2024 a big year for Mansfield Shire Youth
Published on 13 December 2024
2024 has been a big year for Mansfield Shire Youth, with several new initiatives providing more opportunities for young people to connect and participate.
Council’s team is now looking at the successes over the year with an eye to developing the program even further in 2025.
In a major expansion of the school holiday program, Mansfield Shire Youth partnered with local community groups and businesses to show young people what is available right in their backyard. The 2024 programs included Mt Buller ski days, cooking classes, art workshops, Winton Racing days and more.
The Mansfield Coding Club launched in April, operating out of the Youth Centre and supported by an enthusiastic volunteer team. For 2 afternoons each week, the computer room has become a learning hub for young people to develop skills and open future pathways into computer-based work sectors.
2024 also saw the establishment of the Youth Advisory Group (YAG). Through the YAG’s involvement, Council’s direction, activities and programs are being developed based on advice by young people, for young people, leading to an increase in engagement for all.
Throughout the year Mansfield Shire Youth has developed the space available for young people at the Youth Centre and promoted its “brand” as a welcoming social hub. This revamp has included more activities and things to do, artwork and supplies on hand for young people to get creative, renovations to the computer room and additions to the backyard like veggie patches.
The revamp also extended to a new recording and rehearsal space that has been used extensively by local musicians and has contributed to the wonderful music scene in Mansfield.
Mansfield Shire Youth also delivered a huge final year to the Future Proof program. Over 300 young people received training in short courses ranging from first aid, white card and chainsaw to defensive driving and marine licenses.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said Council’s programs were aimed at ensuring Mansfield Shire is a great place for young people to be.
“We’ve been able to deliver a really exciting program of events and activities for young people this year,” he said.
“I’m really pleased to see Mansfield Shire Youth offering more and more ways for young people to connect, learn and have fun with their friends,” said Cr Rabie.
For 2025, the team aims to keep up momentum and make the new year even better.
January will see the installation of a wood fire pizza oven at the Youth Centre and a new focus on Friday evening activities in the backyard space.
Council remains on the lookout for new funding opportunities that can support training opportunities like the Future Proof program, and continues to pursue partnerships with local community groups, artists and businesses to enrich the program.
For more information and to get involved, follow Mansfield Shire Youth on Facebook or Instagram or visit www.mansfield.vic.gov.au/Community/Residents/Young-People