YACSA

With the prolonged cold weather forecast, the Code Blue extreme weather response will be activated in the following regional areas from 5pm Thursday 25 July 2024 to 9am Thursday 1 August 2024.

❄️Far North
❄️Far West Coast
❄️Upper Spencer Gulf
❄️Copper Coast
❄️Murraylands
❄️Fleurieu Peninsula
❄️Kangaroo Island

Homeless Connect SA will continue to operate 24/7 to assist with emergency accommodation. Anyone who is homeless, or at risk of homelessness, is encouraged to contact Homeless Connect SA on 1800 003 308.

Today brought Youth Parliament Residential Week to an end for another year, so congratulations to all the young people involved as parliamentarians, as well as members of the press gallery and taskforce!

YACSA sponsored three young people to participate this year, and we look forward to working with them going forward to share their experiences. Keep an eye on The Smashed Avocado 👀🥑💚



[ID: David Deex, 29th Youth Governor of the YMCA SA Youth Parliament addresses the House of Assembly at the Opening Ceremony]

Code Blue activated tonight - details below.

With cold weather, rains and thunderstorms forecast, the Code Blue extreme weather response will be activated in the following areas from 5pm Friday 19 July to 9am Saturday 20 July.

⛈ Adelaide metro
⛈ Lower Eyre
⛈ Murraylands
⛈ Fleurieu Peninsula
⛈ Kangaroo Island

Following services will be available in the metropolitan areas:
🏠Baptist Care’s Westcare Centre - Open from 5pm for overnight accommodation until 7am. The Westcare Centre is located at 11/19 Millers Ct, Adelaide.
🏠Toward Home the Resolve Team - additional outreach support from 5pm-8pm.

Homeless Connect SA will continue to operate 24/7 to assist with emergency accommodation. Anyone who is homeless, or at risk of homelessness, is encouraged to contact Homeless Connect SA on 1800 003 308.

Today is the first day of NAIDOC Week 2024, marked each year to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 🖤💛❤️💚🤍💙

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

Find an event near you during the week 👉 https://www.naidoc.org.au/local-events/local-naidoc-week-events

Interested in discussing civics education in Australia with a Federal Senator? Or know a young person (12-29) who is? 🧐

We're looking for young people with a range of civics knowledge to join - so there's nothing you need to know ahead of time to participate!

More info & expressions of interest here 👉 https://www.yacsa.com.au/civics-roundtable-senator-grogan

Do you work with young people in SA? We want to hear from you!

Our sector mapping survey is open now! 👉 https://www.yacsa.com.au/sector-mapping
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Our CEO, Anne & Participation and Development Officer, Doug spent the beginning of this week away on a regional trip speaking to young people and youth services in Port Lincoln.

We're looking forward to continuing these conversations! 💚🤝
ID 1: Three people in jackets and jumpers are smiling at the camera in the wind in front of a blue and white sign on a building
ID 2: Two people in glasses smile at the camera in front of a white banner with a logo

A severe weather activation is in place from 5pm today until 9am on Thursday 20 June for the following regions, to assist rough sleepers remain dry and safe.
• Adelaide Metro (Baptist Care’s Westcare Centre open for overnight accommodation & Toward Home the Resolve Team for additional outreach from 5pm – 7pm)
• Fleurieu Peninsula
• Kangaroo Island
• Upper Spencer Gulf
• Lower Eyre Peninsula
• Copper Coast

Homeless Connect SA will continue to operate 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness is encouraged to contact Homeless Connect SA on 1800 003 308.

Last week the State Budget for 2024/25 was released.

For young people, who are the first generation to be worse off than their parents, it is another missed opportunity to address intergenerational inequality.

You can find our full breakdown of the budget here 🥑🔗 https://www.smashedav.com.au/our-news/sa-budget-24-25
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‼️ Our sector mapping survey is now live!

👥 If you work in the SA youth sector, directly with young people or managing people who do – we’d greatly appreciate your insights.

⏰ It only takes about 10 minutes to complete, with questions covering qualifications, workload, training, demands on services, capacity and wellbeing, and your responses will help us to paint an up-to-date picture of the sector’s needs.

More info and survey here 👉 yacsa.com.au/sector-mapping
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With prolonged cold weather forecast for the following regions, the Code Blue extreme weather response will continue to assist people sleeping rough until 9am Tuesday 11 June 2024.

• Clare Valley
• Far West Coast
• Copper Coast
• Riverland
• Limestone Coast
• Kangaroo Island

If you are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, call Homeless Connect SA 24/7 on 1800 003 308. Homeless Connect SA operates 24/7, every day of the year.

May was a big month here at YACSA, so here’s just some of what we got up to! 💚

Members of the team attended lots of events celebrating young people and their achievements and contributions to their communities, including the:

🫶 7 News Young Achiever Awards,
🫶 Volunteering SA&NT SA Volunteer Awards, and
🫶 the opening ceremony of this year’s Aboriginal Power Cup.

Congratulations to all winners, finalists and participants! 🎉


[ID 1&2: Winners of the 7 News SA 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards SA Awards pictured with Minister for Human Services, Nat Cook MP]
[ID 3: Winner of the SA Volunteer Awards ‘Young Volunteer Award, Atiu Kuot Madut]
[ID 4: Young people attending the Opening Ceremony of Power Community Ltd Aboriginal Power Cup]
[ID 5: YACSA CEO Anne (R), pictured with Mandy Smith (L)]

Today marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week 2024.

The theme, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.

Now more than ever, the fight continues. 🖤💛❤️💚🤍💙
Learn more here 👉 https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/

With prolonged cold weather forecast, a Code Blue extreme weather response will activate at 5pm today to 9am Wednesday 29 May 2024 to assist people sleeping rough in the following regions:
• Far West Coast
• Copper Coast
• Clare Valley
• Riverland
• Murraylands
• Upper Spencer Gulf
• Kangaroo Island
• Limestone Coast

If you are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, call Homeless Connect SA 24/7 on 1800 003 308.

Homeless Connect SA operates 24/7, every day of the year.

Today is the International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination (IDAHOBIT).

LGBTQIA+ young people in SA deserve to feel safe and included in their communities, today and every day - to be supported, not made the subject of political debates.

🌈 Going rainbow today is one simple way you can signal to others that you’ll respect their identity, and your stance LGBTQIA+ discrimination.

Today is the International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination (IDAHOBIT).

LGBTQIA+ young people in SA deserve to feel safe and included in their communities, today and every day - to be supported, not made the subject of political debates.

🌈 Going rainbow today is one simple way you can signal to others that you'll respect their identity, and your stance LGBTQIA+ discrimination.

Learn more about IDAHOBIT here 👉 https://www.idahobit.org.au/

The good folk at the Telethon Kids Institute in the Youth Mental Health Team are in the process of recruiting for a LGBTIQA+ youth advisory group.

This group will guide their research, funding, and priority setting for LGBTIQA+ young people - both in Western Australia and nationally.

They are hoping to recruit members up to the age of 25 that identify as LGBTIQA+. They can be anywhere in Australia.

The group will meet semi-regularly (few times a year) and members will be reimbursed for their time.

To register your interest head to this link: https://uwa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cVlHdNTXr2hwNqS

Have you booked your spot to attend the FREE movie night on IDAHOBIT Eve yet? This Thursday, arrive from 6pm for a 6:30pm start. Of course we are throwing in a FREE popcorn, choc top and soft drink. Bring your friends and your tissues, last chance to register via the link: https://www.saraa.org.au/community/idahobit/

AYAC stands with more than 200 women and non-binary people from various sectors and continues to call on the Government to deliver a substantial increase to Youth Allowance and Job Seeker in this Federal Budget.

Young people on Youth Allowance experience the deepest poverty and continue to live well below the poverty line, receiving just $45 a day— half of the daily requirement as measured under the Henderson poverty line.

Together with state and territory youth affairs peaks, AYAC continues to call on the Government to raise the rate of Youth Allowance and Job Seeker payments in the 2024-25 Federal Budget as a matter of priority.

AYAC also urges the Government to provide specific financial security and support pathways for children and young people leaving violence.

While National Cabinet’s announcement of the Leaving Violence payment program is a welcome one, these responses still don’t prioritise children and young people as victim-survivors in their own right. Efforts to eliminate family violence and improve the economic security of women must recognise the experiences of children and young people too.

Read our full statement here: https://bit.ly/3wrmfIq

We also encourage you to sign the ACOSS Australian Council of Social Service open letter calling on the Prime Minister to deliver a substantial increase to JobSeeker and Youth Allowance in this Federal Budget here: https://www.acoss.org.au/a-letter-to-prime-minister-anthony-albanese-from-women-leaders-calling-for-jobseeker-boost-to-promote-womens-safety/

You can find a link to AYAC's original joint pre-budget submission with youth affairs peak bodies including YACSA, Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia Youth Affairs Council Victoria, The Youth Coalition of the ACT, Youth Action NSW, Youth Affairs Network Qld (YANQ), and Youth Network of Tasmania from Jan 2024 here: https://bit.ly/49hwYDf

Yesterday marked Youth Homelessness Matters Day 2024. In Australia, young people aged 12-24 years represent 23% of all people experiencing homelessness.

In South Australia during 2021 19-24-year-olds experienced homelessness at the highest rate of all age cohorts, with 12-18-year-olds the second highest.

Young people cannot keep waiting for a National Child and Youth Homelessness and Housing Plan - we need a youth-specific strategy now.

More on Youth Homelessness Matters Day and Yfoundations' call for a National Plan here: https://www.yfoundations.org.au/yhmd-2024
ID: Image of a brick house with dark, starry sky above. The house is weathered, the curtains are drawn and a light can be seen on inside. Text is white and orange.

Gender inequality, including the prevalence of sexual violence, remains a significant concern for young people in Australia.

Young people are a significant stakeholder in reform on responses to sexual violence as young women are the most likely cohort to experience sexual assault and young men the most likely cohort to perpetrate sexual assault.

You can read our full submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs here 👉 https://www.yacsa.com.au/publications/crimes-amendment-strengthening-criminal-justice-system-response

The theme of Close the Gap Day this year is, 'Voyage to Voice, Treaty, Truth and Beyond'.

Closing the Gap targets were introduced by the Council of Australian Governments in 2008 following calls for Australian governments to commit to achieving equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in health and life expectancy within 25 years.

Health equality is a fundamental right for all, and Governments need to do more towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recognition, rights, justice and equity if these are to be met.

⏰ Today's the day!! ⏰

If you haven't already - make sure you get out and vote on your first SA First Nations Voice to Parliament representatives between 8am - 6pm! 🖤💛❤️ 💚💙🖤🤍

Find a polling booth here 👉 https://www.savoiceelection.sa.gov.au/voting/locations

Let's catch up on what happened in SA Parliament last week!

You can find the full wrap up over on The Smashed Avocado here 👉 https://www.smashedav.com.au/our-news/sitting-week-3-24

Today marks the beginning of SA Youth Week! Running until Sunday 24 March, this week-long celebration is the largest of young people aged 12 to 25 in the state!

To find out more, and an event near you visit 👉 https://dhs.sa.gov.au/how-we-help/youth/sa-youth-week

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2024 SA REFUGEE WEEK: The SA Refugee Week Committee convened by AMRC is inviting individuals and organizations to participate in the 2024 SA Refugee Week, themed "Finding Freedom" by staging an event for your community or the public.

This annual event has been a staple in South Australia for over two decades, fostering engagement with over 140 organizations and community groups each year through its coordinated Calendar of Events.
The SA Refugee Week promotes harmony, togetherness, and appreciation for the courage, resilience, strength, culture, and contributions of people from refugee backgrounds.

To get involved, please register your event by no later than Friday 19 April 2024 by completing the registration form using the link below and sending to [email protected]

https://amrc.org.au/events/sa-refugee-week-2024

This initiative serves as an opportunity to celebrate diversity and support our community in South Australia.
For further information, please visit www.amrc.org.au or contact AMRC on 08 8217 9545 or [email protected]

📢 Calling all young people 12-25 that live, work, or study in the Burnside Council Area!

🌟Burnside Youth Forum 2024 - Your Voice, Your Community, Your Plan
🗓️ Friday, 22nd March 2024
🕓 4pm-7pm
🏫 Glenunga Hub
🎉 Free food and door prizes!

Want to make a difference in the Burnside Council area? Join us at the Burnside Youth Forum 2024, where your ideas, experiences, and concerns will take centre stage. This is a chance to chat, connect, and work together to tell the council what you want and need to make our community an amazing place for young people like you.

Why should you come along?
🤝 Connect and Engage: Meet other young people, share your ideas, and be part of building a community that supports and empowers you.
🌍 Shape Your Community: This is an opportunity to influence the development of the City of Burnside’s Youth Action Plan. Your voice matters, and this is where you can make it heard.
🎉 Fun and Friends: Expect a casual and friendly atmosphere, with activities, discussions, door prizes (including a $50 gift voucher!) and of course free food.
🔊 Your Expertise Counts: You are a valuable member of our community, and we need your expertise and experience as a young person to create a plan that works for you. You don’t need to see yourself as a leader or change-maker, we just need you to tell us what you think.

The Youth Affairs Council of South Australia Inc. (YACSA) and the City of Burnside are teaming up to make this happen, and we can't wait to see you there!
Ready to make a difference? Save the date and get involved. Your council, your future - let's build it together.

For more information, see the event page here: https://events.humanitix.com/burnside-youth-forum-2024