Regional Visit Report Mid West and Gascoyne (Carnarvon, Geraldton and Northampton) 20 23 February 2017 – Commissioner’s comments It is always motivating to meet with children and young people and service providers in regional WA, all of whom have strong hopes and desires for the future of their communities. In my recent visit to the Mid West and Gascoyne regions I met many people who were dedicated to making their communities a better place for all. I am very pleased to have one of my two 2017 Advisory Committees, comprising 15 young people, based in Geraldton. I had a dynamic first meeting with the committee and the group will continue to provide me with their views about how social media and technology can be used to support young people’s mental health. Photo: Commissioner Colin Pettit with members of his 2017 Advisory Committee in Geraldton. The young people I met with from schools in Northampton, Geraldton and Carnarvon spoke positively about their communities, recognising the uniqueness of their local environment, safety of their communities and opportunities to enjoy participation in sports. They also were clear on the issues affecting their towns and spoke about their desire to help children and young people who were struggling. I encourage local community decision makers and service providers to reflect on the views of children and young people in their communities outlined above, and continue to explore ways to include children and young people in decision making, particularly around services and the infrastructure they need.
Regional Visit Report Mid West and Gascoyne (Carnarvon, Geraldton and Northampton) 20 – 23 February 2017 Commissioner’s comments It is always motivating to meet with children and young people and service providers in regional WA, all of whom have strong hopes and desires for the future of their communities. In my recent visit to the Mid West and Gascoyne regions I met many people who were dedicated to making their communities a better place for all. I am very pleased to have one of my two 2017 Advisory Committees, comprising 15 young people, based in Geraldton. I had a dynamic first meeting with the committee and the group will continue to provide me with their views about how social media and technology can be used to support young people’s mental health. Photo: Commissioner Colin Pettit with members of his 2017 Advisory Committee in Geraldton. The young people I met with from schools in Northampton, Geraldton and Carnarvon spoke positively about their communities, recognising the uniqueness of their local environment, safety of their communities and opportunities to enjoy participation in sports. They also were clear on the issues affecting their towns and spoke about their desire to help children and young people who were struggling. I encourage local community decision makers and service providers to reflect on the views of children and young people in their communities outlined above, and continue to explore ways to include children and young people in decision making, particularly around services and the infrastructure they need.
regional-visit-report-carnarvon-geraldton-northampton-february-2017.docx