This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to the Livingstone Youth Action Group (YAG), a dynamic group dedicated to empowering the youth in the Livingstone region.

The Livingstone Youth Action Group and the creation of their new Youth Room was made possible in 2023 when they received a grant through the Queensland Government’s Category C Flexible Funding Grants.

“The intent of this grant funding was to provide an inviting and visually appealing space that can be used to attract and engage young people in capacity-building activities. A space where young people want to be, stay, and participate,” they explained.

The Youth Room has already become a hub of activity and support. This term, it will host various visiting services, providing information on mental wellbeing, physical health, employment, disability, and financial support.

“Through encouraging local community services to deliver information within the Youth Room, it is hoped that young people will be more exposed to the availability of services on offer within our region,” the group said.

Since the term began, the Youth Room continues to draw youth after school, offering them resources and educational opportunities.

“We already have many young people regularly visiting. Some have felt isolated in their community and didn’t have a lot to do during the school holidays. Young people have made new connections and friendships, and engaged in proactive and positive conversations with the council around how youth can be better supported in our community.”

The main goal of the Livingstone YAG is to provide high school-aged youth with leadership opportunities and a platform to take action in their community.

“The group works with Livingtone Council’s Youth Services staff to discuss local concerns and potential solutions. Each term, the group designs and delivers a community project or event that addresses a concern or need.

“This term, the YAG is focusing on improving the mental health and wellbeing of youth in Livingstone. This additional funding will enable us to focus on two projects this term.

“Firstly, we are collaborating with Queensland Health to deliver SafeTalk training for youth in Livingstone. Secondly, we are hoping to work alongside local hospital services to offer youth-focused care packages for young people who enter the emergency or hospital system.

“Alongside this term’s project, we do have additional projects being finalised in the community. We have been working alongside the Queensland Health Public Health Unit, to deliver a youth-led sun safety initiative. We hope the community will see this come to life in the next few months.”

Despite their successes, the group faces challenges, such as overcoming negative stereotypes associated with youth.

“Sometimes, people in the community associate youth with negative associations such as crime, addiction, or laziness. Sometimes people don’t look to youth for solutions, or collaborative co-design in project implementation. We want people to understand that youth have a voice; we have brilliant, creative, and innovative ideas. We don’t want you to see us through a negative lens. Look at the work we are doing, believe in us and support us.”

The Livingstone YAG envisions growing each year and having a lasting positive impact on the community.

“We see it continuing to grow and we hope that more of the community invites us to assist them in youth-led consultation and community action. Young people have something to say and contribute to many areas of our community. If you require youth consultation, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

“We also welcome any young person of high school age, who is eager to work on community initiatives for the YAG. We meet every Wednesday, 4 pm, at the Yeppoon Community Centre. Got something you’re passionate about? Bring it to the table.”

The Youth Room is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays this term. For more information or to get involved, please reach out to Youth in Livingstone on Facebook.