Young people it’s time to raise your voice with ‘Thinking Out Loud’ Youth Forum returning bigger and better than ever in 2023! Registrations are now open for this exciting and innovative forum which will be hosted by Central Coast Council’s Youth for Youth (Y4Y) Action Team on Wednesday 3 May. 
 
This year the theme of the forum is “Including Us” and Council is calling on young people aged between 12 and 24, businesses, organisations, shopping centre management and event organisers to come together and contribute to important discussions on how to best include, involve, and engage young people in community life, events and initiatives. 
 
Council Unit Manager of Leisure Beach Safety and Community Facilities, Phil Cantillon said the free event is designed to address key concerns young people have identified within the Central Coast community about how they are engaged in community life. 
 
“A key finding in the Central Coast Youth Strategy 2019 – 2024 identified that young people felt there are limited opportunities where they can access safe and affordable venues to socialise, meet their friends and hang out,” said Mr Cantillon.
 
“Our youth also said that while there are a great range of programs, events, and activities on the Central Coast they aren’t regular enough or inclusive enough for them.
 
“This forum is providing the platform for business stakeholders to hear from a unique perspective on how best to engage with and increase participation from young people. 
 
“I want to particularly encourage student representatives from local high schools, TAFE, and universities to come together to utilise this opportunity and ensure that their voices are heard.”
 
To help ensure the day addresses these key areas the Y4Y action team have broken the day into two parts:

1. Presentations from guest speakers who will highlight ways to better include young people in community life, events and initiatives. Speakers will include Jahin Tanvir a 2022 Young Australian of the year finalist, Founder of Breathe and Board Director at the Adolescent Health Association of Australia, and Brad Cardis, Owner of Fixx Events and Marketing.
2. Group workshops opening a dialogue directly with young people, businesses, organisations and event organisers.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the forum is a unique opportunity to identify and discuss current issues facing young people and it’s crucial that the region’s schools and businesses participate. 
 
“This a great opportunity for key business stakeholders to hear directly from young people on ways that they can create a space that is both welcoming and engaging for them,” Mr Hart said. 
 
“It is also a chance for young people to have their voice heard and be a part of positive change that supports all to feel welcome in participating in the wonderful opportunities of community life across the Central Coast.”
 
Register now at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ThinkingOutLoud

ENDS