Youth Inclusion Framework

Our Vision: Developed by the young people of Parramatta

Our vision is for Parramatta to be a place where young people are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive

A community that nurtures youth through genuine opportunities, meaningful connections, and accessible spaces; where they can rest, grow, and contribute without barriers.

A city that evolves with its young people, embracing their diverse voices and ensuring they have the resources, guidance, and agency to shape their future and the future of Parramatta.


Following the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 10 June 2025, Council adopted the Youth Inclusion Framework which is designed to create a city where young people are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

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What is the Youth Inclusion Framework?

The Youth Inclusion Framework provides the evidence-base, methods and tools to support and enhance youth inclusion outcomes in services, programs and projects that impact or engage with young people in Parramatta.

Why do we need a Youth Inclusion Framework?

We spoke to over 700 young people and community members, who asked for action from Council in responding to the needs and aspirations of young people in our city and across the neighbourhoods. The Youth Inclusion Framework is our response to that call to action.

Council values the contributions to our community made by the almost 37,000 young people aged 12-24 years old, who live in Parramatta, as well as those who visit for work, study or play. This value is reflected in over 80 youth services and programs already offered by Council. These services include arts, technology, recreation, education, events, employment, community grants and community capacity building.

There are many opportunities and services for young people already offered by Council and others. We heard that those services need greater support, coordination and promotion. We sought to understand how we can support anyone making decisions or providing services to improve their youth inclusion outcomes. The Youth Inclusion Framework would become the cornerstone of that response.

 

Our Focus Areas

 

Council's Role

 

 

Our Hierarchy of Models

  1. Foundational models are critical to this frameworks implementation and achieving youth inclusion outcomes. Without them, achieving and accurately measuring youth inclusion outcomes cannot be certain.
     
  2. Supporting models are more specific models, that can be applied on a contextual basis and help ensure the effectiveness of a program or project.
     
  3. Enhancement models support aspirational and enhanced outcomes. Effectively implementing these models, alongside the foundational models and any appropriate support models, will improve outcomes.
     
  4. Support resources to support this framework implementation, Council will develop and make available support resources that directly align with our research and the models.

Youth Inclusion Framework adopted by Council

Following the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 10 June 2025, Council adopted the Youth Inclusion Framework which is designed to create a city where young people are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.