Bringing ideas to the table for teens
ONE Burdekin teenager will be part of the regional Queensland bloc making up a Queensland Youth Strategy Engagement Group.
Gracie Hosie, 18, is one of 10 regional Queenslanders selected for the honour. The teen, who already serves as Burdekin Shire Youth Council Mayor, will help inform the development of an updated Queensland Youth Strategy by bringing ideas and feedback from their region to the table.
“The Queensland Government recently contacted our Burdekin Shire Youth Council to let us know they were accepting expressions of interest to be part of the Queensland Youth Strategy Engagement Group so I submitted my details, which included my own list of experiences, region, and perspective on key youth priorities, but knew there would be a large number of applicants so didn’t get my hopes up. It was a big surprise when I was told I was successful, and I’m excited to ensure the Burdekin plays a key role in this strategy development,” Ms Hosie said.
“One of the purposes of the Queensland Youth Strategy Engagement Group is assisting in the development of an updated Queensland Youth Strategy that considers the needs of today’s young Queenslanders by ensuring our perspectives are considered. It will consist of monthly online meetings as well as one face-to-face meeting which we’re planning now.
“The Engagement Group will also provide ideas and opinions to inform State Government’s policy development and the best ways to engage young people for broader public consultation.”
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn Mclaughlin said the region was fortunate to have young people like Gracie leading the way.
“On behalf of all Councillors and staff, I want to congratulate our Burdekin Shire Youth Council Mayor Gracie Hosie on her selection as one of just 10 regional youth on the Queensland Youth Strategy Engagement Group,” Cr Mclaughlin said.
“The Burdekin is fortunate to have an incredibly active Youth Council who not only assist at and host their own community events, but also play a role in Council’s strategies in regards to young people in the Shire. Empowering our young people is an investment for the future of our community and Council consciously wants to foster the leaders of tomorrow.
“Council is in the early stages of developing our own Burdekin Shire Youth Strategy, which will have a much more local focus and engage young people in identifying key priorities of locals aged between 12-25.”
Gracie’s participation will also align with the development of the Burdekin Shire Youth Council’s own strategy, providing the region with even more representation.
“This is fantastic timing, being in the early stages of consultation for the Burdekin Shire Youth Strategy, because this is a document focused solely on our region so will be completely different to the Queensland Youth Strategy which will have a broad application across the regions and South East,” Ms Hosie said.
“Allowing youth in particular to have a say is crucial because having the strategy developed by some 35 or 45 year old who grew up in a different time to someone who is between 12 and 25 right now would not address the issues faced by young people today – I encourage all locals to get involved and have their say.”