Project Components Youth Participation in Projects This element of the project was an extension of element 1 above. During the youth presentations young people were encouraged to think about how they could contribute to supporting a youthfriendly Esperance community. They were to consider what they could do within their schools or community group that could be achievable. The aim for this element was to support youth contribution in growing youth-friendly communities. A project option was also provided to the young people whereby they could register an expression of interest to participate in the planning for the Shire of Esperance’s Espy Youth Challenge 2016 and/or Esperance Youth Summit through registering their name on the Survey. The Espy Youth Challenge was an interactive annual event that was a collaboration of a colour run and amazing race with various obstacle challenges. There was interest to design and potentially build some of the obstacle challenges (e.g. Army and Navy Cadet Zones, Girls Academy Zone etc.). More than a third of those who had completed the Survey (57 young people) registered their expression of interest in November. Unfortunately due to exceptional circumstances this aspect of the project needed to be downgraded significantly. Following the presentation period the whole of the community was affected by extensive and fatal bush fires in Esperance with priorities aimed at helping those that were affected for the next several weeks. This aspect of the project supported themes 4, 7 and 8.
Participant Information Despite the change in priorities, other pre-set commitments and delays the Shire of Esperance and WA Country Health did manage to engage some youth in the planning Espy Youth Challenge 2016. A representative from each attended both the high schools on a fortnightly basis where they met with around eighteen young people during their lunch break to plan the Espy Youth Challenge. While their engagement had not been as involved as originally hoped this participation was still considered a success taking into account the unforeseen impacts including time constraints of all those involved.
Feedback Feedback from those that participated was positive in that they eighteen young people were consistent, committed and attended each of the planning sessions despite this being in their own time. They enjoyed the opportunity to be part of the planning and decision making process and those that were available also supported the event in attendance.
Key Outcomes The Espy Challenge was held during youth week 2016, based in Esperance targeting youth aged 12 – 25 years and attracted approximately 55 young participants. It featured an obstacle course, colour run, gladiator fight, slime slide, raft building, water fight, photo booth, and series of educational activities such as Act-Belong Commit activities, First Aid, plus music and healthy food. This event, coordinated by the WACHS Goldfields Health Promotion Team and Shire of Esperance Community Support Officer received really positive feedback from the evaluation forms of those that had attended. There has been interest to support the planning for another event in the following year.
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