‘Messages from East Gippsland’ a new project to amplify the voices of children is being launched today, encouraging them to share their views and recommendations on how to improve their region.
Children between the ages of 8-12 in East Gippsland will be encouraged to share their messages by sending a postcard to the mayor of East Gippsland Shire Council detailing their thoughts and feelings about where they live, and what they would do to make it an even better place to live if they were mayor.
‘Messages from East Gippsland’ is being led by 54 reasons, Save the Children’s Australian service delivery arm, supported by Uniting Vic. Tas and East Gippsland Shire Council.
The messages will be compiled into a publication to be distributed among participating schools and communities. Findings from the project will also be shared with State and Federal Government representatives and organisations that engage with children to inform their policies and decision-making.
54 reasons Regional Manager Yenny Huber said the child rights organisation is excited to hear from children and work to uplift their voices.
“We want to know what the children and young people of East Gippsland love about where they live, and to promote their ideas for making the region a better place to grow up,” said Ms Huber.
“Children have the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. We’re hoping this project will do just that.”
Uniting Gippsland’s Executive Officer Di Fisher said:
“We recognise that for children to feel connected to their community, it is crucial that we create opportunities to hear what matters most to them. We want them to know their voices have been heard.”
East Gippsland Shire Acting Mayor Cr Arthur Allen said:
“By amplifying children's voices through 'Messages from East Gippsland,' we're empowering the youth who will shape a brighter future for our communities and our region.”
‘Messages from East Gippsland’ has been developed by 54 reasons’ Children and Young People’s Wellbeing Initiative which supports a region wide partnership of organisations working together to enhance the healthy development of children and young people in East Gippsland through implementing collaborative and community-led approaches.
The program will run until the end of Children’s Week on 29 October 2023, before the postcards are collated and delivered to the mayor for his response in November 2023.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Mala Darmadi on 0425562113 or media.team@savethechildren.org.au.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
54 reasons, Save the Children’s Australian service delivery arm, works in almost 200 communities and locations in every Australian state and territory. 54 reasons delivers quality services to children and families to support child development, diverts young people from the justice system, responds to domestic and family violence, and amplifies children’s voices and participation in decision making.