Youth Development

The Surf Coast Shire Youth Development Team provides a variety of services to young people who live in the Shire. These include youth development, youth events and general support. Join us on Facebook.

The Torquay Wall, a great project

In November 2011, a team of Surf Coast Shire teenagers participated to a street art project on the Torquay wall. Each was given a point and shoot disposable camera and asked to shoot their 5 favourite things.  They then all chose the best images and had them printed up on hundreds of black and white pages which would in turn be used to create the wall…Watch their artwork as it unfolded.

Movie created by Gary Parker

Upcoming Events

• Loud Mouth - Lorne - 7 July (TBC) (DJs, hip hop)
• Frozen Beats - Torquay Grant Pavillion - 14 July (DJs, hip hop)
• Midnight Adventures - August (skate & music)
• Freeza Summit - Geelong (date TBA)

Organise a Youth Event

Want to organise your own youth event? The Surf Coast Shire Youth Development Team is constantly putting on events and activities for young people in the Shire and would love your help!  Most of the ideas we get come from young people so if you have an idea and are wondering where to go next, contact the Youth Team at youth_development@surfcoast.vic.gov.au

Youth Network

The Surf Coast Youth Network meets bimonthly to discuss and collaborate on issues relating to young people in our Shire.  There is a broad representation on the network including schools, youth agencies, church groups, Police, and youth workers.  

If you are interested in attending the Surf Coast Youth Network please contact Michael Parker mparker@surfcoast.vic.gov.au to be added to the mailing list. View Youth Network meeting dates.

Youth Strategy

The strategy for 2011 – 2014 is currently being written and will be available in the 2nd half of 2011.
Stay tuned for more information.

Need Support?

If you need help and support regarding youth issues, the following links can be useful:

• Reach Out
  a website that provides information on a range of mental health issues, stories about how other young people have got through tough times and a community forum to get support and understanding from peers facing similar issues (includes information on drugs, acohol, sexuality, violence and more).
  
  
• Youth Drug Support
  a website for young people when you're looking for info, wanting to chat with others or need a question answered. Whether it's about drugs or alcohol, sex or sexuality or if you're just having a rough time; you'll find honest answers to help you make some good choices. There's news, fact sheets, an interactive poll, a forum, and your opportunity to ask a health professional a question and receive a confidential answer.
  
  
• Kids Helpline
  Phone: 1800 55 1800 (free call from landline).
  
  
• Youth Central
  a website aimed at the youth of Australia, contains everything including School Leavers info, jobs & careers, money management, studying, relationship advice, safe parties and all kinds of important stuff...worth checking out!