SHIRE of Mundaring Council adopted the Youth Informing Strategy 2025-2029 at the ordinary council Meeting held on Tuesday, October 8.

The five-year strategy has been developed to support and empower young people in the shire, addressing key priorities, future services, aspirations and community activities to enhance their health and wellbeing.

The strategy’s development involved extensive consultation with 264 young people aged 12 to 25, 51 parents and caregivers, 10 organisations and stakeholders as well as council members, shire employees and the broader community.

The strategy identifies four key focus areas: engagement and communication, places and activities, health and wellbeing and connection and belonging.

Shire President Paige McNeil said the strategy aligned with the shire’s council plan 2024-2034, placing young people at the centre of building sustainable communities.

It also directly addresses concerns raised in the 2024 community scorecard where youth services and facilities were highlighted as a priority area for improvement.

“This strategy articulates council’s commitment to create opportunities for connection, growth and to encourage our young people to engage in decision making that impacts future generations,” Ms McNeil said.

“Our young people bring energy, fresh ideas and a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Our responsibility as a shire is to harness and nurture this potential, ensuring that contributions from our young people help shape a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable community for all.”

The strategy aims to address key issues that affect young people in the shire, providing a framework for delivering services, programs, and initiatives that ensure young people have opportunities to connect, thrive, and contribute to the community.

A copy of the strategy can be viewed on the shire’s website at www.mundaring.wa.gov.au/com munity/youth/youth-information-strategy.aspx