Katherine Youth Action Plan 2022-2025

Authors: Northern Territory Government
Year: 2022

The Katherine Youth Interagency Group (KYIG) is proud to present the Katherine Youth Action Plan 2022 -2025. This plan is the second Action Plan for the Katherine Region. It builds on the 2019 Katherine Youth Action Plan, developed by KYIG in collaboration with young people, community partners, local businesses, and government partners. Since the release of the first Action Plan, the KYIG and collaborative partners have implemented successful initiatives, supporting young people aged 10 –25 years from the Katherine township area and the neighbouring Aboriginal communities of Binjari, Rockhole, Miali Brumby and Geyulkgan/Warlpiri Camp. Key achievements include establishing a School Holiday Program, ensuring that youth aged 10-17 years, particularly those at risk, have accessible, safe and fun activities. The Northern Territory (NT) Youth Round Table provides an opportunity for young people to have a voice to government on issues which matter to them. The Katherine Industry Forum offers exposure to careers,
training, and employment opportunities. These initiatives and many more are working to meet the needs of young people, but we can always do more. Five priority areas were identified while developing the 2019 Katherine Youth Action Plan. These priorities have been informed directly by young people and
represent the five pillars that we must invest in.

  1. COMMUNITY + CULTURE: Young people have a positive sense of culture
    and identity and feel connected to their family and broader community.
  2. SECTOR + GROWTH: Young people have the opportunity to actively
    participate and contribute to the future of Katherine.
  3. HEALTH + WELLBEING: Young people are healthy, active, strong, and
    resilient.
  4. LEARNING + JOBS: Young people have the knowledge and skills to reach their future aspirations.
  5. SAFETY + SUPPORT: Young people are engaged in activities to divert them away from risky behaviour.

With these pillars at the forefront, our Action Plan puts tangible projects and programs in place to ensure young people have every opportunity to live, work, and thrive in the Katherine region. At KYIG we believe that “it takes a village to raise a child,” encouraging a collaborative interagency approach to support youth. Our partners include young people, communities, community groups and organisations, local
government, service providers, and non-government organisations. On behalf of the KYIG, I thank the Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet and Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities for their ongoing support in the stakeholder consultation process and implementation of the Action Plan. I am excited to see where the Action Plan takes us and the possibilities, we can create for a brighter future for young people in the Katherine region.