Helping young people thrive
Achampion of young people in the Wimmera says increasing opportunities and outcomes continues to motivate her work.
Louise Kelly is quickly climbing the ranks of Horsham Rural City Council, having stepped into the role of coordinator of youth and early years.
She was previously the council’s youth services planning and engagement officer and has worked with young people during her career.
Her previous role focused on delivering the council’s youth strategy and activating youth space, The Station, in Pynsent Street Horsham; whereas the new role will lead maternal child health services, supported playgroup and the council’s youth team.
Ms Kelly will also manage programming at Kalkee Road Children’s and Community Hub in Horsham.
“In this role, I am looking forward to expanding our youth team,” she said.
“We have recently expanded from one to three positions within the youth space here at council – so watch this space as we roll out more opportunities for young people.
“I’m excited to work with a different demographic of young people and move into the early years space.
“As a parent of a young child, I have just navigated our health and social opportunities within Horsham.
“I am passionate about advocating for parents, carers and young children in this space.
“That might be programs we can offer at the hub, how we can continuously improve our client and customer care, or consulting our communities on matters that are important to them.
“I will also continue working with partners to grow the early years workforce and build capacity for kindergarten and childcare.”
Ms Kelly said highlights during her time working for the council, to date, included the roll-out of a young mayor’s program, and hosting a prom for young LGBTIQA+ residents.
“The roll-out of the young mayor’s program started in October and partnering with Foundation for Young Australians, FYA, was a great decision to take our existing Youth Council to a new level,” she said.
“Young people will have focused support, funding and training from FYA and then, with a dedicated role attached of facilitating and co-ordinating the Young Mayor’s Program, I can see that Youth Council will get the full attention it needs. I can’t wait to see the projects that come out of Youth Council.”
Ms Kelly said the council was about to embark on developing a new earlyyears plan, and was reviewing and evaluating its previous strategy.
“This project will really highlight, in our community and stakeholder engagement, where our priorities, or more attention, is required,” she said.
“I have also been connecting with other councils across Victoria to review successful programs they are rolling out. There are some great initiatives happening across the state.”
Attraction and retention of skilled professionals is an ongoing challenge – as is encouraging people to return to the region after gaining education and work and life experience.
Ms Kelly, who grew up in Horsham,
said living in the region was far from her mind as a teenager.
“At 18, I definitely had the mindset that I was never coming back,” she said.
“I have also since had the opportunity to live in many different towns and cities.
“With that experience, I can say that, yes, it is daunting starting up in a new town – you have to find your people and interests quickly.
“I think belonging and connection is key to staying in a town. I love dance, art and music – so have enjoyed finding classes and community groups that fill my passions outside of work.
“I encourage new people to the region to keep sharing your interests with people and the theory of six degrees of separation will come to fruition.”