The Strategy for Children, Young People and their Families 2030 (the Strategy) outlines the framework and objectives that helps guide Council's work with children, young people (from birth through to 25 years of age) and their families.

As well as a commitment to review the Strategy every three years, Council recognises the changing environment since it was endorsed in 2020, particularly in relation to the pandemic. We are keen to hear from our community to ensure the Strategy's objectives and over 50 actions remain relevant to our community.

About the Strategy

The Strategy was developed based on the needs of children, young people, and families who live, study, work and use services in Maribyrnong City.

It provides Council with strategic direction that supports decision-making around program development and delivery, planning, partnerships, and advocacy. It is underpinned by action plans that are updated and reported on annually - you can take a look at the Annual Action Plan Highlights from the last three years in the document library.

How was the Strategy developed?

The Strategy, endorsed by Council in 2020, is based upon an evidence-based framework developed by the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) – the Nest Agenda. The Nest Agenda identifies six inter-related components of a child’s life that need to be ‘going well’ in order for their opportunities to be maximised.

The Strategy was informed by community engagement, with over 1,100 contributions to the development of the Strategy, along with local and national research.

This included speaking with 244 children through early years learning and care services and playgroups; workshops with 161 ‘middle years’ children in Grades 5 and 6; and a survey for both young people, parents and carers.

You can provide your feedback by completing the questionnaire. Feedback closes midnight Sunday 7 April 2024.

Want to learn more?

Learn more about the existing Strategy in one of three ways:

Strategic Objectives

The Strategy is based upon an evidence-based framework developed by the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) – the Nest Agenda. The Nest Agenda identifies six inter-related components of a child’s life that need to be ‘going well’ in order for their opportunities and positive trajectories to be maximised. Our strategic objectives and goals, which are consistent with the NEST agenda, are:
  • 1 Being loved and safe

    To support children and young people to be loved and safe.

    View this objective and associated goals 
  • 2 Having material basics

    To support children, young people and their families to have the material basics they need.

    View this objective and associated goals 
  • 3 Being healthy

    To support children, young people and their families to be healthy.

    View this objective and associated goals 
  • 4 Learning

    To support children and young people’s learning.

    View this objective and associated goals 
  • 5 Participating

    To support the participation of children, young people and their families.

    View this objective and associated goals 

Recent Highlights

Annual Action Plan Highlights 2022/23

Each year, Council reports on the outcomes of the annual action plan that contributes to the Strategy. Take a look at our recent achievements below.

Links