Many Goulburn youths have reported facing harassment online. Photo: File.
CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to online harassment.
What are the issues facing young people in the Goulburn region? A new report has been investigating that topic.
The Goulburn Mulwaree Council Youth Consultation Report for 2024 has been released and is available for public viewing and further comment.
Council has consulted with the region’s youth to get a better understanding of what the needs of its young people are and was assisted by 75 youths during the investigation’s co-design process.
It ran surveys, face-to-face conversations and small group community consultations, hearing from more than 1700 young people aged 12-24 from across its region.
“Through these interactions, Council has been able to gain valuable information on current needs, issues, and service gaps,” a council spokesperson said.
A summary report using this consultation will help Council’s approach to engaging with and delivering meaningful youth services.
According to the report, while 69 per cent of youths thought there were enough services available to support young people in Goulburn, 48 per cent of parents and community members thought there weren’t.
Ideas to improve the situation for young people included activities and excursion programs, bringing headspace to the town, encouraging mental health conversations for males, bringing in more mental health services, having cheaper support services and creating a community garden.
Concerningly, 433 respondents had experienced some form of online harassment or abuse.
The most common form was bullying, harassment or threats, which was experienced by 336 respondents, while the second most common form was being sent sexual content or images, as 203 respondents reported this.
Also, 136 respondents had experienced unwanted sexual approaches online.
The report says the community’s youth reported they aspired to lead fulfilling lives filled with happiness, wellbeing and meaningful connections.
“Encouragingly, a significant portion of young individuals surveyed have participated in community and youth events over the past year, indicating a desire for further involvement in local groups and activities,” it says.
The report says there are about 4600 young people in the region who require comprehensive support systems to address their diverse needs spanning education, employment, mental health and social integration.
“Despite the local government area’s rich potential, barriers such as limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and systemic inequalities may hinder the fulfilment of these needs,” it says.
“Thus, concerted efforts from government bodies, community organisations, and stakeholders are essential to surmount these obstacles and create a supportive environment where the young people of Goulburn Mulwaree can thrive and contribute positively to society.”
It recommends exploring opportunities to develop a detailed annual action plan for Council’s Youth Services team.
While the summary report has been released, Council still wants to hear from even more young people, their families, carers, and members of the public to see if anything has been missed or if any additional information should be included in it.
To provide feedback and view the report, head to the Your Say website. The report can be accessed at the bottom right-hand side of the website.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:
Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au
MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978 or mensline.org.au
Loading ...
