Listening to children in Cardinia Shire

Key points

  • This page has information on some of our initiatives in which we involve children in Council activities and decision making. 
  • Cardinia Shire is a Child Friendly City. The Child Friendly City initiative was started by UNICEF to recognise the community’s youngest citizens.  
  • Council endorsed the Victorian Child Friendly Cities and Communities Charter, and in doing so committed to listening to children’s voices in Cardinia Shire, ensuring that children are given opportunities to be their best, and that they are valued, respected, celebrated and heard.
  • Almost 30 per cent of Cardinia Shire’s population is children aged under 17 years, so it is vital that we include children in our decision making process. This gives children the respect they deserve and helps them feel connected and valued within their community.
  • What we do in this area is shaped by our Child, Youth and Family Strategy. 
  • Read our Cardinia Children's Charter

A child-friendly city (CFC) is a city, town, community or any system of local governance committed to improving the lives of children within their jurisdiction by realizing their rights as articulated in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Our Children's Ambassadors Program

  • We are excited to be the first Victorian council to appoint Children’s Ambassadors. This is an important part of our commitment to listening to children’s voices in Cardinia Shire, and making sure their concerns and ideas are taken seriously. 
  • The ambassadors will be advocates for listening to, involving, and safeguarding the rights of children in the work carried out by each department across Council.
  • In October 2019, a number of Council staff and Councillors were presented with badges by local primary school students to formally declare them as Children’s Ambassadors for Council. Selected by the local primary school students through an application process, the ambassadors will champion the voice of children in the community, provide leadership by influencing the outcomes for children, and be a positive role model through their work.

CEO for the Day

  • As part of this program, one Grade 6 student has the opportunity to shadow Council’s CEO Carol Jeffs for a day on Friday 22 October 2021. 
  • Students are able to apply in writing or by making a video and answering these questions:
    • What does being the CEO of Cardinia Shire Council mean to you?
    • Why do you want to be the CEO for a day?
    • Why should you be chosen?

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Student Leader's Conference

  • Student Leaders Conference is a day where 100 grade 6 students from primary schools in Cardinia Shire Council come together to meet other leaders, learn some new skills, share their ideas and opinions and complete activities.
  • The day is planned by the participating students.
  • The conference provides an opportunity to hear from children and celebrate them as equal members of our community who are entitled to a voice, offer feedback and contribute to the work of council.

Principles of a Child Friendly City:

  • Opportunities to get involved in making decisions that affect them, their communities and their wellbeing.
  • Access to environments that consider their needs and the freedom to explore them.
  • To be supported and have access to environments and services regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or ability.

Our services for children and youth
Read our Cardinia Children's Charter
Read the Victorian Child Friendly Cities and Communities Charter

Related pages