Mental health, the cost of living and safety are among the top issues for young people across Randwick City, a recent youth forum has revealed.
More than 70 people aged between 12 and 24 came together for Randwick City Council’s Youth Forum at Matraville Youth and Cultural Hall in May 2025, to talk to local leaders, voice ideas for their communities, and discuss key issues affecting them.
Participants explored a range of topics and called for better access to mental health support services and affordable housing, safer public spaces, and more local spaces and events dedicated to young people. They also called for more opportunities to have their voices heard and undertake meaningful career pathways, and increased measures to prevent discrimination, particularly against LGBTQIA+ and culturally diverse youth.
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker commended the energy and leadership of participants at the forum. “Randwick Council’s Youth Forum was a dynamic and inspiring event, marked by youth-led facilitation and open, honest dialogue between young people, service providers, and local leaders,” Mayor Parker said.
“We’re not just listening to young people, we’re partnering with them to shape the future of our community. Events such as Council’s Youth Forum remind us that young people are not just our future; they are also our present, and they need to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.”
Participants at the forum also took part in interactive workshops and heard from speakers including youth advocate, TEDx speaker and Board Director of the Adolescent Health Association of Australia, Jahin Tanvir.
Feedback from the forum will play a key role in shaping the priorities of Randwick Council’s Youth Plan 2026–2031, which will provide a framework for supporting young people to take part in decision-making processes, enhance youth services and opportunities and address key issues impacting young people.
The Youth Plan is in the consultation phase, and is expected to be finalised by mid-2026. Parents and carers are invited to the next consultation session on Wednesday 2 July 2025, from 4pm to 5.30pm at Kensington Hall.
Council implements several initiatives to support young residents, including ongoing youth outreach and engagement at The Hub at Lexington Place in Maroubra, Youth Week programs, local grant initiatives, school holiday activities and events, and support for youth-led projects and creative expression.
Mayor Parker said: “Council is dedicated to providing opportunities for young people to express themselves and take an active role in our community. Our current initiatives, the recent Youth Forum, and the forthcoming Youth Plan are steps towards ensuring that their voices continue to be heard, and their needs are met.”
