The North Central LLEN, in partnership with YouThrive Victoria and Northern District Community Health, is looking for passionate young people to co-design a new Rural Youth Network (RYN) for the shires of Buloke, Loddon, Gannawarra and the town of St Arnaud (BLGs).
Funded through YACVic’s Umbrella Program, the Network will build on the achievements of the YES Group (North Central Youth Advisory Council), and will provide opportunities for young people who work, study, play, and stay in BLGs to thrive in education, work, and life.
According to RYN Facilitator Tori Gentle, the BLGs Network will be a chapter of the statewide Rural Youth Network delivered by YouThrive to build a sense of community and connection for young rural and regional Victorians to expand social networks and provide access to useful resources and opportunities.
“The statewide RYN is building a new type of community where the best of your local community is blended with the best of online opportunities,” said Tori.
The Goal
“The goal is for rural and regional communities to benefit from having connected, resilient and informed young people ready to contribute to their communities with 21st century approaches to problem-solving and community development.”
Across the new BLGs RYN, members will be a representative voice of young people and there will be opportunities for young people to grow their skills and confidence and develop and expand their leadership and advocacy abilities.
There are also plans to establish a range of shared interest groups, events and other opportunities for connection across the BLGs and beyond.
The Network is open to people aged 16-25 from a broad range of backgrounds – it is hoped that it will be inclusive of all young people and celebrate diversity.
Online Survey
“To help us get started, we are looking for some young people who are willing to complete an online survey, participate in a 1:1 meeting with the me (in person or online), and attend two online meetings with the Project team,” said Tori.
“They need to be willing to work collaboratively and effectively in a team and openly contribute to the conversation about how to make BLGs RYN better for young people.
“In return they will receive a $50 voucher, with the potential for a paid ongoing role as a member of the permanent Project Advisory Committee.”
To find out more, visit www.ncllen.org.au/blgsryn, email Tori at t.gentle@nllen.org.au or call her on 0490 840 182.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 15 September 2023.
