Council's newly-formed Child Friendly Cities and Communities (CFCC) Working Group, established in late 2024, has held its first meeting.
The six-person team comprises:
- Dr Linda Henderson (Senior Lecturer in Early Years Education, Faculty of Education, Monash University)
- Anita San Ba (Settlement and Community Support Officer and CALD Outreach Officer, Ararat Rural City Council)
- Nerissa Gee (Supported Playgroup Facilitator and Pre-Prep Project Coordinator, Ararat Rural City Council)
- Blake Cox-Davis (Early Years Educator)
- Karen Armstrong (Principal Physiotherapist at KMA Health and Physio)
- Jane Moriarty (Executive Officer at Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network).
The working group was formed as part of a commitment by the Victorian Charter for CFCC and Ararat Rural City Council to strengthen child participation in local communities. Its goal is to ensure that children's voices, needs, priorities, and rights are central to public policies, as well as child- and youth-focused events and programs.
During its inaugural meeting, the group reexamined the Charter's purpose as well as Terms of Reference, including Council's impetus for adopting the Charter and becoming a signatory.
Group members analysed the Victorian Local Governance Association's CFCC Resources and examples of other organisations' CFCC Action Plans and specific projects undertaken. They shared ideas on how best to advocate for children and best capture children's voices, and discussed other related needs within their communities.
The working group will hold its second meeting in May, at which they'll create a CFCC Action Plan.
The CFCC Working Group will work in an advisory capacity to the CEO on matters that ensure the Victorian CFCC Charter's principles are upheld and advanced. The results of these working group meetings will then form advice to Council on matters of the Charter, and its statement of principles.
"Children are not just the future of our community, but an integral part of it today," says Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong. "The establishment of the CFCC Charter Working Group illustrates Council's commitment to this belief, and to making certain that the voices of our youngest residents are valued. I thank the group's members, who bring together many areas of relevant expertise, for undertaking this important responsibility."
Image - Ararat Rural City Council's CFCC Charter Working Group, L - R: Dr Linda Henderson, Anita San Ba, Nerissa Gee, Blake Cox-Davis, Karen Armstrong. Online attendee: Jane Moriarty.
