The Wellspring

The lead up to National Youth Week (NYW) 2007 has begun, with the launch of the official NYW website last week by the Minister for Community Services, John Cobb.

Grant schemes, which are handled independently at the State and Territory level, have been operating in some jurisdictions for a few months.

NYW will be held from 14 to 22 April 2007, and is the largest celebration of young people in Australia. The website at http://www.youthweek.com/ lists all activities and events being held across Australia, and also provides ways for young people to get involved in the week, win prizes, and enter talent competitions. Despite the Federal Government media release saying that the website willl also give young Australians the opportunity to ‘voice opinions on issues relevant to them’, there has been little evidence of this in the past, with the focus very clearly on social activities.

The Week has also come under fire in the past for spending about $400 000 – or more than half of its total budget – on marketing and promotions. The Federal Government has responded by explaining that its role is primarily in financing activities that raise awareness of the Week, with the States and Territories taking on delivery of activities. Still, with its poor track record in engaging seriously with the concerns of young Australians, I think it’s fair to remain skeptical.

For further information, see http://www.youthweek.com/ or freecall 1300 663 500.