Sunshine Coast young people: Your future, your say

What kind of future do you imagine for young people on the Sunshine Coast? Now’s your chance to help shape it.

Sunshine Coast Council is teaming up with the Young Leaders Academy to create a Youth Plan. Together we are inviting young people and the wider community to speak up, share bold ideas and contribute to a community where young people are empowered, included and inspired.

Community engagement is now open for the Youth Plan, providing an opportunity for young people aged 12–24 years to share their views and experiences.

Sunshine Coast Council Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said the Youth Plan would reflect what matters to young people, and said Council was actively seeking input from the community.

“Young people understand the challenges they face, their strengths and opportunities, and the changes they’d like to see,” Cr Bunnag said.

“Whether you’re a teen, young adult, parent, teacher or someone working with young people, your voice matters.

“We want to hear from a diverse mix of young people from every corner of the region.

“This is about building connections, sparking ideas and making sure every voice has a seat at the table.

“We’ve made it easy to get involved, with pop-up events, an online survey, online activities and resources for community conversations.”

Got ideas for how life could be better for young people on the Sunshine Coast?

To kick off the conversation, Council is hosting pop-up activities at popular youth hangouts across the region including Coolum’s Salty Saturdays, Maleny Library, Sunshine Plaza, Caloundra Street Fair and Nambour Skatepark.

Members of the Young Leaders Academy will co-host these events, helping to facilitate discussions and encouraging their peers to get involved.

Council has already delivered pop-up conversations at Youth Fest and All Access Day in the Park, where nearly 50 young people shared their views.

Can’t make it in person? Jump online

If you can’t attend a pop-up session, share your feedback online.

Visit Council’s Have your Say Sunshine Coast webpage to:

• complete a detailed survey (for ages 12–24)
• share your vision through a quick interactive activity
• download a toolkit to run your own group conversation and submit your input.

Engagement participants could go into the draw to win a share of $500 in prizes. There are even additional chances to win if you share the engagement details with others.

“This is all about creating a Sunshine Coast where young people feel heard, included and empowered to shape our shared future,” Cr Bunnag said.

Get involved

The Youth Plan will guide Council’s approach to youth support and development over the coming years.

To get involved, visit haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au for more information.