Community
30 July, 2026
Letting the young people decide
The event brought together youth sector workers, community leaders, industry representatives and young people to strengthen cross-sector collaboration, explore shared challenges and opportunities, and identify practical ways to improve outcomes for rural young people.
WITH rural workforces shrinking and young people continuing to leave regional areas, one important question remains: what are we doing to ensure young people want to stay, return and thrive in rural communities?
North Central LLEN recently partnered with Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) Rural to deliver its flagship forum in Charlton.
The event brought together youth sector workers, community leaders, industry representatives and young people to strengthen cross-sector collaboration, explore shared challenges and opportunities, and identify practical ways to improve outcomes for rural young people.
Designed specifically for the region, the conference reflected the unique needs, priorities and industries of the local community, ensuring discussions were grounded in the lived experiences of rural young people.
North Central LLEN’ss Claudia Cox said one of the key themes of the day was ensuring young people are genuinely included in decisions that affect them.
“Too often we’re making decisions about young people because we think we know what’s best for them, without actually asking them,” she said.
“The opportunity to hear lived experiences from young people highlights the complexity of rural living and provides insights into how the workforce can better engage with, listen to and empower youth voices.”
Birchip’s Tess Lee shared her journey of co-owning local café Olive Joy with her mum, while reflecting on travelling to Horsham for school and eventually choosing to complete her senior schooling in Birchip.
Mason Heenan spoke about beginning university in marine biology before discovering a passion for education.
He now works at the local primary school in Charlton, while studying to become a teacher himself.
Darby Fitzpatrick shared how he turned a lifelong passion for trucks into a career through a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT), supported by Mary-Ann Sait at the North Central LLEN. Shannon Polglase also spoke openly about living and working in Swan Hill and the challenges he has overcome as a young Aboriginal person.
During his talk, Shannon highlighted the importance of belonging, opportunity and representation in regional communities.
Another standout moment was the keynote address from Katie Acheson, who challenged attendees to place young people at the centre of decision-making.
“Take a young person with you,” she encouraged.
“Into every meeting, every conversation and every decision you make.
“Young people are not the problem to solve, they are partners in creating the solution.”
The conference left attendees with a clear message: creating thriving rural communities starts by listening to young people, valuing their ideas and giving them meaningful opportunities to shape the future.
The Charlton event, with support from North Central LLEN embedded local partnership, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening opportunities for young people across the region.
Read More: Charlton