City’s youth network helps plan event in Busselton

The South Perth Youth Network (SPYN) is one of four local government youth networks contributing to plan YACtivate! 2019, a youth event that connects young leaders in a fun and safe environment. 

SPYN comprises young people from a wide range of backgrounds aged 12-25; who live, work or study within the City; and are keen to become involved and take action on issues they care about. The program has been operating for 10 years.

SPYN currently has 10 active members who attend eight different schools – a mix of private and public in and out of the City – and one member who works full time.

YACtivate! was created in 2016 by Mosman Park Youth Advisory Council (YAC) as a way to bring other YACs and youth networks together across Western Australia. 

YACtivate! aims to help young people develop new skills in creating and delivering events, as well as providing an opportunity to connect with other like-minded people to share, learn and network about youth issues and programs.

Each year a group of young leaders from different local government youth networks around Western Australia form a planning committee to organise all aspects YACtivate!, including marketing and promotion, venue hire, catering, accommodation and development of the schedule. 

YACtivate! runs on Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September at Camp Geographe in the City of Busselton, and is being organised by young people from the cities of South Perth, Busselton, Kwinana and Albany.

City of South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty was pleased SPYN members had the chance to facilitate YACtivate! and encouraged young people from ages 12-25 to get involved in their local youth network. 

“The South Perth Youth Network gives young people in our community a great opportunity to connect and develop valuable skills,” Mayor Doherty said. 

“Anyone within the age range who lives, works or studies in the City can apply to join. The group includes young people from a range of backgrounds who are passionate about taking action around issues they care about. 

“It’s an excellent opportunity for SPYN to be involved in YACtivate! this year. The great thing about it being held in the South West is it will be accessible to regional youth who may not otherwise get the chance to attend.

“The event has been running for four years and this year’s event sold out last week. The key to its success is that it’s run by young people for young people and I hope everyone involved finds the event valuable.”

Throughout the year SPYN helps plan City Youth Week events, and members volunteer at major events like Australia Day and Hello Manning. The group also creates its own projects – in 2018 SPYN ran a Youth Leadership Workshop, and helped recruit more than 50 youth volunteers for the City’s 2019 Australia Day event. 

SPYN Vice-chairperson James Mc Mullen has been involved with the group for four years and finds it a valuable experience. 

“Immediately, I found myself part of a group of local young people who shared similar values,” he said. 

“It's a great way to be around like-minded people organising events that bring young people together to expand their skills.”

In addition to working on the budget for YACtivate!, James has had many great opportunities. 

“We have organised various activities throughout the year such as Youth Week, which involved events including youth workshops, outdoor cinema and sport competitions that aim to celebrate the youth in our community.”

He’s looking forward to meeting others from around the state at YACtivate!.

For more information, visit the SPYN webpage.