Strengthening connections with regional youth

During a two-day visit to Parliament House, the group participated in a series of workshops and meetings designed to increase their understanding of parliamentary processes.

The program concluded with a pitch to Parliament for a project to connect regional young people with MPs. 

Program participant Michael Killen said access can be limited to young people living in regional areas. 

‘I think access is such a huge thing for young people and when that isn't there it can feel really disconnected,’ he said.  

‘It can feel really isolating to be in a regional community and that's why I think programs like this mean so much because it gives us that access to be able to connect with each other and show our passions.’ 

Michael said the two days were filled with robust and thoughtful discussions.

‘I've always wanted to be a voice for young people, help them engage with community, help them build social connections and I saw this as another avenue where I could encourage that,’ he said.  

Katy Jarvie said the program allowed her to build connections with other young leaders and Victorian MPs.  

‘I found it really powerful to be able give young people in regional areas a voice and be a part of something much bigger,’ she said.  

‘I think sometimes regional areas are forgotten about or not really considered in metro areas and in bigger issues, so I think giving not only regional areas but young people a voice is really important.’ 

Informed by both personal background and learnings from the program, the group designed and pitched ideas to improve engagement between young people in rural and regional communities and the Parliament of Victoria.  

The group came up with a three-tiered solution comprising of a networking platform between youth groups in regional areas and MPs, a toolkit with resources and information designed for youth looking to engage with MPs, and an event in the South-West Coast to launch the initiative.  

Youthrive Victoria CEO Andrew McGuckian said they were delighted to partner with Parliament of Victoria to deliver this project.  

Youthrive Victoria works purely with regional youth transitioning from secondary school into work or further study.  

‘They would certainly have gained some skills over the past two days, including a deeper understanding of the functions and operation of Parliament as well as some skills around public speaking, networking and team building,’ Andrew said.  

‘Our ultimate hope is that they may engage in the longer-term program or project in their hometown that will enable increased connection with Parliament and amplify the voice of young people from their region.

‘We're really positive about the program and we feel that enabling young people to be more connected and to understand their opportunities to connect with the political process can only be a positive thing.’  

Parliament’s community engagement team will now work with the young people to support them establish their project.