Youth Services
Mansfield Shire Council recognises that young people are not only part of our future, but a really important part of our now. Council’s Youth Services are aimed at tapping into the contributions that young people can make and providing the support that they need.
Youth Charter 
To formalize their commitment to young people and encourage the broader community, including young people, to get on board Mansfield Shire Council has developed a Youth Charter.
You may of heard of the term ‘youth charter’, there’s a lot of local government youth charters around, but what exactly is a youth charter? And what is it all about in Mansfield?
A youth charter is generally a way for Council to acknowledge the importance of young people and the unique contributions they make to the community. Adopting a youth charter shows a commitment to working with and for young people as v
alued community members.
The Mansfield Shire Youth Charter covers all of that, but there’re a few extras. Mansfield Shire Council recognise that they aren’t the only ones that influence the culture of our community and that really great things happen when the whole of community are behind it.
So the Mansfield Shire Council have come up with a Youth Charter that can not only be used by Council, but the by the broader community including young people. Yes, you can put up your hand up and get on board!
It’s important that we keep track of what youth services are available in Mansfield and make sure that those services are working together for the benefit of young people in our community. That’s what the Mansfield Youth Service Providers Network is all about.
MYSPN provides a forum for youth service providers to discuss and plan services to further the wellbeing of young people in our community, access information and inspiration that will strengthen their services and is a collective that represents and acts for the rights and needs of young people in our community.
MYSPN - Is not a working group.
- Gatherings are full of information exchange, issues analysis, concept development and planning for work.
- Is about working smarter, not more work.
- Gathers every second Wednesday of the month, 10am – 12noon. The first hour is information exchange for members. The second hour is open to the broader community and features an interactive panel on a focus topic.
- Membership is free and any organisation or individual who provides youth services in Mansfield Shire can and is encouraged to join. Are you an outreach worker to Mansfield? Tie your trip in with meetings to really value add to your time in our community. Want to keep in the loop, but can’t make it to our gatherings?
Take up the virtual membership option and receive correspondence and provide your input via email.
Organisations or individuals can request a spot on the monthly agenda to present information or consult with the group on all things youth in Mansfield. Or you can get to the local youth sector through the monthly newsletter which is distributed to all members.
For more information, to get a spot on our agenda, to use our newsletter or to sign up for something bigger contact the MYSPN Administrator, Jodie Bell on (03) 5775 1654 or e-mail
jbell@nesay.com.au.
Youth Development Worker
Mansfield Shire Council contracts a Youth Development Worker (Jodie Bell) through North East Support and Action for Youth (NESAY). Jodie lives in a little green office at CaféConnect and works Tuesday - Friday. You can drop in and visit her during CaféConnect opening hours on these days or make an appointment to see her another time.
Jodie's job includes:
- Coordinates the Mansfield Youth Service Providers Network and helps make sure that a range of youth services actively service Mansfield Shire.
- Assisting Council in decision making processes around young people. She develops programs that connects young people with their community.
- Working in CaféConnect to help make sure that it’s youth friendly and that young people are getting that bit extra by going in there.
- Being a point of contact for any young person to any type of support that they need whether it be health, legal, housing or just how to make something happen in their community.
- Acting as an advocate for young people within the broader community by increasing awareness of young people - their celebrations and their issues
Contact:
Jodie Bell
Youth Development Worker
CaféConnect
62 High St, Mansfield
Phone: 5775 1654
Text: 0408385992
YOUTH HEALTH CARD - NEW!!
The Mansfield Shire Youth Card has a list of names and numbers you’ll need if you want fast access to youth support. You can pick up one of these cards from Café Connect.
CaféConnect
CaféConnect is our local community internet facility that is youth friendly and provides a safe and caring space for young people to hang out, get things done or find the info that they need.
Services - Printer
- Fax
- Scanning
- Photocopying (single copies only)
- Broadband Services
- Wireless Access Point
- Broadband to 8mbs
- Other Facilities
- TV / DVD Room
- Pool Table
- Air Hockey
Chages
50c Logon plus 10c per minute (Concession discounts apply)
Opening Hours | Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 2.00pm till 6.00pm |
| Wednesday | 3.00pm till 7.00pm |
| Thursday | 2.30pm till 6.00pm |
| Friday | 2.00pm till 10.00pm |
Café Connect is an internet café designed by the youth of Mansfield for
the use of the whole community. The 'Next Step' FReeZA Committee
'The Next Step' is a group of young people who coordinate and implement youth focused events. Some events they have organised in our community are: 'The Phruntsyde Skate Jam', 'The Night Club' and the 'Street Art Workshop'.
In 2009 the team was made up of Daniel Smetak, Locky Klavin, Jack Ross, Steph Mckenzie, Daniel Belle, Macklin Thompson and Sarah Hodgson.
What do we have for you?
- A reason to get together with other young people who are into music and youth culture
- Training in all aspects of events management including the chance to specialise and get some accredited training under your belt
- A budget and support from the Youth Development Worker to put on youth events on your home turf
- Exposure to a range of music and youth culture events out of town
- Official recognition for your volunteering through media coverage and certificates that can go a long way with your resume
What do we want from you?
- A passion for and skills in music and youth culture and events
- Keen to work as part of a team to make things happen
- The commitment to attend meetings, training and events