Media comments - Local Government Research & Development Scheme

Published on 17 June 2024

These comments appeared in an LGA South Australia media release about its Local Government Research and Development Scheme and the City of Onkaparinga's Shaping Local Civic Youth Leaders project.

Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said the pilot project has helped empower young people across metropolitan Adelaide to get more involved in their communities and council decision making.

“We wanted to educate young people about the importance of local government and civic education, and it was vital to have a team of passionate and driven young people behind the wheel to do this,” Mayor Were said.

“Local Government Research and Development funding was crucial in achieving this goal, allowing us to employ young people to help facilitate the summit, and to film and capture stories for an inspiring ‘Love the Journey’ digital storytelling program.

“Since hosting the project’s inaugural Community Changemakers Summit and developing its digital toolkit, we’ve had young people delivering deputations to their councils, writing to mayors, pledging to vote at the next local government elections, and some considering becoming elected members themselves.

“We’re grateful for the Scheme funding and for the collaboration with our project partners, Youth Affairs Council of South Australia and the Local Government Youth Development Network.”

ENDS