Challenge
Wodonga City Council required a contemporary Youth Strategy grounded in evidence, youth voice and a realistic understanding of Council’s role within a complex youth service ecosystem. Rising demand, transport barriers, increasing mental health pressures and the need for stronger youth participation required a clear, place-based strategic response.
Council sought a strategy that would move beyond consultation and deliver a practical, actionable plan aligned with its roles as planner, enabler, partner, funder and advocate.
Action
KF Consulting led the development of the Youth Strategy through a rigorous evidence-building process. This included:
- Face-to-face youth consultations across multiple settings
- Online surveys capturing broader youth voice
- Service provider workshops and one-to-one consultations
Cross-Council staff engagement
- Demographic and socio-economic analysis
- Review of state and federal youth policy frameworks
The resulting Discussion Paper established a clear evidence base, articulated youth wellbeing domains and clarified Council’s strategic role within the broader ecosystem .
Outcome
Council received a structured, evidence-informed and youth-centred strategy framework that provides a clear and actionable plan for the future. The Strategy positions Council to strengthen inclusion, participation, connection and wellbeing, while aligning resources and influence for maximum impact.
The work has strengthened Council’s confidence in its leadership role and created a shared understanding across stakeholders about priorities and practical next steps.
