16th August 2024
Welcome to the latest edition of ARACY Insider!
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates from the ARACY community. Join us in our mission to ensure every Australian child and young person thrives!
In this edition:
ARACY Responds to Victoria's Backtrack on Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility
The Victorian Government’s recent decision to raise the age of criminal responsibility to just 12, instead of 14 as initially promised, is a significant setback for youth justice reform. Premier Jacinta Allan has justified this decision as one made by a "different government with a different premier." However, this shift does little to address the root causes of youth offending or to protect the most vulnerable children in our community.
At ARACY, we believe in a fair and just society where every child is given the chance to thrive. This decision falls short of that vision. We stand with Change the Record and other advocates in urging the Victorian Government to reconsider this crucial issue. Our children deserve policies that reflect their best interests, not punitive measures that perpetuate cycles of disadvantage.
Thrive by Five Queensland community forum - Townsville and Cairns
Providing kids and families with the support they need in their early years is crucial, but at the moment too many kids and families in Townsville and Cairns are missing out.
Will you join Thrive by Five QLD Alliance and share your experiences of early education, health services and assessments with local MPs and candidates for the upcoming election?
This is your opportunity to hear directly from – and ask questions of – local MPs and candidates about how they will improve support for Queensland kids in their early years.
Cairns:
WHAT: Thrive by Five QLD Alliance Cairns early years community forum
WHEN: Wednesday 27 August, 2024
TIME: 6pm – 7pm
WHERE: The Ideas Lab, James Cook University Nguma-bada Campus Building D4, 14-88 McGregor Road, Smithfield QLD 4878
Townsville:
WHAT: Thrive by Five QLD Alliance Townsville early years community forum
WHEN: Wednesday 28 August, 2024
TIME: 6pm – 7pm
WHERE: Mercure Townsville - Burdekin Room166-194 Woolcock Street Service Rd, Currajong QLD 481
Unprecedented Global Crisis: Experts Warn of Surging Youth Mental Ill-Health Driven by Inequality and Social Media
A global surge in youth mental ill-health is being driven by intergenerational inequality, unregulated social media, wage theft, insecure employment, and the climate crisis, warns a consortium of health experts led by Professor Patrick McGorry from Australia’s Orygen Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health.
The Lancet Psychiatry Commission's report highlights the urgent need to address these root causes and improve mental health services, as mental ill-health accounts for 45% of the disease burden in youth but receives only 2% of global health funding.
The report underscores the fact that today’s generation faces unprecedented challenges, exacerbated by neoliberal policies, that are eroding social bonds and leaving young people feeling isolated and hopeless.
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Read the The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on youth mental health by clicking the button below.
Launch of the 2023 Flood Response and Recovery in Fitzroy Crossing Needs Assessment Report
ARACY was pleased to join UNICEF Australia at Parliament House in Canberra for the launch of the 2023 Flood Response and Recovery in Fitzroy Crossing Needs Assessment report.
This report, developed in collaboration with the Marninwarntikura Women's Resource Centre and Royal Far West, highlights the significant impact of the floods on children and families in Fitzroy Crossing, WA, and outlines strategies to enhance disaster resilience.
The findings align closely with the Thriving Kids in Disasters (TKiD) report from Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership, which is an ARACY initiative.
Kirrin Sampson, from ARACY’s Capacity Building team, joined a number of sector leaders, key decision-makers and community representatives, including Catherine Liddle SNAICC - National Voice for our Children CEO, and enjoyed hearing from the Honorable Malarndirri McCarthy, newly appointed Minister for Indigenous Australians, as well as the panel lead by UNICEF’s Nicole Breeze, alongside Emily Carter AM MWRC CEO, Jacqueline Emery RFW CEO, Sue Thomas from MWRC, and Nishadh Rego UNICEF’s Head of Climate.
Open Call for Papers: 'Learning and Employment Pathways'
Future Healthy Countdown 2030 Supplement to the Medical Journal of Australia
The Future Healthy Countdown 2030 (a collaboration led by ARACY, VicHealth, and MCRI) is seeking expressions of interest for research papers for its upcoming Supplement to the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA).
We are interested in cutting-edge research that demonstrates how learning and employment pathways can shape policy and practice to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people (aged 0-24 years) in Australia. Accepted EOIs will be invited to submit a full paper as part of our 2025 Supplement to the MJA.
Submission deadline: 11:59pm AEST, Sunday 22 September 2024
The Good Newsletter
The Good Newsletter is your weekly wrap of the week's good news from the team at The Daily Aus.
The Good Newsletter is your weekly wrap of the week's good news. You can expect to read about anything from the latest scientific discovery to everyday people doing good things. It's your weekly reminder to always look on the bright side!
Help grow our Young and Wise network.
Do you know someone aged 25 or younger who’s passionate about making a difference? Here's their chance to be heard and help shape the future for young people!
Here’s what they can look forward to: