Have Your Say Day, a free, youth-led forum, allows young people to present on crucial issues affecting their peers. It’s an opportunity for them to share their collective voice and speak directly to local decision makers.
In 2022 Council’s Youth Advisory Group (YAG) initiated Have Your Say Day. Now in its third year, this Have Your Say Day is on Wednesday 29 May 2024 at Glen Street Theatre, Belrose from 6-8pm.
Have Your Say Day is coordinated by the Beaches Leadership Team (BLT), a network of local school leaders, this year made up of members from 10 public and independent schools. They will be speaking on 8 topics informed by results from a comprehensive survey of over 600 local young people to provide key insights on the challenges and concerns of young people living on the Northern Beaches.
Youth Action, the peak body for young people and youth services in NSW, partners on the forum by facilitating an Appreciative Inquiry workshop in the lead up to the event. This aims to provide a strengths and solutions based approach to assist young leaders in the development of their presentations.
From mental health and education topics including public versus private school disparity and teacher shortages, to road safety and body image, Have Your Say Day 2024 seeks to highlight issues impacting the wellbeing and future of young people in our local community.
The BLT have invited leaders and decision-makers including State MPs, Local Government Councillors, teachers, student-support officers and youth support services to contribute to meaningful discussion that will drive positive change.
Members have been meeting regularly since November 2023 to prepare for the event, with support and resourcing from Northern Beaches Council staff throughout the process.
Date: Wednesday 29 May 2024
Time: 5:30 pm doors open.
Presentations and Q&A - 6:00-8:00pm
Networking and food to follow.
Location: Glen St Theatre, Blackbutts Rd, Belrose NSW 2085
Watch our Have Your Say Day 2023 highlights video