GROW Gannawarra Children and Youth Strategy 2026-2030 adopted
TL;DR
Gannawarra Shire Council's efforts in supporting children, young people and their families to grow and succeed within their communities will be guided by a new strategy.
Location
Gannawarra
GROW Gannawarra Children and Youth Strategy 2026-2030 adopted
Gannawarra Shire Council's efforts in supporting children, young people and their families to grow and succeed within their communities will be guided by a new strategy.
Adopted at Council's October 2026 meeting, the
GROW Gannawarra Children and Youth Strategy 2026-2030
provides a coordinated framework to improve outcomes for young people aged 0-24 years across the municipality.
Council worked with the municipality's children and young people, as well as community stakeholders, service providers and partner organisations to develop the document, with evidence from
The State of Gannawarra Children and Young People Report 2023
also supporting its development.
"Council plays an important role in supporting children, young people and their families across Gannawarra through a range of services, partnerships and community initiatives," Mayor Ross Stanton said.
"The
GROW Gannawarra Children and Youth Strategy 2026-2030
builds on the work Council and its partners already undertake across its various early years and family services. This document provides a framework to strengthen partnerships, address service gaps and expand opportunities for children and young people to participate, develop and thrive."
The strategy features 23 actions across six focus areas that address themes relating to feeling valued, loved and safe; material basics; physical and mental health; learning; participation; and identity and culture. These themes align with the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY), the Nest, Australia's first evidence-based framework to enhance wellbeing of children and young people.
"Achieving the actions listed in this policy will require continued collaboration across Council, community, services and all levels of government," Mayor Stanton said.
"By working together, listening to young people and responding to their needs, we can help future generations grow, lead and contribute to a strong, vibrant and sustainable community."
Residents and stakeholders were able to provide feedback on the draft version of the strategy during August 2026 and September 2026, with two submissions received. This feedback resulted in minor changes made to the final version of the strategy, including expansion of the Community Profile section and the addition of two actions focusing on family-centred approaches and digital wellbeing.
To view the
GROW Gannawarra Children and Youth Strategy 2026-2030
, click on the Strategic Documents heading at
www.gsc.vic.gov.au/documents
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