WITH the State Election quickly approaching, youth and community services across the Great South Coast (GSC) are calling for major investments in youth services.

As eligible Victorians attend voting centres this week, Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) have created a state-wide election campaign prompting the all parties to commit to funding mental health, employment, education, transport, housing, and climate change for locals aged 12-25.

The campaign, ‘Youth Work Matters’, is supported by an independent report from Deloitte which shows that for every $1 invested in young people, at least $2.62 is returned in benefits to the wider community – demonstrating that youth work is a smart investment for government.

The campaign is calling for all political parties to commit to early intervention, workforce development, system reforms, youth participation, and sector cohesion and efficiency.

The GSC Youth Strategic Advocacy Group, formed earlier this year to strengthen advocacy for young people and youth services in this region, has endorsed the YACVic campaign, and corroborated the priority areas identified.

YACVic chief executive, Katherine Ellis, said it was time the government stepped up and recognised the essential role of regional youth services.

“Youth work matters because young people matter, and every young person deserves the support and opportunities to achieve what they want in life,” she said.

 “Victoria’s young people need a strong commitment from the next Victorian Government, to support them through the COVID-19 recovery and into the future.”

YACVic regional worker and Advocacy Group organiser, Karen Walsh, said there was a gap in the services available for young people and allocating funding would provide essential support for the community.

“Our local consultation showed strong support from young people and service providers for investing in prevention and early intervention youth services that address those key issues,” she said.  

“Young people can then get the support they need earlier, reducing the number of young people needing acute care or crisis support.

“This wrap around support is crucial in rural areas, where many key services for youth are non-existent or inaccessible to those in small rural communities.

“Youth workers are extremely effective at early intervention, working with a young person holistically in a trusted, strengths-based way.

“They also lead the way in helping young people navigate and join up multiple services, improving the care that a young person receives.”

For more information on the ‘Youth Work Matters’ campaign, visit yacvic.org.au/youth-work-matters