About Us

We are a group of young people from rural and regional Victoria (the Loddon Campaspe Area) with a diverse range of lived experience and expertise. We are passionate about the need for greater representation and consultation of young people aged 12-25, and aim to increase the engagement of young people within both their community, and society at large. We provide an intermediary body of one or more consultants which enables organisations to engage in research, consultation, and representation more effectively on the needs, opinions, and concerns of young people, particularly for strategy, project and initiative design, implementation and evaluation.

We Hear YOUth Project 2021, right-left: Jem, Billie, Jade

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Why is what we do so important?

"People who are older can sympathize with you. [Young People] can empathize with people. I think there's a big, big difference. There's a big difference between 'Oh, I'm so sorry for that', and, 'Yeah, I understand you.' Because you genuinely do."

- Young Person from Bendigo, reflecting on the peer interviewing experience.

Peer interviewing provides a safe environment where young people can feel comfortable and respected as they share their lived experiences. Our work as peer researchers has shown us that putting youth at the centre of the consultation process not only empowers them to take an active role in their community, it also removes the barriers that often prevent them from contributing fully to community decision making.