
Rookwood
Fairfield
Berala
Chester Hill
Regents Park
5 SWIMMING
POOLS 1 SKATE
PARK
47 PARKS WITH
SPORTSFIELDS 1 INDOOR
BASKETBALL CENTRE 1 POLICE CITIZENS
YOUTH CLUB (PCYC)
8
9
Community engagement
HOW YOUNG PEOPLE WERE ENGAGED
How this Strategy Youth Survey
was developed Online and face to face surveys were conducted with
young people to identify key interests and priorities for
young people in Cumberland.
This Strategy was developed over eight months
throughout 2016/2017 and involved:
1,014 young people surveyed (Phases 1 & 2)
• 1,600+ young people from across Cumberland;
Phase 1: 714 young people surveyed to identify key
• Service providers and community priorities
organisations (social, sport and recreation,
volunteer groups); Phase 2: 300 young people surveyed to inform Action
Plan
• Parents and families;
• Faith-based organisations; Face to face consulataions with young people
• Youth-facility managers; In-school and external focus groups, in-depth
consultations and an open forum were conducted
• Schools; and with young people (including youth-led consultations)
• Council staff. through existing programs, community groups and
events.
Council also involved children 8 – 12 years old
who will be transitioning into young people over
the implementation phase of the Strategy.
651 young people participated in focus groups and
in-depth consultations
The engagement process involved two key
phases: Phase 1: 286 young people participated in focus groups
to identify key priorities
PHASE 1: YOUTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT
CONSULTATION (September - November 2016) Phase 2: 365 young people participated in in-depth
consultations and an open forum to inform Action Plan
PHASE 2: YOUTH STRATEGY CONSULTATION
(January - March 2017) Youth Collective and social media campaign
Young people and stakeholders were engaged Young people were involved in shaping the development
from across Cumberland and provided feedback of the Strategy every step of the way, including:
by filling in a survey, attending a forum, focus
group or interview, or through social media • Advising on the best ways to engage local young
to provide input into the development of the people;
Strategy. • Advising on the development and implementation of
the strategy;
• Undertaking paid and voluntary work surveying young
people;
• Being youth spokespeople at events and for media
engagement;
• Developing a social media engagement strategy;
• Facilitating focus group consultations;
• Documenting the strategy development process;
• Analysing findings and contributing to writing the
strategy;
• Communicating the key priorities of the strategy with
decision-makers.
Local young people aged 16 to 24 were recruited to
inform and document the development of the strategy
1011
as well as to implement youth-led consultation. Volunteer Open forums
and paid roles were provided including youth reporters/
4 open forums were held to consult with service
social media managers, youth ambassadors, youth
providers, community groups, parents/families and
analysts, filmmakers and a photographer.
schools.
18 young people recruited (Phases 1 & 2) 81 participants (Phase 2)
‘Shape Cumberland’ interactive social media
campaign (Phase 2) Community surveys, future forums and focus groups
A telephone survey, online survey, four community
forums and three focus groups were held between
HOW STAKEHOLDERS WERE ENGAGED September and October 2016 to examine community
Youth service providers survey attitudes towards Council’s current and future services and
seek input into the vision and priorities for the future of
An online survey was distributed to over 500 service Cumberland. Youth-specific data was collected as part of
providers operating in the Cumberland area. This the process.
included funded and volunteer run youth or community
services, faith-based organisations, sport and recreation
groups, education and health institutions. The survey
600 residents participated in phone survey (Phase 1)
sought to identify priority youth needs, services and 762 online surveys completed (Phase 1)
facilities.
176 people engaged in community forums (Phase 1)
33 youth services and community groups completed 30 residents participated in focus groups (Phase 1)
the survey (Phase 1) Consultation with staff
Youth service provider interviews An internal consultation session was held with
representatives from across Council in March 2017 to
Interviews and/or facility visits were conducted with a
provide feedback on the Youth Strategy Action Plan.
cross-section of stakeholders and youth facility managers.
20 staff consulted
17 key stakeholders and youth facility managers
interviewed (Phase 1)
12What young people told us
CHILDREN AGED 8 – 12 YEARS OLD
To make our community better, together we
TOLD US… need to:
They want to have spaces where they can play, have fun
• Provide more local spaces in libraries or community
and make friends. They feel most safe when they are
centres where young people can study;
with their families, friends, teachers and neighbours who
they know and trust. Knowing that there are Police and • Provide extra study and relaxation spaces in
security cameras in their community also helps them to local libraries during the HSC period for year 12
feel safe. They love using technology to learn and play. students;
School, religious groups, friendly neighbours, sport and • Create a youth mentoring program where
creative arts groups help them to feel connected to their university students provide study support for
community as well as celebrating their culture and family young people doing different HSC subjects;
background. Playing sport, spending time outdoors,
good lifestyle and nutrition help them to feel happy and • Provide qualified people and programs which link
healthy. with study support to help young people cope
with stress and mental health issues;
Things that make them worried include the pressure of
homework and tests, speeding cars, bullying, strangers, • Provide more free sport or affordable and
discrimination (cultural/racial), what they hear in the recreation which young people can join, including
news and limited access to healthy food. girls-only programs;
• Promote opportunities for young people to
To make our community better, together we access job search support and employment
need to: through schools;
• Clean up the environment – there is too much • Increase community events which celebrate
rubbish and spaces which are not cared for; cultural diversity.
• Make our community spaces bright and beautiful;
• Help people in need in our area – people who are YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 19 – 24 YEARS OLD
experiencing homelessness, people who can’t TOLD US…
afford food, families who can’t afford to provide
Their main priority is employment including finding jobs,
school resources for their children;
applying for jobs, interviewing for and keeping a job.
• Help families who are having a tough time - families Having opportunities where they can build skills and work
who find the rent too expensive, parents who can’t experience to strengthen their job applications is also
speak much English; a priority. Many young people said they felt that being
associated with Western Sydney carried negative stigmas,
• Provide more fun and free community events and
and could even cause them to miss out on being selected
activities.
for jobs in other areas of Sydney.
“I feel like I belong in my community when I
celebrate” To make our community better, together we
need to:
YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 13 – 18 YEARS OLD • Work with young people and media partners to
tackle and counter the negative perceptions about
TOLD US… youth in Western Sydney;
Education plays a significant role in their lives. Young
• Provide more opportunities for young people
people are starting to think about their future options
to gain volunteer roles, work experience and/or
– preparing to finish school and thinking about what
obtain local casual or part time employment;
happens after school. Young people aged 15 and
onwards are either considering or actively trying to find • Increase support for young people seeking
employment. High school can be a challenging time employment such as 1:1 or small group advice
when young people experience intergenerational conflict including help with resume writing and applying
at home. They also want more sport and recreation for jobs;
programs, and girls would like to see more girls-only sport
• Work with young people to advocate on issues
and recreation groups as well as other programs. Stress
which Council cannot directly control (such as
and pressure around HSC and exam periods is a big
access to transport and education).
concern for young people in this age group.
13YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY YOUNG PEOPLE FROM CULTURALLY
TOLD US… AND LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE
They would like more free and fun cultural festivals and BACKGROUNDS TOLD US…
small neighbourhood community events like movie nights They feel culturally safe in such a multicultural
for young people. Young people from culturally diverse community. They want more opportunities and
backgrounds sometimes feel shy to tell others about their support to celebrate and showcase their culture
culture and it can be hard trying to fit in between two and opportunities to build understanding of other
different cultures. Support for parents – with language and cultures.
other services was highlighted as a key area for support.
Young people seeking employment face many barriers
including employers being reluctant to provide facilities To make our community better, together we
or flexible support to people with disability. Young people need to:
who are unemployed and on Centrelink payments can • Provide spaces where young people from
be socially isolated as they cannot afford transport to culturally diverse backgrounds can meet and
participate in community activities. access programs to strengthen their cultural
identity;
To make our community better, together we • Provide funding for programs and events
need to: which support young people to network and
• Help with transport so that young people with build cross-cultural understanding through
disability can participate and become independent sport, creative arts, music, food, literature and
(this includes help to navigate, afford and access storytelling;
public transport and driving lessons); • Provide capacity-building programs for small
• Include more accessible learning resources in and emerging communities to enhance their
libraries eg. braille section; ability to deliver local youth-led programs and
initiatives;
• Provide more free/affordable sport programs which
help young people to feel included even if they are • Improve promotion of events and activities
not the best player; which celebrate and strengthen cultural identity;
• Provide safe spaces and support for young people • Work with local young people and community
experiencing bullying; leaders to address intergenerational conflict and
strengthen young people’s relationships with
• Provide healthy eating options for young people at parents;
school and in youth programs;
• Develop culturally-informed mental health,
• Provide mentoring programs where young people domestic and family violence and other
can get 1:1 support and make friends; community education initiatives which are led
• Focus on reducing barriers to participation and this jointly by young people and community elders/
will enable young people with disability to access leaders.
community services and local opportunities.
14YOUNG PEOPLE FROM REFUGEE LGBTIQA+ YOUNG PEOPLE TOLD US…
BACKGROUNDS OR SEEKING ASYLUM Mental wellbeing, job search support, celebrating
and listening to LGBTIQA+ young people, creative
TOLD US… arts programs and volunteering opportunities are
They want to make the most of the opportunities available important to them. Challenges they face include
in the community and contribute to the successful the cost of living being too high, difficulty finding
settlement of their families and communities. English local employment, judgement towards young
language fluency is one of the most important steps people who are LGBTIQA+ and inadequate public
to accessing these opportunities for all people who transport services.
are newly arrived. Young people need support that
encourages improved understanding about their rights
and the law, and more practical support such as form- To make our community better, together we
filling assistance. They also need free, easily accessible need to:
spaces, activities and programs where they can make • Provide more programs for young people facing
friends, get help when they need it and relax. financial difficulties;
• Provide employment support programs;
To make our community better, together we
need to: • Improve visibility and accessibility of areas used
by young people, such as youth centres and train
• Advocate for access to education and language stations;
support for young people who may not be ‘eligible’;
• Increase the number of spaces and groups for
• Provide 1:1 or small group tutoring support after LGBTIQA+ young people where they can be
hours through local libraries for young people in supported and meet other young people;
high school or university, including bilingual support
where feasible; • Increase free/affordable sport and recreational
options;
• Support improved relationships with the Police
(young people often feel like they are being unfairly • Increase the number of programs for young
targeted); people around mental health;
• Support the provision of specialised English • Provide training for service providers and
language classes which have a real-life application organisations on how to better meet the needs
and which provide training pathways to gaining of LGBTIQA+ young people.
work experience and securing employment;
• Provide safe spaces for young people to connect, “I find it hard to feel respected in the community
make friends and build their English language because of the perceptions and judgement of
confidence. LGBTIQ+ young people”
15PARENTS AND FAMILIES TOLD US… SMALL AND VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY
They want to be involved in supporting their children to GROUPS TOLD US…
have better outcomes and opportunities. Council and More support is needed to build the capacity of small
services providers need to improve transparency and and voluntary community groups to deliver services and
trust with parents and families. Families in our community programs which meet the needs of young people of the
are either time-poor (with long working hours) or can be specific groups they work with. Multicultural events and
experiencing multiple barriers to connecting with the wider festivals (small scale and large scale) which celebrate and
community (such as language, cultural, geographic and showcase local food, art and music and foster cross-
financial barriers). Many parents do not feel comfortable cultural interaction are valued.
taking their children to youth programs because of lack of
awareness and confidence in youth programs including
and negative stigmas associated with youth centres. It is To make our community better, together we
also very hard to find out what programs and activities are need to:
happening in their local area as communication is disjointed. • Continue to provide funding opportunities and
capacity building programs for small and emerging
To make our community better, together we groups;
need to: • Provide community organisations with training on
• Continue to provide free/affordable and local school governance and assist groups to become more
holiday and after hours’ youth activities and programs; sustainable;
• Improve and promote public spaces and facilities • Continue to provide community facilities which local
such as parks, pools, sport and recreational groups can use for low/no cost;
facilities and the availability of youth programs; • Provide youth-specific networking opportunities for
• Support place-based initiatives which meet local small and emerging voluntary organisations;
needs and encourage parents, schools, young • Link cultural groups together so that they can
people, service providers and Council to work build cross-cultural understanding and pool their
together; resourcing to deliver larger scale events and
• Improve openness and transparency of facilities programs;
where youth programs are run – in terms of the • Support programs and events which promote cross-
build environment but also through ‘open days’ cultural understanding and celebrate the talents and
where parents can meet staff and service providers; cultural diversity of Cumberland.
• Continue to have events which celebrate
community’s diversity and bringing people together.
SERVICE PROVIDERS TOLD US…
Council can provide a critical role in facilitating networks
SCHOOL STAFF TOLD US… amongst services, community groups, schools and other
Schools are already doing some exceptional work to government agencies to form strategic partnerships to
support parents and young people. Many schools are deliver services for young people. There is also a need for
going the extra mile to provide services to families such coordinating communication directly with young people
as English classes, parent cafes, breakfast clubs and and cross-promoting services to young people and
community liaison workers. Council can add value to the families across Cumberland.
work schools already do in a number of simple ways to
increase support to parents and students. To make our community better, together we
need to:
To make our community better, together we • Coordinate communication directly with young
need to: people through social media;
• Assist schools with transport for orientation programs • Cross-promote information about youth
which link parents to community and Council services; programs and services directly to parents;
• Educate parents about Council and local youth • Build understanding between parents, culturally
services at key points in the school calendar such diverse communities and service providers;
as orientation days;
• Increase the number of free, accessible and local
• Coordinate initiatives where schools, service programs for young people and families;
providers, government agencies and community
groups can network to build strategic partnerships; • Bring together young people, families,
community groups, youth services and schools
• Support free breakfast programs at all schools to advocate on systemic issues (e.g. transport,
across the area; education, settlement, domestic and family
• Provide ‘people power’ such as volunteers or violence, housing and employment).
partners who can connect and expand existing
school programs.
16THE KINDS OF PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES WHICH APPEAL TO YOUNG PEOPLE?
Sport/recreation activities
(e.g. Soccer, basketball, dance) 59.8%
Community festivals 54.2%
Study or learning support groups/tutoring
(e.g. Homework help or language classes) 38.8%
Programs/activities where I can get individual support
(e.g. Counselling, financial support, food, advice) 36.4%
Creative arts activities which are family friendly 26.2%
Volunteering at community events 23.4%
Activities which bring people from different cultures
and backgrounds together 23.4%
Programs which are male/female only 19.6%
Employment support programs 17.8%
Environmental groups and activities 15.0%
Other (please specify) 11.2%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
HOW YOUNG PEOPLE FIND OUT ABOUT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THEIR COMMUNITY?
Social media 89.7%
Friends 43.0%
Community/youth centre 41.1%
School 36.4%
Posters in public places 23.4%
Other (please specify) 18.7%
Flyers or newsletters 15.0%
Local groups (e.g. sports groups, community groups) 15.0%
Council website 13.1%
Local paper 12.1%
Other local organisations’ websites 6.5%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
WHAT HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE TO ATTEND PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES?
No cost 60.7%
Friends attending 59.8%
Located close to where I live/study/work 40.2%
Close to public transport 37.4%
Other 33.6%
Family is supportive for me to attend 22.4%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
17Council’s role in delivering better
outcomes for young people
To build a great community for young GUIDING PRINCIPLES
people, Council will focus on helping
1
young people access and experience local Respectful: Council will treat young people
opportunities to live, learn, work, stay with dignity, equality and mutual respect.
healthy, be safe and feel included in
their community.
Council’s role is to support, strengthen and take to scale
2 Youth-led: Council will listen to and
respond to the needs, priorities and
solutions young people identify and ensure
the important work which is already happening locally. ongoing involvement of young people in
We do this through building capacity of young people, designing, implementing and evaluating
local groups, service providers and other stakeholders. programs, facilities and services for young
This includes: providing training, community facilities and people.
grants; streamlining service provision through building
partnerships; and providing a coordinated platform for
communication between services and directly to young
people. 3 Affordable: Council will support and
deliver initiatives, services and programs for
young people and their families which are free
In this strategy, Council’s role in taking action varies
or low cost.
depending on our sphere of influence.
4
Of the needs young people identified, there are some
which are within the core business and functions of Council Accessible: Programs, services and events
(such as facility provision or library services). There are will be delivered in accessible locations,
some needs which Council cannot meet on our own, but at times which work best for the community,
we can share responsibility and collaborate with other consider religious, linguistic and cultural needs,
stakeholders to address (such as improving collaboration cater for transport needs and be accessible for
between service providers and community groups to young people with disability.
deliver culturally appropriate initiatives). There are also
5
many systemic or attitudinal issues which impact young Responsive: Council will develop
people in our LGA, which we cannot directly control, participation, monitoring and evaluation
but can advocate, educate and support on behalf of the mechanisms to improve its accountability and
community. responsiveness to the needs of young people.
This strategy is a whole of community plan for delivering
6
better outcomes for young people in Cumberland. There
Collaborative: Council will work in
are already many organisations, groups and individuals
collaboration with families, schools,
who are working hard in this community to deliver services
community groups, service providers and other
for young people and cater to many different needs and
levels of government to ensure sustainable and
priorities.
effective outcomes for young people.
7
OUR APPROACH TO CORE BUSINESS Safe: Workers will be qualified, skilled and
Seven key principles will guide the way Council engages cross-culturally competent to work with
key stakeholders to improve outcomes for young people young people; volunteers will be trained and
in the local area. This approach seeks to ensure Council closely supervised; and Council will provide
programs, services and facilities are accessible and youth-friendly and safe spaces for young
inclusive to young people. people.
18Action Plan
EMPLOYMENT more opportunity, it’s much someone sit down and help you
“I feel like being a really digital more competitive. When your one to one. I did finally manage to
generation, our opportunities main interface in employment is get a job. But unfortunately I had to
for education and employment through a computer, it’s really de- go outside this area to get a job. I
are more accessible. But when I motivating. One time there was this couldn’t find anything locally.”
was trying to find part time work career expo in Auburn where you
Jeanne, 16 years,
it was much more difficult than could get some help to write your
Auburn resident
I expected. While there’s much resume. It was really helpful to have
19PRIORITY 1: EMPLOYMENT
Employment is a major priority for young people, with Cumberland experiencing
a higher than average youth unemployment rate. Young people want to find
work locally but many young people feel that there are limited opportunities for
employment in the area.
Many young people identified a need for Aim:
more support in developing employment- To support young people to find and gain employment.
related skills such as resume writing
and opportunities to gain experience.
Objectives:
Young people who are newly arrived
face additional challenges when seeking • To increase support for young people in seeking and securing
employment. Many young people employment.
reported not understanding enough • To provide opportunities for young people to build skills and
about their work rights and exploitation by experience (paid and unpaid) which will help them gain employment.
employers.
• To provide more employment opportunities for local young people
through Council’s programs and activities.
STRATEGY ACTION
1.1 Increase access and Work in partnership with service providers and stakeholders to facilitate and
improve pathways promote job-seeking/employment support programs (including training, 1:1 support
for young people and work experience) available in Cumberland.
to access training,
Develop a coordinated employment pathways program for local young people
work experience, job
within Council and promote to local services, schools and young people.
search support and
employment.
1.2 Support coordinated Seek partnerships or funding to undertake research on transport disadvantage for
advocacy to local young people to inform advocacy to the NSW government.
state and federal
Develop initiatives to address the lack of employment services for young people on
government on
temporary protection and bridging visa holders.
significant systemic
barriers to young Explore opportunities to develop strategic partnerships with regional Councils to
people gaining support orientation for young people living in Cumberland who are relocating on
employment Safe Haven Enterprise Visas to regional areas.
20• Guildford (East) 291 BER Berala MH Mays Hill WP
SMF
CH Chester Hill MLD Merrylands
FLD Fairfield MLW Merrylands West
GFW
GFD Guildford PDH Pendle Hill
TG
Number ofGFW
disengaged
Guildford West young people
PRO Prospect
GNV Granville PWY Pemulwuy
GRY Greystanes RPK
3 toRegents Park
5 people YEN
GWN
GWN Girraween RW Rookwood
PRO HBW Homebush West SGV
6 toSouth Granville
9 people
PDH
HR Holroyd SMF Smithfield
WNT SWV South
10 to Wentworthville
15 people
WMD TG Toongabbie
WMD
16 to 25 people
Westmead
PWY SWV MH WNT Wentworthville
GRY
26 to
WP 37 people
Wood Park
YEN Yennora
HR
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population an
MLW (Enumerated data). Compiled and presented in atlas.id
GNV
MLD
WP
SMF
GFW HBW
GFD AUB
SGV LID
3 to 5 people YEN
6 to 9 people
FLD
10 to 15 people
CH RW
BER
16 to 25 people
26 to 37 people RPK
Disengaged youth in
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, 2011
(Enumerated data). Compiled and presented in atlas.id
Cumberland SUBURBS
9 AUB Auburn MLW Merrylands West
(aged 15 - 24 not employed BER Berala PDH Pendle Hill
CH Chester Hill PRO Prospect
or in education) FLD Fairfield PWY Pemulwuy
GFD Guildford RPK Regents Park
Cumberland has a high proportion of
‘disengaged youth’, with 11.5% of the GFW Guildford West RW Rookwood
population aged 15 to 24 years (3,268 persons) GNV Granville SGV South Granville
not employed or attending an education GRY Greystanes SMF Smithfield
institute. This compares to 10.8% in Western
Sydney and 8.1% in Greater Sydney. GWN Girraween SWV South Wentworthville
HBW Homebush West TG Toongabbie
In 2011, the five areas with the highest number
of disengaged youth in Cumberland are: HR Holroyd WMD Westmead
• Auburn 768 LID Lidcombe WNT Wentworthville
MH Mays Hill WP Wood Park
• Auburn (South) 541
MLD Merrylands YEN Yennora
• Merrylands - Holroyd 516
• Guildford 453
• Guildford (East) 291 Guildford (West) - Yennora has the highest proportion
of disengaged youth (15.7% or 164 persons) in the
Cumberland area.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, 2011 (Enumerated data). Compiled and presented in atlas.id
21EDUCATION
“When I arrived in Australia in
2010 I couldn’t speak English.
At first I thought I wouldn’t
be able to go to uni or even
pick up the language. But in
just five years I have studied
at an English Intensive
Centre, High School and
University. Australia has given
me so much opportunity - I
am so grateful to live and
study here. I’m also currently
working with a number
of different community
organisations. Education
has empowered me to
contribute to Australian
society. As Nelson Mandela
said, education is a powerful
weapon to change the
world.”
Hedayat, 24 years,
Guildford resident
PRIORITY 2: EDUCATION
Education is a critical step to young people reaching their full potential and unlocking
their aspirations for the future. The key places where young people receive learning
support in Cumberland include at school, at home from their parents, in community
settings such as libraries, through 1:1 support at local youth services, in TAFE or
university and in intensive English language institutes.
Young people identified barriers to education including The need for more programs to assist young people in
stress caused by pressure at school or too much high school, such as tutoring or homework help were
homework, language barriers, bullying, not enough quiet identified. Programs which improved life skills and options
spaces to study after school, their basic needs not being after school such as, managing finances, applying for jobs,
met, financial difficulties and access to technology and the applying for an ABN, understanding rights and the law,
internet. were also raised. The need for English classes for parents
was also suggested to assist in bridging language gaps.
Parents identified additional barriers such as costs
associated with school and tutoring, not enough after- Aim:
school homework support programs, cultural differences To improve young people’s access to education which sets
and intergenerational issues. Schools and service them on the path to realising their full potential.
providers identified engaging with parents as an ongoing
challenge which can impact on a students’ ability to Objectives:
learn and achieve in school. Some students reported • To provide learning and development support which
feeling worried about their parents being socially isolated complements formal education for young people.
because they do not speak enough English.
• To develop strategic partnerships with local schools,
Many schools provide additional community education tertiary education institutions and service providers to
programs and wellbeing support for young people and deliver educational programs which support young
their families. There is an opportunity for Council to work people to reach their full potential.
more strategically with schools, service providers, parents
and higher education institutions to provide formal and • To improve young people’s access to higher education
informal community education support to young people. and training opportunities.
22STRATEGY ACTION
2.1 Improve the Work in partnership with other services providers and stakeholders to expand,
provision and improve and promote homework help programs delivered in Cumberland.
promotion of quality
Provide HSC study assistance programs in Council libraries.
homework or
study help support
programs
2.2 Increase the number Increase the number of quiet, youth-specific study spaces in libraries particularly
of accessible, during HSC exam periods.
resourced and
Provide free Wi-Fi in Council community facilities and other key locations.
appropriate spaces
for young people to Increase the number of public computers available for use in libraries and
study community centres.
2.3 Provide education Develop a formal partnership with local schools to enable delivery of services and
programs and programs at school facilities after-school hours.
support services for
Continue to deliver networking initiatives to connect schools, service providers and
young people and
community groups to encourage collaboration and information exchange.
parents
Work in partnership with service providers and schools to facilitate and promote
programs for parents, such as form filling, English classes and social support
activities.
Continue to deliver and expand Council’s ‘Welcome’ Bus Tours and community
education programs in conjunction with English language colleges, community
groups and local schools to introduce local newly arrived families to Council’s
services and facilities.
Work in partnership with service providers and schools to facilitate and promote
opportunities for general life skills training for young people.
Collaborate with schools and higher education institution to develop a network of
young emerging artists/creatives and develop projects which support young artist’s
professional development and recognition.
Work in partnerships with community groups to address the lack of education
programs for newly arrived young people including those on temporary protection
visas and bridging visa holders.
2.4 Improve Develop and implement a school communication and engagement strategy to
communication provide information about Council and non-Council events, programs and activities
directly to young targeting young people and families.
people, parents and
schools
23HEALTH AND WELLBEING with my friends and family especially a healthy diet. I
“I’m a proud Australian Lebanese Muslim. My dad always maintain a healthy diet because food nourishes
came to Australian in the 1980s, and started working the body and for my intense training sessions, I am
in the construction industry with his brother. They had required to eat the most nutritional foods.
nothing and little assistance from the government. One time I was doing football drills, when my coach
Now they run a business. This taught me that with hard suggested I start boxing. I have been training intensely,
work, you can achieve the extraordinary. My dad is my 6 days a week for 3 years. This has taught me what
inspiration. school does not necessarily teach, and that is the
I have grown up in a family of five siblings and it isn’t importance of fitness, discipline and being confident
easy. My parents have always been supportive of my with my body. I have also learnt humility and not to be
interests but they always tell me to prioritise school. As pre-occupied with the opinions of others, but to remain
an average high school student, I feel comfortable at focus on my ambitions.
school and in the classroom but I find that health and I wish to pursue a career in boxing and become a
well-being is not fully encouraged at school. I do well world champion.
in school and with my exams however sometimes I feel
I am travelling to Bangkok in Thailand to compete in
my zone is outside the classroom.
boxing at the ‘International Thai Marshal Arts Games
I have always valued sport and physical activity, 2017’. My father’s story instilled in me the belief that
especially with the statistics of obesity on the rise. I do with hard work you can achieve anything, and this is
believe schools have failed to fully promote health and what motivates me whenever things go tough.”
well-being but I will do my part to help others as much
Aamin, 16 years,
as I can. I try and promote living a healthy lifestyle
Guildford resident
24PRIORITY 3: HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Young people recognise the key role that health and wellbeing plays in developing
self-confidence and accessing social, educational and employment opportunities.
Young people define ‘health and wellbeing’
as encompassing mental health, socialising
Snapshot of youth health
and spending time with friends, being active
through sport and recreational programs, and wellbeing in NSW:
30%
accessing parks and outdoor spaces,
physical and sexual health, healthy eating
and expressing themselves through arts and
cultural programs.
The need for safe spaces across Cumberland
where young people can engage with skilled of 16-24 year olds
workers and access culturally informed and are overweight or
affordable services was identified. Greater obese (in 2015)1
integration between youth services, health
14%
services, schools and community groups is also
needed.
Aim:
To enable young people to relax, play, socialise of 4-17 year olds in Australia
and find help when they need it in their local have experienced a mental
area to support their health and wellbeing. health disorder in the last 12
months (2013-14)2
Objectives:
14%
• To improve access to culturally-informed
services and programs that address the
mental, emotional, sexual and physical health
and wellbeing of young people.
• To improve access to sport and recreational of 12-17 year old school
facilities and activities for young people in students experienced high
Cumberland, ensuring their affordability and levels of psychological
cultural-appropriateness. distress in the last 12
months (2011)3
• To provide arts and cultural programs and
events that encourage the participation of
7%
young people in Cumberland.
of 0 - 24 year olds in NSW
had a disability, 49%
of these have a severe
disability (2012)4
1. Overweight and obesity in children aged 5-16 years and Overweight and obesity in adults, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence. Health Statistics
New South Wales. Sydney: NSW Ministry of Health.
2. Report on the second Australian child and adolescent survey of mental health and wellbeing, The Mental Health of Children and Adolescents, 2015.
3. Psychological distress by age and sex, secondary school students aged 12-17 years in NSW. Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence. Health
Statistics New South Wales. Sydney: NSW Ministry of Health.
4. Customised Report, Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, 2012
25STRATEGY ACTION
3.1 Increase the Provide school holiday programs across Cumberland and engage young people in the
availability of design, promotion and evaluation of programs.
health and
Develop outreach programs in high needs neighbourhoods which respond to youth
wellbeing
identified priorities.
programs
targeting young Develop partnership to deliver additional female-only youth programs across Cumberland.
people across
Work in partnership with service providers and stakeholders to facilitate and promote
Cumberland
health and wellbeing programs.
Develop and implement guidelines to provide free healthy food options at Council
youth programs, events and activities.
Partner with service providers, schools, volunteers and local business to develop
initiatives to address food insecurity issues such as school breakfast clubs.
Develop partnerships to incorporate health and wellbeing workshops as part of
homework help and study support programs.
Work with service providers to develop community awareness initiatives targeting
community leaders/groups to address health and wellbeing related issues such as
mental health, intergenerational conflict and domestic and family violence.
Promote and facilitate access to mental health first aid programs for parents.
Work with community groups to provide training to local service providers such as
GPs, youth workers, police to increase core competencies around working with young
people including cross-cultural competencies.
3.2 Ensure that Establish youth project reference groups for the design of any new or upgraded
community and community and recreational facilities to ensure the needs of young people are
recreational incorporated.
facilities are
Identify and prioritise the upgrade of recreation facilities that encourage female
accessible and
participation in sport and recreation.
cater for the
needs of all young Review the use and accessibility of Council community facilities for young people
people including the hours of operation.
Implement a one-stop shop model of information and service provision for young
people at community facilities identified as suitable youth hubs in Cumberland.
3.3 Increase Support the delivery of accessible, affordable and culturally appropriate sport and
participation of recreation programs for young people through the Cumberland Council Community
young people Grants Program.
in sport and
recreation
programs
26COMMUNITY started, so I’ve grown up with in 2013. An arangetram is the
this organisation. It has been a first 2-hour solo performance that
CONNECTION fabulous way to keep in touch with a dancer does to establish that
I’m a 2nd yr Uni student, currently my mother tongue and culture they have completed their basic
studying a Bachelor of Arts whilst also meeting people who training. To me, it was a wake-up
and Social Work at the University have the same interests as me. It is call and enhanced my interest and
of Sydney. a fantastic forum for young people confidence in dance. As of 2013,
My parents are Sri Lankan Tamils to continuously showcase their I’ve also been teaching at my
migrants who had moved here cultural talents. dance school as a student teacher,
in the 90s and my younger which has been a whole different,
I’ve also been learning Carnatic
brother and I were born here. rich experience.
music (South Indian music) since I
However, both of our first was 4 but I had taken a break for I guess my exposure and
language was Tamil. a few years and just recently got involvement in such a rich culture
I guess from a young age my back to it. However, I was also part and growing up in Australia and
parents have tried to ensure that of the Australian Girls Choir for a being aware of the hundreds of
we had a balanced exposure to few years as well, and continued other cultures that are just as rich
both our Tamil culture and the singing throughout high school. and fascinating, has resulted in
Australian culture. I had been my great interest in travelling and
So I guess, I’ve had a taste of both
attending Tamil Community thirst to experience essentially
Eastern and Western music.
School since the age of 4 and had everything that there is. So
completed by Tamil HSC in 2013. In addition, I’ve been learning hopefully I get to do that.
Bharathanatyam ( a classical
I’ve also been part of Kambhan Aruthy, 20 years,
Indian dance) since I was 6 and
Kazhalagam since it had Pendle Hill resident
had completed my arangetram
27PRIORITY 4: COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Survey findings highlight that young people in Cumberland are proud to be living in a
multicultural community which accepts and celebrates diversity.
Most young people feel they belong in the Aim:
community and want to be more involved in sharing To improve community connection and make
and celebrating local talent, cultural identity and Cumberland known as a place where young people’s
food. Young people want more opportunities, cultures, identities, interests and talents are celebrated
events and programs which build cross-cultural and and supported to flourish.
intergenerational understanding, and promote the
strengths and richness that cultural diversity brings. Objectives:
The cultural diversity of Cumberland also creates a • To create more opportunities for young people to
number of challenges for young people. Only 31% of participate in events and programs which strengthen
young people speak English as their first language, and build their sense of connection to their
with many young people having to provide interpreting community.
and translating support to parents who do not speak • To build cross- cultural understanding and strengthen
English. Some parents in the community experience
young people’s sense of pride in their culture and
social isolation because of low socio-economic status identity.
and language barriers. Young people, parents, schools
and service providers identified intergenerational • To support young people by strengthening the
conflict as an ongoing issue – with parents and young connection between families and communities and
people struggling to bridge cultural and values encouraging youth-led initiatives.
differences. • To establish models for accessible and meaningful
Across all groups consulted, a recurring priority was the youth participation in Council’s decision-making
need for free, local, out of hours programs and events processes.
which help young people and families to connect, • To build a positive profile of young people in
build informal support networks and find out about Cumberland.
services in their community. Council also needs to
improve communication to improve awareness of what
is available for young people and families.
Young people also identified that negative stereotypes
about young people in Western Sydney in the media
have an impact on their social, educational and
employment opportunities outside of the area. They
want to counter these stereotypes and make this area
somewhere they feel proud to call home
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