Youth Council

Why is this important

Queensland’s hot climate and high outdoor activity levels increase the risk of dehydration, particularly for young people and community members with accessibility needs. Limited access to free, inclusive drinking water in public spaces was identified as a barrier to staying hydrated and participating fully in community spaces.

Youth Council’s idea

Led by Youth Council Member Ava, the Youth Council advocated for the installation of an accessible drinking fountain at Lions Park Boyne Island, designed to provide free, easy access to drinking water for people of all abilities. The fountain includes accessible features to support community members living with a physical disability, promoting inclusion and wellbeing in shared public spaces. The accessible drinking fountain also includes a water bottle refill station, reducing the need for single-use plastics. 

Our approach

Youth Council members worked collaboratively with Council officers to identify suitable locations and with company Civiq for design considerations for an inclusive drinking fountain. Young people provided input on accessibility, usability, and the importance of free water access in public spaces. This youth-led advocacy ensured the project responded directly to community needs and aligned with broader health, inclusion, and sustainability objectives.

What we achieved

The accessible drinking fountain has improved access to free drinking water and enhanced the inclusivity of the surrounding public space. The project supports healthy hydration, reduces reliance on single-use plastics, and demonstrates the Youth Council’s role in driving practical, inclusive improvements that benefit the wider community. The Youth Council are proud to align with Council’s new Access and Inclusion Plan, and set the benchmark in inclusivity, with installation of two more fountains being included in upcoming Council Park accessibility upgrades in 2026. 

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Why is this important

Central Queensland’s high UV levels place young people at increased risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, with cost of sunscreen and inconsistent sun-safe behaviours identified as the key challenges.

Youth Council’s idea

The Youth Council developed the Sun Safety Campaign, and mascot “Sunny” to promote sun-smart behaviours. Through social media posts, not-so-fun facts, weather updates and reels, the digital campaign aimed to raise awareness on sun safe practices. 

Part two of the project involved the installation of a free sunscreen dispenser at Tannum Sands Beach, allowing the local community and visitors easy access to free sunscreen. This was generously funded through a grant from CQ Health.

Our approach

Youth Council members worked collaboratively with CQ Health and Council officers to determine barriers and key sun safe messaging. Youth Council member Naomi-Jon used her talent to design the digital mascot and campaign, guided by the voice of Youth Council. Youth Council had a large cardboard mascot of ‘Sunny” created to take to local events and promote the campaign within the community. The beach location of Tannum Sands was selected to install the free sunscreen dispenser. Young people played a key role in shaping messaging that resonates with their peers, ensuring the initiative was relevant, approachable, and easy to use.

What we achieved

The Sun Safety Campaign has increased awareness of sun-safe behaviours and improved access to sunscreen in youth-friendly spaces. The initiative demonstrates the value of youth-led solutions in addressing public health issues and highlights the Youth Council’s commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of young people in the region.

Learn more

Want to learn more about Gladstone Region Youth Council’s Sun Safety Campaign?

Email GRYC or follow them on Instagram. 

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The free community sunscreen dispenser is proudly an initiative of the Gladstone Region Youth Council with funding from CQ Health.

Did you know that Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians diagnosed in their lifetime.   

The dispenser uses Cancer Council Ultra Sunscreen SPF 50+, broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Sunscreen is only one component of sun protection. Reapply every two hours and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Use five methods of sun protection: protective clothing, eyewear/ sunglasses, a broad-brim hat and shade.  

About 

• SPF50+ broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection 
• Advanced formula for ultra performance 
• Fragrance free 
• Suitable for all skin types 
• Tested for 4 hours water resistance.

Ingredients 

Active ingredients: Homosalate 10% w/w, Octocrylene 8% w/w, Octyl Salicylate 5% w/w, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% w/w 

Preservatives: Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxybenzoates. 

Caution

Not suitable for babies under 6 months old. Avoid contact with eyes and broken or damaged skin. If irritation occurs, rinse thoroughly with water, discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice if required. 

Statement from Cancer Council

Australians have put their trust in Cancer Council, so we understand that the CHOICE results will have caused concern. Cancer Council are taking this matter extremely seriously and are taking care to make sure that their sunscreens are reliable and high-quality. Cancer Council's current SPF test results show compliance with the labelled SPF on the products CHOICE tested. Please know that they are also undertaking additional testing through an independent international lab and will take any necessary action based on the results, so that Australians can continue to feel confident in Cancer Council. 

Please reach out to Cancer Council Australia's media alias at media@cancer.org.au if you have any further questions or queries regarding their sunscreen.

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Why is this important

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has caused widespread disruption to communities, particularly impacting children and young people. Young people in the region face displacement, trauma, and loss of access to familiar cultural experiences, including language, music, and stories that support connection and wellbeing. Gladstone Regional Council signed a friendship agreement with Melitopol in the Ukraine and wanted to make a meaningful contribution to the friendship, with a focus on youth. 

Youth Council’s idea

The Youth Council developed the Melitopol Friendship Project to foster connection, solidarity, and cultural exchange with young people in Melitopol, Ukraine. The project included the creation of a curated Spotify playlist featuring the Youth Council’s favourite songs, alongside the translation of their favourite children’s storybooks into Ukrainian. 

Our approach

Youth Council members each selected their favourite song to add to the Spotify playlist and children’s stories that reflected themes of hope, kindness, and friendship. They worked with a local resident who was born in the Ukraine to have the books translated into Ukrainian language. The project was guided by empathy, youth voice, and a commitment to meaningful international friendship.

What we achieved

The Melitopol Friendship Project aims to strengthen connections between young people across cultures and extend solidarity in difficult times. The initiative highlights the Youth Council’s compassion and global outlook, demonstrating how youth-led projects can promote understanding, connection, and support beyond local boundaries. In time, the Youth Council hope that youth in Melitopol can share their favourite songs and books with them too. 

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Why is this important

Young people across the region are increasingly experiencing social isolation, mental health challenges, and uncertainty about where to go for support. Many young people can feel intimidated or uncomfortable accessing formal services, creating barriers to seeking help early. Connected Youth Cafés help address this by creating safe, welcoming spaces where young people can build connections, feel a sense of belonging and engage with support services in a relaxed and approachable environment.

Youth Council’s idea

Youth Council was inspired by the Junior Youth Council who developed the event concept, identifying the need for more informal, youth-friendly spaces where young people could connect with each other and local services without pressure or stigma. The idea behind Connected Youth Cafés was to create community-based events that feel welcoming and inclusive, while encouraging conversations around wellbeing, support and connection in a way that is youth-led and accessible. Youth Council are proud to partner with Junior Youth Council to assist them in delivering these events, successfully applying for funding in Queensland Youth Week to deliver two across the region. Youth Council will continue to support the Junior Youth Council to deliver these event throughout the year, with a special focus on Mental Health Awareness Month in October. 

Our approach

Youth Council and Junior Youth Council worked collaboratively with local organisations, support services and community partners to deliver Connected Youth Cafés across the region. The cafés were designed to be relaxed and engaging, incorporating activities, food, entertainment, and opportunities for young people to connect with peers and service providers in an informal setting. The initiative focused on creating positive experiences that encourage early engagement with support services and help normalise conversations around wellbeing and seeking help.

What we achieved 

Connected Youth Cafés have become a positive youth-led initiative that supports young people while helping break down the stigma around asking for help. The cafés created opportunities for young people to feel seen, heard, and supported, while fostering stronger connections within the community. Through these events, young people were able to engage with local support services in a comfortable environment, helping build confidence, strengthen community connections, and remind young people that they are not alone. Due to the success of the initial Connected Youth Cafes, this initiative will continue to pop up across the region throughout the year. 

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