Echuca College students at the Campaspe summit.
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Students from across the Campaspe region pitched solutions to local issues at the Campaspe Youth Summit on March 25 and 26.
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The two-day event, held in Echuca and Kyabram, focused on leadership, collaboration and youth-led responses to challenges including mental health, cost of living, bullying, drugs and alcohol, violence and climate change.
Workshops facilitated by Crazy Ideas College guided students through identifying key issues in their communities and developing practical solutions, culminating in presentations to councillors and community leaders.
The summit was held at the Mercure Hotel Echuca and Parkland Golf Club in Kyabram, bringing together students from Echuca College, St Joseph’s College, Kyabram P-12 College, St Augustine’s College, Rochester Secondary College and Cohuna Secondary College.
Students in the Kyabram workshop with Deputy Mayor Tony Marwood.
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In Echuca, students heard from Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell, state Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh, Echuca police Acting Inspector Della Nihill and Headspace clinical lead Olivia Walker.
The Kyabram session included Deputy Mayor Tony Marwood, Mr Walsh, council director communities Jo Bradshaw and Victoria Police youth specialist officer Shane Roberts.
Cr Mackrell attended the Echuca summit to hear what matters most to young Campaspe residents.
“Through guided discussions and group activities, students examined what is already working in their communities, when and why existing approaches are effective, where gaps or limitations exist, and how local action and partnerships could support positive change,’’ he said.
“Students then showcased their skills during pitching sessions, presenting their ideas directly to the panel of councillors and community leaders.
Students presenting to those attending the Echuca event.
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“When we create space for young people to contribute to local conversations, we gain valuable insights that help shape better outcomes for the whole community.’’
The summit forms part of Campaspe Shire Council’s ongoing commitment to youth engagement and leadership development and was supported by Victorian Government Engage! funding.