In 2008 The Fraser Coast Youth Summit was held at the Great Hall in Hervey Bay the day involved guest speakers, youth services information and activities for young people.  The day was a huge success. The Fraser Coast Youth Summit was facilitated by Key Stakeholders from within the Fraser Coast Region.  The theme for the Summit was Young People and their Community. 

The group committed to having a “Youth Summit” bi – annually.  The Fraser Coast Council together with the Junior Council have put their hand up to facilitate the “Wide Bay Burnett Youth Summit” together with partner youth services from across the region.  This time the focus is on the young people listening, discussing and having some ownership over how the issues and the positives in the region are addressed and enhanced.
This time we are using the format of ABCD workshop. Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) is a method of engaging the community in a way that focuses on discovering and mobilizing the resources that are already present in our region.

The day is going to happen on Thursday 1 April 2010 at the Brolga Theatre, Maryborough starting at 9.30am finishing at 2.30pm. Young people are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as there are limited spaces.  We are asking regional youth workers along to support the young people through the day.

“When a group of people discover what they have they find power. When people join together in new connections and relationship they build power. When people become more productive together, they exercise their power to address problems and realize dreams. Together we are better. ABCD is a particularly strong approach for supporting a productive and inclusive life for young people”. Ted Smeaton
http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/download/ABCDforInclusionWorkshopRegistrationForm.pdf

One hundred young people are invited from across the region to participate in the workshop which will identify how we can work together to build on the positives in our community. The Youth Summit will provide opportunity for the community to address the issues identified by the young people.

So, if you’d like to get involved, are ready to express your positive ideas to others and be part of a unique process – then keep an eye out for the registration form. Fill it in and send it back as soon as possible. It’s your chance to have your say and shape your future. There’s no better time than NOW to make a positive difference in your community.

To register go on line for the registration form http://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/community/youthINK2.shtml
And you can email the form to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or post it to Patrice Bates PO Box 1943 Hervey Bay 4655 or ring Patrice Bates on 41905 806 for more information