Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia in Leederville, Western Australia, Australia | Youth organisation

Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia

Locality: Leederville, Western Australia, Australia

Phone: +61 8 9227 5440

Address: 196 Oxford Street 6007 Leederville, WA, Australia

Website: http://www.yacwa.org.au

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• Non-governmental organisation (NGO)

25.01.2022 Only 1 day to go!! Tomorrow, our friends over at the Youth Disability Advocacy Network are hosting an EPIC two day, online summit, developed by young people with disability for other young people. Registrations are still open. Don't miss out-there is an outstanding line up of guest speakers. Share to young people who you think would be keen.

25.01.2022 Our friends over at Youth Legal Service have partnered with some of WAs biggest young social media influencers this week to launch #stopcyberbullyingwa - an important campaign aimed at increasing awareness of, and creating conversations around cyberbullying with young people aged 14-25. Listen to YLS Director David Kernohan discuss the inspiration behind the campaign here https://tinyurl.com/y4wjuasl If you want to support the campaign to stop cyber bullying and abuse onlin...e, draw a stop sign on your hand, follow and tag @stopcyberbullyingwa on Instagram alongside the hashtag # and spread the word. We need to change the way we challenge cyberbullying, and how we support those online who are experiencing it. Head to the website below to find out how you can join the movement. #stopcyberbullying #stophate #youth #bullying

24.01.2022 We're hiring youth consultants! YACWA is on the lookout for young people to work with us on a causal basis on a variety of youth-focused pieces of work including workshops, consultations and steering groups. If that sounds like you, submit your application by 15 January

23.01.2022 KEY CHANGES TO JOBKEEPER If youve been receiving the $1500 JobKeeper payment, the rate is set to change this month. Whats changing and how does it affect me? ... JobKeeper has been extended... but reduced. How much you receive will depend on how many hours you work per week. The rates will change twice first on September 28th and then again next year on January 4th, before officially ending in March. Where can I find more info? You can find out more info directly from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website: https://www.ato.gov.au///JobKeeper-extension-announcement/

23.01.2022 Youth Workers Unite! Our youth work networking & PD webinar series continues this Wednesday morning with a special focus on our Recovery Framework for Youth, exploring our key priorities for the youth sector post-COVID-19, plus well have space for networking, service updates and collective problem-solving.

23.01.2022 Thanks for the article Michael Palmer @ PerthNow! Read the full report here https://www.yacwa.org.au//YACWA-COVID-19-Recovery-Framewor

23.01.2022 "Having the Twins during COVID was hard, mainly support wise, like with not being able to have your family come visit you and not being able to see my two oldest. That was probably my biggest Struggle. Young Whadjuk Woman Anika Gillespie gives us an insight into what her life was like for her and her four children during the COVID Pandemic in WA.

23.01.2022 Why should we Raise the Rate? This is why we should Raise the Rate. Here is part 1 of our series of real stories from incredible young people. Take action: www.raisetherate.org.au ... It's time to Raise the Rate. For Good. #RaiseTheRate . . . . . . . . . Raise the Rate, WACOSS, Senator Rachel Siewert, Senator Jordon Steele-John, Shelter WA, Foodbank WA, Anti-Poverty Week WA, ComuniCare, Youth Work WA, Foyer Oxford, Indigo Junction, Anglicare WA, Perth Inner City Youth Service, Youth Homelessness Matters Day, City of Perth, See more

22.01.2022 YOUTH DIGITAL INCLUSION PROJECT APPLICATIONS OPEN TOMORROW! Reminder that applications for the Youth Digital Inclusion Project open TOMORROW, Wednesday 26 August. We are super excited to see this project take off! Community organisations can apply for FREE smartphones and six-month capped data plans for eligible young people aged 16 to 24. Other devices (laptops/tablets) may also be available.... The application form will be available on YACWAs website. Visit https://www.yacwa.org.au/youth-digital-inclusion-project/ for more information on the project. Image description in the comments.

22.01.2022 The Commissioner for Children and Young People WA is doing some important work developing resources for children and young people outlining the steps they can take to make a complaint within organisations when they feel uncomfortable, unsafe or marginalised, as well as a resource for adults to assist with this process. Surveys are currently open for: - Young people aged 10-17 - Adults that play a significant role in the lives of children... Click the link below to access the surveys and find out more about how you can contribute!

22.01.2022 Its hard enough being a young person in Western Australia right now without being stigmatised just for being on JobSeeker. We stand with WACOSS in condemning recent high-profile comments that attribute violence in Northbridge to young people on income support payments. Young people in WA are facing record high unemployment, increasing housing instability, and long-term mental health pressures. The increased rate of JobSeeker is a necessary support for young people to keep a ...roof over their head and eat three meals a day. Its time we focused on the real problem the system thats putting young people into poverty.

22.01.2022 APPLICATIONS FOR YOUTH DIGITAL INCLUSION PROJECT CLOSING SOON! If you are a community organisation that works with young people aged 16-24, you can apply now for those young people to receive a FREE smartphone, laptop or tablet AND six months data. To submit an EOI, find out more and view our FAQs visit: https://www.yacwa.org.au/youth-digital-inclusion-project/... Image description in the comments.

21.01.2022 Youth Workers Unite! Our COVID-19 recovery and resilience series continues this Wednesday morning with a free webinar on Aboriginal young people and well-being from mentor, educator and speaker Shaun Nannup. Sign up

21.01.2022 RESOURCES FOR LGBTQIA+ YOUNG PEOPLE... IN THE REGIONS! It can be hard to find ways to connect to the LGBTIQA+ community where-ever you are but particularly difficult in regional WA. YACWA and the Youth Pride Network have collated a list of resources & support networks for you! ... To find out more, see the above post for links & contact numbers of various pride groups & helplines established across WA. Tag anyone we've forgotten in the comments! Albany Pride (Youth Group Spectrum Under 25's lgbtiqa+ ) Broome Pride Inc. OUT South West Spectrum South West Busselton Pride Alliance Inc. headspace Kalgoorlie PHLAGS - Port Hedland Lesbian and Gay Scene (Inc BTI) SAGA South West Headspaces headspace Pilbara headspace Northam Headspace Broome headspace Albany headspace Bunbury headspace Busselton Satellite headspace Geraldton Headspace Esperance Satellite headspace Margaret River

20.01.2022 We're hiring a part-time Perth Program Manager! We're looking for someone to manage our metropolitan-based projects including The YEP Project, the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network of Western Australia - MYAN WA, the Youth Pride Network - YPN and more. Applications close Sunday 7 February

20.01.2022 YACWA proudly supports #16DaysInWA Everyone in Western Australia has an opportunity to speak out about violence against women during 16 Days in WA. 16 Days in WA - Stop Violence Against Women campaign is on 25 November - 10 December. ... Show your support and speak out: Wear something orange from 25 November to 10 December Share 16 Days in WA infographics on your social media channels Set up your 16 Days in WA social media profile picture frame type ’16 Days in WA’ in the frames search bar Use the campaign hashtags #16DaysInWA #StopTheViolence #RespectStartsWithYou Host or participate in an event or activity to raise awareness For more information and to get involved, download the campaign kit at https://www.communities.wa.gov.au/projects/16-days-in-wa/ #16DaysinWA #StopTheViolence #RespectStartsWithYou Simone McGurk MLA, Department of Communities

19.01.2022 As NAIDOC Week 2020 continues, we wanted to recognise some incredible bla(c)k excellence, and give a shout out to the amazing young crew at Boorloo Justice. Boorloo Justice is a grassroots collective of First Nations and POC youth, campaigning for social justice and the Black Lives Matter movement here in Western Australia. This recently formed group has already been leading the way in organising public rallies and protests raising awareness and public support for the Black ...Lives Matter movement and to end the police brutality against and the disproportionate incarceration of Indigenous peoples in Australia. Boorloo Justice have organised a Decolonise Pride event for this year's #pridefest with an all queer, all bla(c)k and POC line-up. Want to get involved? Give them a follow on their Facebook page or Instagram (@boorloojustice). #NAIDOC2020 #NAIDOCWeek #NAIDOC

17.01.2022 MANAGING PRIVACY & CONFIDENTIALITY OF LGBTQIA+ YOUNG PEOPLE A Resource for Youth Workers If you are working in the youth sector and have young LGBTIQA+ clients, this is worth a read. As more services have adapted to remote delivery, it's increasingly challenging to navigate privacy and confidentiality of young people, especially when it concerns their safety and well-being....Continue reading

17.01.2022 PART 4: Shifting attitudes The fourth and final instalment of YACWA and YDAN’s Young People with Disability & COVID-19 series is here and we have saved the weirdest issue for last. Many of the young people we spoke to had interesting things to share about how the general public’s attitude toward them, affected their pandemic experience.... We asked young people with disability: Do you think that COVID-19 has changed the way society thinks about disability and accessibility? The insights they provided were diverse and thought provoking. We hope that the information and experiences shared throughout this series have been beneficial and interesting to you and we thank you very much for listening to the voices of young people with disability! A plain text version of this resource can be found on the YACWA website, using the following link: https://www.yacwa.org.au///Part-4.-Shifting-Attitudes.docx

17.01.2022 If youre receiving JobKeeper or a Centrelink payment, essential changes are happening this week. In addition to payment rates being cut, after September 28 youll need to meet your mutual obligations. If you dont, theres a risk your payments may be reduced, suspended, or canceled. At a time when there are 13 job seekers for every job, mutual obligations arent the solution to finding a job and they werent effective before the pandemic either. ... YACWA continues to be a strong supporter of the #raisetherate campaign and making social support easier to navigate and less punitive for all young people. To see how the mutual obligations changes might affect you, follow the link to the Services Australia website: https://tinyurl.com/y2xbunqc To find more info about how the changes to payments might affect you, check out our Changes to COVID-19 Relief series below: Changes to JobKeeper: https://www.facebook.com/yacwa/posts/3165211866850131 Changes to the Coronavirus Supplement for Centrelink Payments: https://www.facebook.com/yacwa/posts/3165217310182920 Changes to Assets and Income Testing: https://www.facebook.com/yacwa/posts/3165150833522901 [IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Dark purple background with white text that reads: "Receiving JobKeeper or a Centrelink payment? Payments are changing this week. View our Covid-19 Relief series to prepare for upcoming changes"]

16.01.2022 The WA Youth Awards return Friday 9 April, kicking off Youth Week WA at the stunning WA Museum Boola Bardip! Stay tuned for nominations opening later this month

16.01.2022 Shout out to your youth workers working in the regions (between Geraldton, Merredin and Albany). Our awesome sexual health team at The YEP Project have a rare vacancy for a booking this side of Christmas. Booking requests must be submitted by 5 October. Get in fast as this is surely going to book up fast.... Check out the post for more info. #sexualhealth #sexed #health #youthwork #peereducation #albany #geraldton #northam #busselton #westernaustralia #margaretriver #bunbury #augusta #manjimup #pemberton #wheatbelt #midwest #greatsouthern #southwest #donnybrook #bridgetown #narrogin #jurienbay

15.01.2022 Fantastic initiative from our friends at Youth Pride Network - YPN If you are an LGBTIQA+ young person, fill this survey out to have your voice heard!

15.01.2022 Are you a young carer? YACWA and Carers WA want to hear about your experiences of COVID-19. Come join us for a Zoom consultation with other young carers and help inform our advocacy to decision makers. Register for one of the sessions here: https://events.humanitix.com//ev/young-carers-consultation... Image Description: purple square with white text reads "YOUNG CARERS CONSULTATION. Are you a young carer from metro or regional WA? We want to hear about your experiences of COVID-19. Come to a Zoom consultation and receive a $50 eftpos voucher. 7th October, 4:30-5pm or 21st October 5-6:30pm." there is a carers WA and a YACWA logo at the bottom of the image

15.01.2022 COVID-19 Youth Experience Papers // Regional, Rural and Remote Young People The fourth in our series of COVID-19 lived experience papers shows the results of consultations with young people across WA. It helps to provide insight into what COVID-19 was actually like for young people and what their hopes and aspirations are for our states recovery. The papers were developed with the YACWA COVID-19 Youth Steering Group. Thank you to the young people who gave their time and expe...riences to help develop this paper. Thank you as well to the Regional Youth Leadership Development - RYLD for assisting with the consultations for this paper. Read the paper here: https://www.yacwa.org.au//YACWA_PositionPaper_Regional_Oct Read the rest of the series here: https://www.yacwa.org.au/covid-19-youth-voice/ Image description: White text reads Regional, Remote and Rural Young People, COVID-19 Youth Experiences. The tile has a yellow background with a crumpled paper effect. There is green and red splotches on the tile and a yellow plant-like shape. Second tile has a green splodge on yellow background with white text reading "Top points. - There are concerns for the impacts of youth unemployment on regional gap years and the flow on effects of accessing Centrelink - Regional border closures, cancelation of outreach programs and poor digital access made it hard for regional young people to continue to access services - Many young people reported tension with their family, whether this was being in close quarters or because of regional border closures. covid-19 youth experiences"

15.01.2022 ANNOUNCED TODAY: Federal Education Minister, Dan Tehan, has announced that students could lose access to the HELP-HECS Scheme, should they fail a number of subjects or not progress in their course, under a proposal unveiled today. This means that students could be forced to withdraw from their degree or be forced to pay upfront fees in order to continue their degree, if the proposal succeeds. ... Education is a right, not a privilege, and should be free for all. This method would unfairly punish students and young people who are seeking to learn, and add extra hardship during what can be an already vulnerable time in their lives. Students dont need punishments. They need supports to help them thrive and succeed in their studies mental health investment is far more important than this short-sighted approach to save money. Listen to the Ministers announcement on the link below: https://www.abc.net.au//failing-university-studen/12553204

15.01.2022 Migrant & Refugee Mental Health // Your Mental Health Matters This year we have reached out this year to many young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds and found out that mental health has been a big issue of concern. We have created a series of mental health resources for migrant and refugee young people to show: ... - Our mental health is important and should be looked after - The feelings we have from our responsibilities (family, education, looking after others, etc) - Where we can get help (phone calls and setting up a mental healthcare plan) RESOURCE 2 - Our next Migrant & Refugee resource is: How to advocate at the doctors For more information: Lifeline: Call: 13 11 14 Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-he/information-and-support/ 1800 Respect Call: 1800 737 732 Website: https://www.1800respect.org.au//telephone-and-online-couns Kids Helpline Call: 1800 55 1800 Website: https://kidshelpline.com.au/ eHeadspace Call: 1800 650 890 Website: https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/ Q Life Call: 1800 184 527 Website: https://qlife.org.au/ Image text can be found here: https://www.yacwa.org.au//Multicultural-Mental-Health-ID.d

15.01.2022 EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT: YOUTH DIGITAL INCLUSION APPLICATIONS EXTENDED UNTIL WEDNESDAY, 9 SEPT! If you are a community organisation or local government who missed out on applying for our Youth Digital Inclusion (YDI) Project, then youre in luck! We have extended the EOI deadline until 5pm, 9th September next week. The YDI project allows services to apply for young people (16-24) they are engaged with to receive a FREE smartphone and six-month capped data plans. A limited ...amount of laptops and tablets are also available. To complete an EOI form and find out more information, visit https://www.yacwa.org.au/youth-digital-inclusion-project/.

14.01.2022 STATEMENT RESPONDING TO BASIL ZEMPILAS’S COMMENTS ON 6PR The Youth Pride Network is disappointed by the comments made by Mr Zempilas on 6PR yesterday morning. M...r Zempilas’s comments equating penises to manhood and vaginas to womanhood is a medically incorrect assumption based on harmful ideas. These statements are nothing new to transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse people, who face elevated rates of discrimination as a direct result of similar misinformation. Transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse people have existed throughout human history and have been fighting for their rights in WA for decades, including the City of Perth, where the city’s annual Pride Parade is held. Misguided comments, like those from Mr Zempilas, contribute to the bigotry and discrimination in our society that has contributed to 48.1% of Australian trans, non-binary and gender-diverse young people experiencing a suicide attempt in their lifetime. Trans and gender diverse young people also experience family rejection, bullying, domestic violence, as well as sexual and physical abuse at significantly higher rates than their cisgender (those who aren’t trans, non-binary and gender-diverse) peers. While Mr Zempilas has issued an apology, he cannot expect our anger and frustration and that of a community that faces harsh discrimination will be dissipated by mere words. If Mr Zempilas would like to demonstrate himself as a politician, media professional and a man of integrity, we encourage him to engage with trans, non-binary and gender diverse communities for the purpose of evolving his understandings, both in his work as a media professional and as the Lord Mayor of Perth. The YPN also recommends 6PR radio staff show greater understanding of complex issues before trivialising the experiences of a vulnerable population. Additionally, we encourage the City of Perth to unequivocally re-commit their support to the transgender, non-binary and gender diverse community as the hosts and financial beneficiaries of much of next month’s pride celebrations. For those experiencing distress please reach out, there are people who want to listen. Call Lifeline WA on 13 11 14 or reach Q life www.qlife.org.au/ Tag: Basil Zempilas - Lord Mayor of Perth Image description: Square tile with a black background. White text reads "statement responding to comments by Basil Zempilas" There is a YPN logo at the top and 3 overlapping squares in pink, white and blue.

14.01.2022 Confused by Centrelink? Want help looking after yourself? Do you know your rights as a renter? We've made resources for young people who might be feeling a bit lost right now as we all recover from COVID-19 Check out the awesome resources here ... https://www.yacwa.org.au/covid-19-youth-resources/ ID: Green square with yellow and pink blob and white text that reads "YOUTH RESOURCES // COVID-19 Recovery"

14.01.2022 Shout out to the team at AHCWA Youth for their incredible work this year supporting Aboriginal young people to stay healthy and well. The Aboriginal Health Council of WA (AHCWA) is the peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in Western Australia. Their Youth Program has been kicking goals all year with some innovative health promotion messaging, an amazing response to the COVID-19 lockdown, and their contributions to YACWA's own COVID-19 Youth Engagemen...t Project. As NAIDOC Week 2020 continues, we wanted to take a moment and celebrate the success and excellence AHCWA's Youth Program brings to the sector. Give them a follow on Facebook below and on Instagram (@ahcwa_youth) for heaps more content. #NAIDOC2020 #NAIDOCWeek #NAIDOC

14.01.2022 Were celebrating Wear It Purple Day, a day to raise awareness of the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments for LGBTIQA+ young people across our communities. Were a diverse and inclusive team here at YACWA, and so we celebrate WIP every year without fail. To all LGBTIQA+ young people reading this and especially to the young volunteers and advocates at Youth Pride Network - YPN who work tirelessly for a safe, fair and equitable future for queer young peop...le we see you and we hear you. You are welcome here.

14.01.2022 Well be streaming the first hour of our State of the Youth Sector Forum this Friday, with Shaun Nannup, Minister for Youth Hon. Dave Kelly, YACWA CEO Ross Wortham and the YACWA COVID-19 Youth Steering Group.

13.01.2022 Our final 2020/21 State Budget Snapshot before our detailed report is here, with a quick look at key investments in housing and homelessness and their impact on young people in WA. While it is positive to see solid investment in housing infrastructure, YACWA is concerned that social housing builds will still fall well short of need, given there are around 14,000 individuals currently in the waitlist in WA. We urge the State Government to match the ambition outlined in its State Homelessness Strategy with the required investment in social housing and support for young people experiencing homelessness.

12.01.2022 COVID-19 Youth Experience Papers // LGBTIQA+ Young People The third in our series of COVID-19 lived experience papers shows the results of consultations with young people across WA. It helps to provide insight into what COVID-19 was actually like for young people and what their hopes and aspirations are for our states recovery. The papers were developed with the YACWA COVID-19 Youth Steering Group. Thank you to the young people who gave their time and experiences to help dev...elop this paper. Thank you as well to the Youth Pride Network - YPN for assisting with the consultations for this paper. Read the paper here: https://www.yacwa.org.au//YACWA_PositionPaper_LGBTIQA_SEP2 Read the rest of the series here: https://www.yacwa.org.au/covid-19-youth-voice/ Image description: White text reads LGBTIQA+ Young People, COVID-19 Youth Experiences. The tile has an pink background with a crumpled paper effect. There is green and red splotches on the tile and a yellow plant-like shape. Second tile has a green splotch on pink background with white text that reads "Top points - Some LGBTIQA+ young people were stuck in unsupportive households during lockdown and didn't feel like the domestic violence system was equipped to support them - LGBTIQA+ young people avoided doctors during the lockdown period but many haven't returned after lockdown - LGBTIQA+ young people still face barriers to accessing Centrelink. covid-19 youth experiences"

12.01.2022 Our 2020/21 State Budget Snapshot Series continues with a quick look at key investments in jobs and training and their impact on young people in WA. Whilst we welcome a strong focus on youth employment in the COVID-19 Recovery Plan, we urge the State Government to build on their current efforts through a long-term Youth Jobs Strategy that devotes more resources to creating a diverse range of job and training opportunities for young people in WA. Check out our full verdict below

12.01.2022 EOIs FOR YOUTH DIGITAL INCLUSION PROJECT CLOSE THIS WEDNESDAY! If you are a community organisation or local government and you work with young people experiencing the digital divide, make sure you apply for the Youth Digital Inclusion Project. Community organisations and local governments can submit an EOI for a FREE smartphone, laptop or tablet and six months capped data plans for eligible young people (aged 16-24). ... EOIs close 5pm, THIS WEDNESDAY. To find out more and submit an EOI visit https://www.yacwa.org.au/youth-digital-inclusion-project/. Image description in the comments.

11.01.2022 We know a lot of young people are uncertain about whether its time to go back to the doctor. If you have been putting off that doctors appointment, this is the sign that now is the time to go see your GP. Its really important to make sure youre looking after your general health and wellbeing during this time and we encourage all young people in WA to go see their doctor to: set up your mental health plan get your medical prescriptions updated get an STI test (Sexua...lly Transmitted Infections) access Telehealth services (via video call or phone) schedule your annual health check-up manage chronic illnesses Its important that if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms (Shortness of Breath, Coughing, Sore Throat, Fever) you call your doctor ahead of time as they will have a plan in place to manage patients with COVID-19 symptoms. More information Bulk Billing GP in WA: Find a Bulk Billing GP in Western Australia here: https://healthengine.com.au/find/bulk-billing-gp/WA/ Telehealth: A lot of GPs and medical practices are offering appointments over the phone or video call, these are often referred to as telehealth appointments. Its a good idea to contact your medical centre and ask if this is something they offer. However, we at YACWA acknowledge that many young people may experience barriers such as not having access to stable internet and digital technology to be able to access Telehealth. Safety Precautions: Medical centres across Western Australia have continued to ensure rigorous infection control (of waiting and appointment rooms), limiting patient numbers inside, maintaining physical distancing in waiting rooms. If you have concerns about picking up COVID-19 at your GP clinic we recommend you can call them ahead of time to ask what practices they have in place to keep you safe. Image description: A blue background with pink, orange and yellow stripes at the bottom. There is text with icons that read "its time to go to you doctor" "set up your mental health plan, get your medical prescriptions updated, get tested for STIs, access telehealth services (via video call or phone), health check up, manage chronic illness"

11.01.2022 Exhausted by the work week and need some good news? Heres an update on our work before we break for the weekend! Sign up to our e-news at www.yacwa.org.au for more updates from YACWAs activities, and how were trying to make sure every young person matters. Missed our Recovery Framework launch? Dive into the nitty gritty of our proposed path forward for young people with a copy of it on our website here: https://www.yacwa.org.au//yacwa-covid-19-youth-recovery-f/

10.01.2022 YACWA is excited to be working with the Town of Victoria Park to develop their next youth plan. We are now taking applications from young people aged 16 to 25, who live, work, study, volunteer or recreate in the Town to become peer researchers and help us talk to other young people. This is a PAID opportunity. Applications close 5pm, Friday 5 February. Please share to young people who may be interested! Apply at the link: https://bit.ly/3i7CA9C

10.01.2022 KEY CHANGES TO INCOME AND ASSETS TESTING Have some savings built up but want to apply for a Centrelink payment? You might have to wait for a while before you receive payments. Whats changing and how does it affect me? ... Centrelink is reintroducing their "liquid assets" waiting period at the end of this month. This basically means if you make a new claim for either JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, or Austudy you might have to wait a little while until you receive your payment. The more money you have saved over a certain amount, the longer youll have to wait to get your payment. There are different limits and exemptions depending on your circumstances, so make sure you check out the Centrelink website to better understand how this will affect you. Where can I find more info? To find out more information about how long you might have to wait and exemptions that may apply to you, check out the Centrelink website: https://tinyurl.com/yyb5onb5 Centrelink may also assess other assets you own e.g. your car or your house. To find out more about how this might affect you, follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/yxbyp37y Planning on applying for a payment but dont know which one is right for you? Use Centrelinks helpful payment finder tool to help you find which payments youre eligible for: https://tinyurl.com/ycsjjjx2

10.01.2022 COVID-19 Youth Experience Papers // Young People With Disability The second in our series of COVID-19 lived experience papers shows the results of consultations with young people across WA. It helps to provide insight into what COVID-19 was actually like for young people and what their hopes and aspirations are for our states recovery. The papers were developed with the YACWA COVID-19 Youth Steering Group. Thank you to the young people who gave their time and experiences to ...help develop this paper. Thank you as well to the Youth Disability Advocacy Network - YDAN for assisting with the consultations for this paper. Read the paper here: https://www.yacwa.org.au//YACWA_PositionPaper_Disability_S Read the rest of the series here: https://www.yacwa.org.au/covid-19-youth-voice/ Image description: White text reads Young people with disability, COVID-19 Youth Experiences. The tile has a blue background with a crumpled paper effect. There is green and red splotches on the tile and a yellow plant-like shape. Second Tile has a green splotch with a blue background and white text reads "Top points - Many young people with disability lost formal support services and their connection to community during the lock down - Some young people with disability had increased accessibility during the lockdown with changes in attitude and things being provided flexibly and online - There was no increase to the Disability Support Pension during COVID-19 however support services and incidental costs increased, causing financial strain on young people with disability covid-19 youth experiences"

10.01.2022 We're hiring a Project Coordinator for the Youth Pride Network - YPN If you've got what it takes to lead YPN's systemic advocacy on behalf of LGBTQAI+-identifying young people in Western Australia through policy, skill-building and awareness-raising, head to the link below and apply. Applications close Monday 9 November at 2pm

10.01.2022 The impact of COVID-19 for young people means we will need more youth workers to support youth health and wellbeing through long-term recovery. But the Federal Government has proposed changes to higher education will increase the cost of Youth Work degrees by over 100%. Support this important grassroots campaign and send an email to your MP to Save Youth Work #SaveYouthWork.

09.01.2022 Earlier in the year the Government made it easier to access your superannuation early. It was a bit confusing to figure out if you were or weren't eligible to do this. We made a short video to help you figure out if you are eligible, and what you can do if you accessed the scheme but maybe weren't eligible... To find a financial counsellor near you go to: https://moneysmart.gov.au/managing-de/financial-counselling

08.01.2022 KEY CHANGES TO THE CORONAVIRUS SUPPLEMENT If youve been receiving extra money on top of your Centrelink payments as part of the coronavirus supplement, this is set to change at the end of the month. Whats changing and how does it affect me?... If you are on an eligible Centrelink payment, you may have been receiving a coronavirus supplement of $550 on top of your regular payments. This applies to a bunch of different payments, so make sure you check out the Centrelink website to see whether this will affect you. The rate is set to be cut in more than half at the end of this month, and will be down to $250 per fortnight on top of your regular payment. The supplement will continue until the end of the year, after which all payments will go back to their normal rates. Normal being back below the poverty line No young person deserves to live in poverty, especially in a time of crisis - we need a liveable wage and to #RaisetheRateforGood. So what can you do? *Join the Raise the Rate campaign* https://raisetherate.org.au/ *Use the Raise the Rate website to contact your Federal Member of Parliament* https://raisetherate.org.au/contactyourmp/ Where can I find more info? To find out more info and which payments are affected by these changes, check out the Centrelink website: https://tinyurl.com/y5cg65s8

08.01.2022 Are you an LGBTIQA+ young person living in regional WA? We want to hear from you! YACWA & Youth Pride Network - YPN are teaming up to organise an online consultation for LGBTIQA+ regional young people to discuss their experiences of COVID-19. ... If youd like to participate youll receive a $50 eftpos voucher for your time. Sign up here: https://events.humanitix.com/regional-lgbtiqa-covid-consult Image description: Orange background with a rainbow wave that flows across the image. Text reads "Wednesday 2nd of September 4:30-6pm Regional LGBTQIA+ Consultation, Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia, $50 Eftpos Voucher for participation, Speak to us (via Zoom!) about your experiences during COVID-19" There is an Aboriginal flag, a philidelphia rainbow flag, a trans flag and a Youth Pride Network and YACWA logo at the bottom of the page.

07.01.2022 COVID-19 Youth Experience Papers // Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Young People The first in our series of COVID-19 lived experience papers shows the results of consultations with young people across WA. It helps to provide insight into what COVID-19 was actually like for young people and what their hopes and aspirations are for our states recovery. The papers were developed with the YACWA COVID-19 Youth Steering Group. Thank you to the young people who gave their tim...e and experiences to help develop this paper. Thank you as well to the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia - AHCWA for assisting with the consultations for this paper. Read the paper here: https://www.yacwa.org.au//YACWA_PositionPaper_AboriginalTS Read the rest of the series here: https://www.yacwa.org.au/covid-19-youth-voice/ Image description: White text reads Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Young People, COVID-19 Youth Experiences. The tile has an orange background with a crumpled paper effect. There is green and red splotches on the tile and a yellow plant-like shape. Second tile: green splotch on orange background with white text that reads "Top points - Aboriginal young people struggled to be disconnected from family, Elders and not being able to participate in funeral ceremonies. Many Aboriginal young people avoided the doctor during lock down but still haven't returned as restrictions have lifted. Aboriginal young people said they had to stay mentally strong during lock down, as many struggled with isolation and finding culturally safe mental health supports. COVID-19 Youth Experience"

07.01.2022 Nominations for the WA Youth Awards 2021 are now live We're super excited to launch the 2021 event, taking place on Friday 9 April at the WA Museum Boola Bardip to kick off Youth Week WA. Here's a peek at the categories open for nomination...... The Minister for Youth’s Most Outstanding Youth Worker Award The Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia - AHCWA Positive Achievement Award The Propel Youth Arts WA Creative Contribution Award The Y WA (YMCA WA) Large Organisation Achievement Award The Life Without Barriers Small Organisation Achievement Award The Edith Cowan University (ECU) Community Leadership Award The Youth Futures Innovation for a Sustainable Future Award The Mission Australia Young Changemaker Award The Charmaine Dragun Memorial Award The Commissioner for Children and Young People WA Participate Award Head to www.yacwa.org.au before 5 March to submit your nomination Thank you to our major partners Department of Communities and Lotterywest and supporting sponsors Telethon Kids Institute for helping this event come together.

06.01.2022 Young people with disability and/or mental illness, we want to hear from you! Please give a few minutes of your time and fill out our Accessibility and COVID-19 Survey. SURVEY LINK:... https://forms.gle/Ls8ywmLgXXpoaQSd6 By completing our survey you will help YACWA to better understand how accessibility has been shaped and changed throughout the pandemic. You will also have a chance to win a $50 EFTPOS gift card If you have any questions or if the survey would be more accessible to you in a different format, please contact [email protected]. Image transcription and description is in the comments.

05.01.2022 It Starts With Us - Youth Summit As part of The Museum of Freedom and Tolerance Human Rights and Responsibilities Campaign (HRXHR) they are hosting a FREE youth summit, It Starts With Us, in partnership with the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network of Western Australia. The event will be aligned with Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the right to education, and aims to give youth the opportunity to reimagine their education. Thirty youth are inv...ited to be a part of the workshop presented by a diverse mix-up of speakers equipping them with tools, stories and skills to change our world. Centred around voice, participants will attend several workshops where they can listen, be inspired and collaborative with other passionate youth. When: Saturday 10 October, 10:00 am 3:00 pm Where: WeWork, 45 Francis Street, Northbridge Ages: 18 -25 years encouraged to apply Apply Now: https://www.hrxhr.org/blog/article26

05.01.2022 EXCITING NEW PROJECT TO BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE! On Wednesday, 26 August YACWA will launch the Youth Digital Inclusion (YDI) Project! The Youth Digital Inclusion (YDI) project aims to respond to the digital divide experienced by vulnerable young people across our State. The Department of Communities has given YACWA a grant to distribute approximately 300 refurbished smartphones to young people aged 16 to 24 in need. The majority of these devices will be smartphones acco...mpanied by six month data packages. Young people will be identified through eligible community organisations who will apply on their behalf through a time-limited application process. Access to reliable digital devices will support them during the COVID-19 recovery phase. Eligible community organisations should nominate young people via an online application form on YACWAs website. Eligibility criteria and answers to FAQs can be found at this link: https://www.yacwa.org.au/youth-digital-inclusion-project/. You can also email: [email protected]. Image description in the comments.

05.01.2022 Christmas Island Youth Summit Youth Take Charge On Saturday 28 November and Sunday 29 November, Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network of Western Australia - MY...AN WA, Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia and 3 exceptional Shout Out speakers will be heading off to Christmas Island to run the Christmas Island Youth Summit! In these few days we will be running workshops on storytelling, leadership and how to advocate for change in their community. The WA State Government runs a number of services on the island, including education, so we believe this an important opportunity for us to hear about how young people feel about services on the island, and well as other issues that affect them. Special thanks to the Islamic Council of Christmas Island for inviting us to help give young people the opportunity for their voice to be heard.

04.01.2022 YACWA COVID-19 RECOVERY // RESOURCE HUB We are so excited to be launching our COVID-19 recovery resource hub! This is a central place that collates all of the resources we have been releasing for young people, youth sector and promoting youth voices. Link: https://www.yacwa.org.au/covid-19-resources/... We're also incredibly excited to announce our COVID-19 Youth Experience Papers which were developed with the COVID-19 YACWA Steering Committee. These papers outline the consultations held by YACWA with young people about their experiences of COVID-19 and their ambitions for recovery. It should be read in conjunction with our COVID-19 Youth Recovery Framework. View the papers here: https://www.yacwa.org.au/covid-19-youth-voice/

03.01.2022 Have you ever wanted to learn how to make real change in your community? We've teamed up with Prevent Support Heal to host a FREE training workshop in tools and strategies for campaigning and advocacy. Open to any young person with an interest in creating social change, we'll use the Prevent Support Heal campaign as a lens to help you develop your skills and learn how to build the movements you're passionate about.... RSVP is essential and places are limited, so register via Humanitix now!

03.01.2022 APPLICATIONS FOR THE YOUTH DIGITAL INCLUSION PROJECT ARE NOW OPEN!!! If you are a community organisation that works with vulnerable young people aged 16-24, you can submit an application for those young people to receive a FREE smartphone, laptop or tablet AND six months data. To apply, find out more and view our FAQs visit: https://www.yacwa.org.au/youth-digital-inclusion-project/... APPLICATIONS CLOSE 5PM, 4TH SEPTEMBER! Image description in the comments.

03.01.2022 If youre a renter youll want to read this... The WA Evictions Moratorium has been extended to the 28th of March 2021. To find out what that means read our graphic below For more info:... Evictions Moratorium: https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au//residential-tenancies-covi Mandatory Conciliation: https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au//covid-19-residential-tenan Rent Relief Grants: https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au//residential-rent-relief-gr If you want to talk to someone about your renting situation you can call: Consumer Protection on 1300 304 054 or email [email protected] Tenancy WA on (08) 9221 0088 or for country callers 1800 621 888. Image Description: 5 blue tiles with black text read 1.If youre a renter youll want to read this. Information about the WA Evictions Moratorium 2.laws to protect renters have been extended 3. This means until march 28th 2021 your landlord cant increase your rent (unless your rent is calculated as a proportion of your income. If you cant pay rent you cant be evicted (only applies if this situation occurs because of COVID-19 related financial stress) If you break your lease you cant be charged a break lease fee (only applies if this situation occurs because of COVID-19 related financial stress). If your lease expires you cant be kicked out: your lease will turn into an ongoing ("periodical") lease until you leave or sign another lease with a set time ("Fixed-term lease") 4. If youre struggling the mandatory conciliation process has been set up for covid. Its a free service where you and your landlord can sit down and have both your stories heard and the staff will help you come to an agreement. The mandatory means that if you choose to use it, your landlord has to come. It can be done on video call.to apply, head to covidconciliation.dmirs.wa.gov.au/ 5. if youre struggling If you lost your job because of COVID, or if what you usually earn goes down by 75% or more you might be eligible for a relief payment of up to $2,000 to help you pay your rent. This payment is given straight to your landlord. You can apply up until the end of the COVID emergency period, on march 30th 2021. To apply, head to rentrelief.dmirs.wa.gov.au

03.01.2022 Are you a young carer? If you care for someone there are grants available to support you with your education. Make sure to check them out soon as they close on September 8th! More info:: https://youngcarersnetwork.com.au/young-carer-bursary... Image Description: Purple graphic, featuring abstract purple shapes, a white square border, and a white YACWA logo. Graphic titled, Young Carer Bursary. Are you a young carer looking to further your studies? You could be eligible for a $3000 bursary to help continue your education. Applications close on the 8th of September at 3 pm.

02.01.2022 Nominations now open www.yacwa.org.au.

02.01.2022 We're LIVE with Youth Work WA now, talking about studying a Diploma or Certificate IV of Youth Work! Come in, hear from lecturers in youth work from North and South Metro TAFE and ask questions about the course!

01.01.2022 PART 2: Effects of COVID-19 on education? For the second instalment of YACWA and YDAN's Young People with Disability & COVID-19 series, we are exploring the experiences of young people with disability pursuing various forms of education throughout the pandemic. We will hear from young people about: ... The benefits of their studies moving online The top changes they would like to see kept in place in a post COVID-19 world **Please keep in mind that disability affects people in an extremely diverse range of ways. The experiences and views shared here are not universal to all young people with disability. For a plain text version of this resource click the following link: https://www.yacwa.org.au//Part-2.-Effects-of-COVID-19-on-e

01.01.2022 Are you a young person living with disability in WA? We would love to hear from you! Please consider taking the time to fill out our Maintaining Accessibility Gains Post COVID-19 Survey. ... By filling out this survey you are helping YACWA to provide information to relevant industries and members of state government about positive changes that you want to see kept in place after COVID-19. Well also put you in the draw to win a $50 Eftpos gift voucher! By participating you will also be helping us to select some fabulous young people to feature in our upcoming lived experience series, aiming to highlight your important voices and experiences. Please note that for the purpose of this survey disability includes mental illness, in addition to other cognitive, intellectual, sensory and physical impairments. You do not need a formal diagnosis to participate in this survey. If this survey would be more accessible to you or somebody you know in a different format, please do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected]. https://docs.google.com//1FAIpQLSe4QCdBILX8Cl9Gq/viewform

01.01.2022 Our 2020/21 State Budget Snapshot Series continues with a quick look at key investments in education and their impact on young people in WA. Whilst positive signs are there, this budget shows that the State Government has not yet demonstrated its full capacity to eliminate the educational gap and digital divide for vulnerable students in the WA Education System. Check out our full verdict below

01.01.2022 LAUNCHING: A Framework for Young Peoples Recovery from COVID-19 Young people in Western Australia have been hit the hardest by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Even in our current state of eased restrictions, young people are likely to feel the burn for years to come without intervention. With impacts on their employment, their mental health, their education, and their futures, young people need a plan from their State Government in order to recover better than before.... Thats why weve developed a Framework for Young Peoples Recovery from COVID-19 in Western Australia, launching today. This document unpacks exactly how COVID-19 has affected young people, and provides recommendations to the State Government on how we can recover better than before. Developed in partnership with young people impacted by the pandemic, we hope to create a new normal in Western Australia, free of inequality and hardship. Check out the Framework on the link below.

01.01.2022 Building on the intent outlined in the State Government's WA COVID-19 Recovery Plan, the Hon Minister for Youth Dave Kelly MP has today released the 'Beyond 2020 - WA Youth Action Plan' which delivers a snapshot of current and future Government action to assist young people with recovery from the pandemic. As part of this, a number of COVID-19 Youth Recovery Grants of up to $10,000 are now available for local governments and community organisations to support projects that e...ngage young people and work to achieve the priorities outlined in the Action Plan. YACWA believes this document is a positive first step in a collaborative vision for improving outcomes for young people in WA. However we believe that more work needs to be done to improve alignment across government agencies, increase the voice of young people in all elements of government policy, understand the real needs of young people in the community so that future investment is spent in the right place and at the right time, and most importantly we need more efforts to tackle the many long-term systemic barriers and failures that continue to harm our most vulnerable young people across our state. We will keep working with the State Government to improve and increase its strategic investment in young people and we will continue to ensure young people are provided a seat at the table. https://www.wa.gov.au//de/beyond-2020-wa-youth-action-plan