In 1998 four Local Government Youth Workers; David Curly from Wollongong, Karyn Apperley from Shoalhaven, Pat O’Shea from Kiama and myself Nick Higgins form Shellharbour started meeting every quarter to look improving youth services at a regional level.

After consultation with our local Youth Networks the need for some form of training, information and networking opportunities was established.  So in March of 1999 at The Jamberoo Valley Lodge the first conference for youth services was conducted over 2 days.  We had approximately 40 people attend each day and there were workshops from DOCS, Centrelink, AOD and a few others I can’t recall.  Only 18 people stayed overnight and most of the services came from the four L.G.A.s, with a budget of $7,000.  At that time through Karen Apperley’s hard work we were fortunate to get a $3,000 grant from YAPA to conduct the first conference.  We kept cost to a minimum and in the first year there was no funds spent on guest speakers or workshop facilitators all were presented by government agencies or local services free of charge.  The concept of local services and workers presenting training and information has remained to this day and still is one of the redeeming qualities of the conference. 

What followed over the next 8 years has been a great example of community development, empowerment of the youth services and consultative approach to establishing and providing training needs.  Two more conferences were conducted at Jamberoo Valley Lodge in 2000 & 2001.  The next three conferences were conducted at Coolangatta Estate in the Shoalhaven 2002, 2003 & 2004, with last years 2005 conference being conducted at Craigieburn in Bowral and this year we find ourselves back locally in the Kiama L.G.A. at Gerringong.  The topics have covered a wide spectrum of culture, health, education, recreation, social programs and activities for youth services and young people.

It is hard to estimate what has been achieved over the past eight years but in that time 14 key note speakers, 108 workshops, over 500 different individuals and services attended, an average daily attendance of 80 people per day and many ten thousands of dollars worth of training and information for the youth sector.

Many different youth services, workers and organisations have been involved in the planning and coordination of the conferences.  The planning committee has always been open to anyone in youth services who is willing to get involved and do the hard work.  The culture that has been developed over the years is one of providing quality affordable training opportunities that meet the needs of the youth sector in a professional environment of friendship and acceptance. 

Nick Higgins

Manager Youth Services & Development

Shellharbour City Council