Wangaratta Endorses New Youth Strategy for Feedback

Published on 25 September 2025

Level up YOUth the draft Youth Strategy for the Rural City of Wangaratta was officially endorsed at Tuesday’s Council meeting. The strategy is now open for feedback and Council officers will be available at a host of different locations in the CBD over the next four weeks.

The strategy marks a new chapter in how Council engages with, supports, and backs young people across our region. The project began with a guiding vision that Every young person in Wangaratta is supported to grow, lead, and shape their future, and our community, in a way that reflects their hopes, strengths, and potential.

Level up YOUth is the result of a dynamic process led by Co-Design; a group of 5 locals aged from 14-22. Working alongside a consultant, the group developed and launched a youth census to better understand what matters most to young people in our community. The census ran from 29 March to 11 May and received over 870 responses.

These insights directly informed the draft strategy, ensuring it reflects the real needs, priorities, and aspirations of young people in Wangaratta. The Strategy document incorporates Council’s new Youth brand, with design elements led by the Co-Design group, resulting in a bold and dynamic corporate document.

Co-Design group and Youth Council member Ed Browne: “Being a part of a design team like this helps to ensure that young people are getting prioritised in decision making that affects us. I'm honoured to have be able to be a part of this strategy.”

Irene Grant, Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor “This strategy reflects the power of youth-led design. It’s not just about what we think young people need, it’s about what they’ve told us matters most.”

Level up YOUth Identifies Five Priority Areas:

Safety & Belonging Foster inclusive, safe environments for all youth by addressing housing, lighting, bullying, crime, and online safety.

Health & Wellbeing Tackle youth concerns around mental/physical health, substance use, fitness, and body image through accessible services and safe activity spaces.

Youth Voice & Leadership Support youth-led advocacy and decision-making by shifting from talking about youth to collaborating with them.

Places & Spaces Enhance transport, accessibility, and safety while creating inclusive youth hubs and social spaces.

Education, Training & Work Break down barriers to learning and employment—like transport and financial stress—and ease transitions from school to further study or work.

Have your say in person at the following events:

29 September           WSAC | 4.30-5.30pm

9 October                   Wangaratta Library | 4-4.30pm

9 October                   Maccas | 4.45-5.15pm

10 October                 Grit & Resilience Festival (King George Gardens) | 4-6.30pm

11 October                  Wangaratta Farmer's Market | 8am-12.00pm

13 October                 WSAC | 5.45-6.15pm

17 October                 Sport & Rec expo (WSAC) | 4-6pm

Have your say online