Long-term support for Lismore’s local youth opens door to unique professional development opportunity

Working tirelessly on the ground as a mentor at the Takeover Youth Leadership Summit last week, was Lismore City Council’s Senior Stakeholder and Communications Officer, Rebecca Sproule.

With a background in radio and a passion for youth advocacy, Rebecca’s opportunity to take up a temporary role with the ABC was an easy decision for Lismore City Council to approve.

Rebecca has demonstrated a long-term passion and commitment to supporting Lismore’s local youth, identifying and advocating for youth engagement initiatives as part of her role in the Engagement and Customer Experience team at the council.

“I feel passionate about having young people’s voices considered in our plans, projects and decision making. They represent the future of Lismore, so it is important they have a say on what we’re doing now,” Rebecca said.

“It’s really special that Lismore was chosen to host this event. The ABC Takeover is such a powerful platform for young people in Lismore to be heard, not just locally but on a national stage.”

Rebecca consulted with the ABC over a period of six months and during the final stages of the program's development, was invited to participate on secondment at the Youth Leadership Summit for one week. The professional and personal development benefits were clear and supported by a management team focused on investing in capacity and capability development through participation in projects and immersive experiences.

As one of seven mentors, including local Lismore identities Mitch King, Feeney Williamson and Madison King, Rebecca worked with her own group of five young people, to help develop their ideas on the topic of ‘Things for young people to do in Lismore’.

Bringing her trademark energy and enthusiasm to the role, Rebecca also contributed important insights from a local Council perspective. She was able to identify opportunities and barriers that may be faced in evolving the young people’s ideas, while considering how they may align to initiatives already under way.

During the summit, students presented their ideas to a panel including Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg, ABC Journalist and Presenter Miriam Corowa and Deb Samuels from the Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal (FRRR). The challenges addressed in the presentations ranged from employment and training in regional areas to pollution and waste, with insightful and creative solutions proposed.

Rebecca’s group presented on ‘High Schoolers Haven’, an ongoing after school activity, focused on youth social connection and skills development. This idea centres around a pop-up event framework that can be delivered in locations across the LGA, such as sports centres and rural halls.

“I was so proud of my group, that I cried when they finished their presentation. They spoke of their ideas so clearly, which was very influential and motivating. Seeing them present was the culmination of efforts over the last 18 months, to show their ideas and voices matter.” Rebecca said.

“I loved everything about this experience. To hear straight from them, about what they want for Lismore, and do a deep dive into how Council can help to support those ideas. It was just incredible.”

“I think ABC Takeover is a great launch pad to help accelerate initiatives at Council – and to help craft something we can work on collaboratively. If we can continue to support these young people, help them thrive and reach their potential, the future for Lismore looks bright,” she said.

Lismore City Council is one of six organisations that have secured funding through FRRR to advance these ideas of young people. The ABC is partnering with the Office for Regional Youth, Lismore City Council and the Richmond District Police Youth Team to hold an event on 19 June. At this event, key stakeholders will reinforce their commitment to continue listening, acting and building relationships with young people to maintain the momentum created through this program.

RTRL Executive Officer & Head of Customer Experience for Lismore City Council, Sarah Sullivan said investing in opportunities to develop and grow individuals was key to building highly engaged, high performing and high functioning teams.

“Saying yes to this opportunity for Rebecca aligned with both Council’s commitment to supporting local youth, as well as our genuine focus on professional development for our teams,” she said.

“Investing in our people inevitably means they invest in us and in our community. It is fantastic to see Rebecca return feeling energised and inspired to share what she has learned and to take her work as a leader in engagement with Lismore City Council to a new level.”

Meet our local 2024 winners

ABC producers have worked with around 1000 young people from Lismore and the Northern Rivers region since last year. Thirty-four students were selected to have their stories and ideas featured on the ABC during the Summit and beyond. These young people have shared powerful stories including moving to Australia, finding their calling in life through sport, coming into their identity, helping others do the same and even fashion design.

ABC producers have worked with around 1000 young people from Lismore and the Northern Rivers region since last year. Thirty-four students were selected to have their stories and ideas featured on the ABC during the Summit and beyond. These young people have shared powerful stories, including moving to Australia, finding their calling in life through sport, coming into their identity, helping others do the same and even fashion design.

You can check out all these incredible young people’s stories here: www.abc.net.au/takeover/programs/takeover-lismore