Local Programs Support Children, Young People and Families
Ararat Rural City Council is celebrating another financial year of positive outcomes across three key early years and youth initiatives, with the YEAH Crew, Child Friendly Cities & Communities, and Supported Playgroup programs all strengthening opportunities for children, young people, and families in the Ararat community.
Each three programs feed into a pipeline of mentoring, education and opportunities for young residents.
Supported Playgroup has continued to offer two weekly group sessions during school terms, alongside Home Coaching sessions incorporating the smalltalk, Peep Learning Together, and Peep TALK programs, helping build children’s communication, confidence, relationships, and early learning through everyday play.
Families have enjoyed end-of-term excursions to the Ararat Library, Ararat TAMA Gallery, Woolworths, and the Post Office, while partnerships with local services have enhanced program delivery through visits from dental educators and fortnightly Baby Rhyme Time sessions with Ararat Regional Library.
Child Friendly Cities & Communities (CFCC) has entered its second term following Council becoming one of Victoria’s first rural signatories to the CFCC Charter, underscoring Council’s commitment to positive and equitable outcomes for children and young people. The CFCC Working Group, comprising nine representatives from a broad range of professional services, continues to meet quarterly to guide implementation of the Charter, promote evidence-informed practice, and support Council to embed child and youth-focused thinking across local decision-making.
Council’s youth leadership group, YEAH Crew, has continued to thrive in its second year, growing to 13 members with strong returning participation and an expanding program of activities. Over the past year, members have completed Event Management Training, strengthened cultural understanding through First Nations learning opportunities, developed the group’s identity through logo design, and partnered on the successful Jersey Design and Mini Hoops competitions at the One Red Tree Red BasketBALL event, while also supporting the Sensory Friendly Zone at Council’s Skate Into Summer event.
Looking ahead, YEAH Crew is leading the planning of its first major youth-led community event, scheduled for 17 October 2026, which will showcase career pathways, arts, live music, and community connections.
Mayor Cr Bob Sanders said the outcomes across the three programs reflected a genuine partnership between Council, local services, and Ararat families. “Council is proud to stand alongside our partners in this work, and we’ll keep looking for practical ways to build on these programs so that every child and every young person in Ararat has the chance to be heard, to participate, and to reach their potential,” he said.
Image: CFCC Working Group 2026- From Anita to R: Carly McKinnis, me, Onscreen Jessica Duncan (top R) Onscreen Dr Linda Henderson, Kate Warner, Chrystal Potter and Kerri Turner (Josh Barrie and Silvia Di Domenicantonio absent)
