Get Involved
Banyule Youth Charter & Youth Participation and Advocacy
Our Youth Participation and Advocacy team promotes opportunities and activities that actively engage young people in all aspects of Council's decision making process.
The Banyule Youth Charter is an agreement between Council and young people about sharing decision-making. Council uses a number of ways to do this including consultations, working alongside and with young people in working parties, supporting summits and forums, and youth participation networks.
The Charter sets out agreed principles for young people and Council that guarantee the voice of young people is heard and acted upon.
To get involved or for information contact:
Naomi Simmonds naomi.simmonds@banyule.vic.gov.au on 9457 9939.
YOUTH CHARTER
Engaging Young People through Representation
Council will partner with young people to ensure that they work together on issues and priorities that
impact on young people.
Council will recognise and encourage young people's contribution to the community of Banyule.
Council will provide a range of different opportunities for young people to be representative and contribute
to the decision-making process.
Empowering Young People through Thought and Discussion
Council will consult with young people, their community and their agents on all issues that relate to the
young people in Banyule.
Council will listen to young people hearing what is liked and not liked about services and programs.
Council will involve young people in the decision making process by ensuring young people have ways
to contribute that are relevant to young people.
Valuing Young People for their Actions
Council will promote the achievements of young people in the community.
Council will support opportunities that create positive environments for young people's participation.
Council will support youth led participation groups and encourage their involvement in a Banyule Youth
Participation Network.
For information about youth advocacy and youth voice visit:
www.leftright.org.au
www.yacvic.org.au/youth/
YFV 3081
YFV3081 (Youth Foundations Victoria West Heidelberg) is a program for young people aged 12-25 to make a positive difference in West Heidelberg. Grants of $1000 are available to realise an idea. Opportunities also exist to become part of the support team to assess the grants and help other young people realise their goal.
Sign up to our free newsletter to find out about awards and local happenings.
http://yfv3081.blogspot.com
To get involved or for information contact:
Andrea Rieniets 0428 369 612 or andrea.rieniets@banyule.vic.gov.au
About Neighbourhood Renewal West Heidelberg
Do you live in West Heidelberg and have a great idea for your local community?
Neighbourhood Renewal is a State Government project that offers an eight year commitment to narrow the gap between disadvantaged communities and the rest of the State. The aim is to bring together the resources and ideas of residents, governments, businesses and community groups to tackle disadvantage in areas with concentrations of public housing. Neighbourhood Renewal started in 2005 and will continue until 2013.
Neighbourhood Renewal West Heidelberg aims to strengthen the local community and create a vibrant place where people want to live, work and play. By talking with the community define what the main issues are for local residents and agencies, and together develop ideas for how we can respond. We then develop a Community Action Plan that guides the priorities for the project for the next 12 months to 2 years. The project is governed by a Steering Committee made up of 11 organisation representatives and 11 residents.
So what are the big things that are happening or have happened that you might be interested in?
- Malahang Reserve has been totally redeveloped.
- School Regeneration is underway in West Heidelberg with the new Charles La Trobe College due to open in 2011.
- Resident-driven groups have worked together to realise their ideas.
- Community Hub with free internet and computer access at 155 Oriel Road.
Want to know more?
Email: Rebecca.olsen@banyule.vic.gov.au or visit http://heidelbergwest.grassroots.org.au
National Volunteers’ Week
Council celebrates National Volunteers’ week in May each year with the presentation of the Banyule Community Volunteer Awards and a Thankyou function in the Great Hall, The Centre, Ivanhoe.
The purpose of the awards is to publically recognise the enormous contribution that volunteers make to our community.
Nominations are called for in four categories:
- Community Volunteer (individuals includes Lifetime Achievement Award).
- Young Volunteer (between the ages of 12 and 25).
- Community Group Award (groups, schools, organisations).
- Good Neighbour Award.
Nominees need to either live or volunteer in Banyule.
If you are a volunteer working within the Banyule community, you are invited to attend this grand function.
To nominate a volunteer or for information contact:
Karen Molinaro 9457 9955 or volawards@banyule.vic.gov.au
Bianca Ellis 9457 9841 or volawards@banyule.vic.gov.au
Community Development Grants
Each year Council allocates approxiamately $80,000 to make local ideas a reality.
Council values the opportunity to support local groups. The Community Development Grants are open to a broad range of groups including community agencies, sporting clubs, self-help, environmental, cultural and recreational interest groups provided they are not-for-profit and directly benefit the residents of Banyule. Individuals can also apply to develop programs targeting the arts.
Grants of up to $10,000 are available with most grants averaging between $300 and $1500. The grant round opens in June each year and closes at the end of July. Applicants will be advised in late October of the outcome and a presentation evening for successful applicants is held in November.
Application kits are available through Council’s Service Centres and Council’s website www.banyule.vic.gov.au
To get involved or for information contact:
Karen Molinaro 9490 4222 or karen.molinaro@banyule.vic.gov.au