Youth Partnership with Pacific Communities

The NSW Government established the Communities Division to work with communities to assist them to be stronger, healthier and more vibrant. It addresses social issues by listening to and working with people and community groups.

Youth Partnership with Pacific Communities

How it came about

In May 2003 leaders from a number of Pacific communities raised concerns with the Premier regarding the well being of their communities. In June 2003 the Premier announced the establishment of the Partnership and the formation of a NSW Council for Pacific Communities. The Division was asked to coordinate the whole of government response. Funding of over $5.6 million was allocated to Partnership initiatives, which have now been completed. 

The Partnership's goals were to:

• Promote the well being of young people of Pacific backgrounds
• Increase parent support and education to help parents prevent risk-taking behaviour by children and young people
• Provide children and young people with better learning opportunities and recreational activities for long term development

What it did:

Actions undertaken included:

• improving relations between police and the community
• increasing the capacity of communities to address their own needs
• diverting young people from crime and rehabilitating offenders
• developing the skills and experience of young people
• improving school success through supporting students and their parents
• providing support and information to parents
• working with communities to address family violence
• improving service provision by NSW agencies
• increasing working partnerships across communities and government
• evaluating the partnership

Who else was involved

The main agencies involved were: Community Relations Commission, NSW Police, TAFE, Health, Education and Training, Community Services, Juvenile Justice, Housing, Tourism, Sport and Recreation and a variety of non-government organisations.

The NSW Council for Pacific Communities and its eight Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) are the peak community bodies and the Pacific Youth Network Committee (PYNC) ia an active partner. The RACs and the PYNC are open to participation from all people of pacific backgrounds.  More information on the Council and the RACs is available on their website, at: http://www.communilink.org.au/pacificis(opens in new window)

For further information

Contact	:	Victoria Smith, Communities Division, Department of Community Services
Address	:	PO Box 135, Parramatta 2124
Phone	:	02 9354 1653
Fax	:	02 9354 1806
Email	:	vicotria.smith@community.nsw.gov.au

WWW

:

http://www.pacificyouth.nsw.gov.au