DOMESTIC violence and bullying awareness will be the central focus for City of Ballarat youth ambassadors this year.
The group of young people are working on creating an infographic giving young people information about where they can seek help from domestic violence and creating safe spaces in schools for students to ask for help.
The youth ambassador program is designed to give young people a voice and allow them to implement changes they would like to see in Ballarat.
Anushka Kalra and Dhalya Mudugamuwa are two of the young people involved in the project.
“I joined to voice my opinions and create change within the community because it’s really hard to make change in your school,” said Anushka.
“It’s a really supportive environment.
“For example, leadership positions at school, there’s probably only a couple of them and the school sometimes doesn’t take peoples’ opinions into account.”
This year the group have chosen domestic violence as one of their topics of focus.
“We think it’s an important issue because it effects everyone and people face this in today’s society,” said Dhalya.
“Not many people know what to do about it and even if you want to do something about it there’s not much you can do because the resources aren’t available everywhere.”
The youth ambassador are working on a range of projects they are hoping to implement in the community.
“We went around putting up stickers and posters advocating against violence against women on International Women’s Day,” said Anushka.
“We are thinking about implementing a website with resources that more young people in Ballarat can access and know where to access.
“Also possibly little spaces within schools which can address topics like this and have maybe in person or online support that the students can be provided with.”
Dhalya said the youth ambassadors hope these small changes will make a big difference.
“Through this project we can address social issues and make them available to people who may not know anything about where to get this support,” she said.
“In Ballarat we want a place where everyone can feel safe and happy and in harmony with everyone else.
“We want to minimise the problems in our community and maximise the benefits, to young people especially.”