In recent years we have seen a lack of interest in policy and program areas focusing on young people and their primary health. More recently, funding cuts to youth and health services in Queensland have had a dramatic impact on service providers and young people who rely on these services. At the same time, it has been refreshing to see the Metro North Brisbane Medicare Local (MNBML) work in a meaningful way with relevant non-government organisations to engage with specific population groups including marginalised young people.

The collaboration between Youth Affairs Network of Queensland (YANQ) and MNBML allowed an in-depth analysis of contemporary data available as well as exploration of practice wisdom developed over time by local service providers. Young people’s direct voice in this research, as well as their contribution to the validation of various aspects of the research findings, has ensured the authenticity of information presented in the context of young people’s lives.

The research team headed by Mr John Flanagan from How Now Solutions and YANQ (supported by the Queensland University of Technology) has produced one of the most comprehensive reports on young people and primary health services in Queensland. The enthusiasm of young people, youth workers and primary health service providers engaged during this research has given us hope that
the findings and recommendations of this report will play a significant role in planning processes in the Brisbane North region in the years to come.

Click here to download the report or read online below.

By Dr Kirsten McGavin

Sports is very much part of the Australian culture. Although sports itself is a universal activity, it is also a uniquely Australian affair shaped by what is often referred to as the Australian lifestyle.  Yet sports and recreational activities in Australia are not always entirely inclusive, particularly for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups such as Muslim young women. Physical, cultural, social, economic and religious barriers may limit Muslim young women’s participation in sports and recreation.

This report is the result of a research project that aimed to identify and analyse socio-cultural barriers affecting Muslim young women’s participation in sports and recreation and to develop strategies that promote a greaterparticipation in sports and recreation by young Muslim women in Queensland.

Report of the Youth Affairs Network of Queensland's Young Women's Sector Training Needs Analysis

YANQ's Young Women's Sector Training Needs Analysis project aimed to identify the training needs for the youth sector to improve and strengthen its advocacy and delivery of services to young women in Queensland, particulatrly those of Indigenous and CALD backgrounds, young women with disabilities, young women from rural areas and lesbian young women.

The findings and recommendations in this paper are based on consultations conducted by YANQ with Government and non-Government service providers, young women and individuals across Queensland over a three-month period. One hundred organisations and over 200 people participated in the consultations for this project via written surveys, telephone interviews, face-to-face meetings and four consultative forums (Brisbane, Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Yeppoon).

Proceedings from Young Women's Speakout October 1993

Report on the second women's speakout event.

Report on the first Young Women's Speakout event.