Tamworth Regional Council
August 2023 – February 2024
The Challenge
In an ongoing effort to enhance the lives of young people in the region, Tamworth Regional Council identified the need for a comprehensive Youth Strategy and Action Plan. To achieve this, they engaged Strategic to facilitate discussions with various stakeholders. The objective was clear: to provide a structured framework that would guide youth-focused activities and ensure effective coordination among those supporting young people in the area. Recognising that the voices of the youth are paramount, the council aimed to understand the aspirations and expectations of young individuals. By tapping into their insights, the strategy would address the support required from the local community, paving the way for a brighter future for Tamworth’s youth.
The Solution
To develop a meaningful strategy, we embarked on an extensive engagement process with the local community. Our approach was inclusive, ensuring that we reached out to young people from diverse backgrounds. We utilised multiple channels to hear the voices of as many young individuals as possible, facilitating workshops, surveys, and informal discussions. This multifaceted engagement allowed us to collect a wealth of feedback, which in turn directly informed the drafting of the strategy.
In addition to connecting with young people, we involved local stakeholders in discussions that revolved around the realities of living in the region. We reviewed key aspects of the community's social landscape, identifying pressing issues and opportunities. This collaborative approach ensured that the recommendations made were not only relevant but also reflective of the community’s priorities. To enhance accountability, we established monitoring and evaluation options, enabling the community to track the strategy's success and impact over time.
Through our comprehensive efforts, we aimed to produce a document that accurately represented local aspirations while serving as a guide for future initiatives. It was our goal to align stakeholders, fostering collaboration while seeking additional resources to support youth development.
The Outcome
Our hard work culminated in the delivery of the first-ever Tamworth Regional Youth Strategy and Action Plan, a significant milestone for both the council and the community. This document, accompanied by a summary report, was met with enthusiasm and appreciation from the council, who recognised its potential to effect positive change. The strategy not only addresses the immediate needs of young people but also lays the groundwork for ongoing dialogue and support, helping to shape a more inclusive and supportive environment for all youth in the Tamworth region. Through this initiative, we took a significant step towards empowering the younger generation, ensuring their voices are heard, and their aspirations are realised.
