The current Directions from Young People (DFYP) 2022–2025 Strategy is coming to an end, and now is the time to help shape the next version, which will guide how we support and engage young people across the City.

A Youth Strategy is a formal plan that sets out how local government works with and for young people. It reflects the priorities of young people aged 12 to 25, and the people and organisations that support them, like families, schools, service providers, and community groups. It’s an important document used across the organisation, for everything from community development and events to urban planning and infrastructure.

The Strategy will help the City understand what matters most to young people, ensure their voices are reflected in planning, programs and policies, guide investment in services, events, spaces and opportunities, support collaboration with community organisations and youth advocates, and provide a framework to track progress and measure outcomes for youth wellbeing.

The City’s current Youth Strategy was developed in 2021, guided by the voices of over 563 young people, and formally noted by Council in early 2022. It’s helped guide action across four key focus areas:

• Youth Focus – making space for youth voices
• Wellbeing – supporting mental and physical health
• Communication – connecting through youth-friendly channels
• Making a Difference – creating opportunities to lead and contribute.

The current Strategy ends in 2025, and the next version will take us forward from 2026 and beyond.

This is your chance to help set the direction for how the City continues to support young people, through services, spaces, programs, and policies.

Opportunities to get involved

Engagement closed on Sunday, 31 August 2025, with more than 550 people sharing their ideas and feedback. We’ve pulled everything together into an Engagement Report that outlines what we heard and how it’s helping shape the project. Short on time? Check out the Engagement Snapshot below for a quick look at participation and key themes.

We’re now working to refresh and refine the Plan, which is anticipated to be completed by the middle of 2026.