The Youth Strategy is a four year document being compiled by the Tamworth Regional Council to promote and improve activities, programs and facilities for people aged between 12 and 25.

The last time TRC ran a Youth Strategy survey it resulted in the building of the Tamworth Youth Centre or Youthie, which has proven to be an invaluable asset to the region, and more activities and facilities have already come up as important points for those that have come forward to have their say.

Brooke Southwell fro BS Consulting was contracted to carry out the strategy and has been busy doing face to face consultations with youth across the region, as well as launching an online survey.

After taking focus groups and face to face consultations in Tamworth and Nundle this week, Mrs Southwell is starting to get an understanding of what young people would like to see happen in the region, and what changes they believe would improve their lives.

“One of the things I do is ask them to write down what they would do if they were mayor for a day, and get their creative juices flowing” Mrs Southwell said.

“I have had a lot of really interesting and positive ideas come out of it. A very common theme has been that there is a lack of activities and things to do, particularly in smaller towns.

“There has also been a lot of really mature ideas such as fixing roads and pedestrian crossings, as well as a lot to do with mental health and support.” 

The Youth Survey has so far had 166 responses, although Mrs Southwell would like to see more input from the 18-25 year olds, who have only made up 12 per cent so far, while more female respondents are also needed with only 30 per cent of responses coming from girls.

“If young people want to have more say about what they want for the future and for their respective towns we urge them to get on the TRC website and fil out the survey,” Mrs Southwell said.

The survey will now close on April 20.