By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
IT’S an empowering thing to be heard.
Greater Dandenong Council’s youth think tank – an energised group of about 15 young people – has made its voice heard to the council over the past two years.
It’s like a more grown-up parliament but is not shackled by petty politics while it discusses the things that matter.
Last week – during Refugee Week – it extended the megaphone to others aged 16-25, including refugees, at an open forum.
Before the discussions, think tank member Khalid said he looked forward to hearing from refugees on their settlement challenges such as employment, wellbeing and access to services.
They are, after all, the “experts in their circumstances”, he said.
“If you’ve been here for a few years in Australia, it can be a bit tough. But when you’re in a community that’s welcoming and in harmony, you forget the tough situations.
“You know there’s support around the corner.
“Over time the settlement issues will pass.”
The forum’s key findings are to be distributed to the region’s service providers.
Co-member Myky said there was still a lack of understanding about refugees, especially outside of multicultural Greater Dandenong.
The think tank has taken a visible stand on social issues, last year producing a Not In My Name video to support the Muslim community against bigotry.
The video, which featured a host of young people affirming the sentiment, scored thousands of hits
“The video was pretty much to unite the community. There’s been a lot in the media about what’s going on in the Muslim community,” Khalid said.
“It was an empowering tool.”
Myky adds: “It was great to know people cared.
“We’re growing up in a generation of youth who want to make a difference.”
