Factsheet: Youth Economic Participation

Sponsored by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development

About the sponsor

The Australian Government, through the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development contributes to the prosperity of the economy and the wellbeing of all Australians by assisting local communities to realise their potential and manage their own futures. To do this, the Department works in partnership with regional, rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

As tomorrow's local leaders, Australia's youth are integral to our local communities. The Australian Government is committed to helping young people to improve their economic participation. The Department is proud to sponsor the Youth Economic Participation Award in recognition of the importance of Australia's young people to local communities. Australia's youth will be the leaders of tomorrow.

Local governments that encourage young people to participate in their local communities will continue to benefit and be enriched for years to come. It is crucial that, in an era of rapid technological advancement and demographic change, a diversity of voices contribute to the development of all local communities.

Youth Economic Participation Category

The Youth Economic Participation Award recognises local governments that assist young people to become engaged in their local communities and/or engaged in the workforce. It recognises local governments offering flexible services to assist young people to access further education or training, and offering activities for young people who are disengaged from education, training or employment opportunities to better support their economic participation.

For example, councils could enter projects for this Award which involved:

  • providing support for young people who are unemployed, underemployed or disengaged from their communities;
  • providing training, education and opportunities for young people; and
  • implementing innovative solutions between local businesses and young job seekers, including mentoring.