Manjimup youth Memphis Mayers discovered this morning that participating in community feedback with the Shire has rewards. Memphis was this morning presented with a $100 prepaid visa card for completing the youth survey conducted by the Shire of Manjimup throughout November and part of December 2017. Memphis' name was drawn from a box of entries by Shire President Paul Omodei.
The Shire had 330 surveys completed and intends to use the information to help understand how they might contribute to assisting young people meet the challenges associated with their age groups and with living rurally and remotely. To find out where there is a need and how the Shire might contribute to filling the gap the questionnaire requested input around such topics as study and work, physical and mental health and transport and accommodation.
Shire President Paul Omodei commented "I congratulate Memphis and thank all youth that took the time to complete the survey. The Shire of Manjimup aspires to be a youth friendly community, which is defined as a community where young people are treated with respect and where they feel safe, welcome and included. It is a community that encourages and recognises the participation and contributions of young people, supports youth development and provides youth-friendly services, facilities and programs."
With 1 in 4 people aged 16-24 years in Australia experiencing a mental disorder within the last 12 months and suicide being the leading cause of death in young people and children aged 5-17 (19.3%) the Shire is keen to gain an insight into how our younger community members are faring to find out what services, activities and advocacy would best benefit them.
"We aspire to keep our youth engaged and content to stay within the region and to provide services that they connect with, this survey will go a long way in helping us ascertain their needs and desires," added Cr Omodei.