Multicultural Youth Forum at Armidale 2024

The Multicultural Policy & Engagement team at the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) held for the first time a Multicultural Youth Forum in Armidale on the 6^th of June. Approximately 80 students from the Intensive English Centre (IEC) and students from various cultural backgrounds, including Yazidis from Iraq, Syria, and Africa who arrived as humanitarian entrants, participated in the forum.

The event was supported by the Armidale Secondary College, Mosaic Multicultural Connections, and sponsored by the Child and Family Directorate at the Strategy, Policy & Commissioning (SPC) at DCJ.

The forum addressed critical topics such as cyber/digital safety, mental health and suicide, sexual behaviour and boundaries, engaging young students through panel discussions to express the challenges and gaps they are facing as multicultural youth.

Students highlighted their enjoyment of the day and found the topics both interesting and significant. They particularly appreciated learning about social media and photography, with respect emerging as a central theme throughout the activities. Social media was highlighted as a key tool for connecting with friends and family, though it was noted during the discussions that boys feel safer than girls when using these platforms.

The participants emphasised the work that organisations such as DCJ, the Armidale Youth Group, Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) and Mosaic Multicultural Connections in supporting them, as well as mental health agencies.

An education leader from the Rural North Operational Directorate mentioned: “The Youth Forum was an amazing opportunity to bring different cultures together to learn about issues that impact young, multicultural youth in Australia. Connecting was an important and very evident theme of the day. Participants had a lot of 'takeaways' and were empowered to seek out support when needed".

The Deputy Principal Inclusion and Support at the Armidale Secondary College added: "This day began with an amazing buzz and sense of belonging. So many keen young faces ready to learn about Australian systems, laws and customs, and develop the agency to navigate these. As the leader of inclusion and support, this day was incredibly important".

The forum concluded with an interactive drum’s session focused on group bonding, leadership, mindfulness, resilience, and celebration. Students left the event with a better understanding of how and where to seek help, feeling more connected to their peers and empowered to face their challenges.