Opportunity for young change makers to join South Perth Youth Network

A group of passionate local young people are helping to make the City of South Perth an even better place for 12-to 25-year-olds to live and visit.

The South Perth Youth Network (SPYN), are a group of committed young people who helped to create and now deliver actions from the City’s inaugural Youth Plan.

With one in five of the City’s residents aged between 10 and 25 years, the City is committed to ensuring the voices of young people are heard.

SPYN help to create a place where young people feel connected within their local community, and they provide vital feedback about the kinds of events, services and programs they want to see.

Each year SPYN help to organise local activities like Youth Week and participate in volunteering opportunities including tree planting days. Last year they helped to develop and plan the City’s first Neon Youth Festival; an inclusive event that celebrated young people and featuring live music from local artists, food trucks and a silent disco.

Sara Munro joined SPYN in January this year. She said being part of SPYN was a really valuable and rewarding experience.

“I like giving back to the community,” Sara says. “Having an influence and being a voice that advocates for youth is really important to me.”

Originally from Broome, the law student says she sees herself pursuing a career in local or state government.

“I think SPYN is a good steppingstone between uni and what I choose to do when I graduate. It’s a really cool initiative to be part of. When I moved to South Perth, I wanted to establish a new community and SPYN has helped me do that.”

City of South Perth Mayor, Greg Milner said young residents aged 10 to 25 make up 21.7% of the City’s population.

“Young people are a unique group, with unique interests and needs. The number of young residents in our City of South Perth is set to increase.

“It is important that the City listens to the young people in our community and gives them a platform to discuss how the City can best accommodate their needs. The South Perth Youth Network gives a voice to our young residents. They have a unique perspective, and they help the City to plan for youth events and support young people to thrive and reach their full potential.”

SPYN meet monthly at the City’s George Burnett Leisure Centre in Karawara.

To find out more about SPYN and become a member, visit southperth.wa.gov.au/SPYN.