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Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recognition Statement Council acknowledges the Gadigal and Wangal clans of the Eora Nation, who are the traditional custodians of the lands in which the Inner West is situated. We celebrate the survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, heritage, beliefs and their relationship with the land and water. We acknowledge the continuing importance of this relationship to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living today, despite the devastating impacts of European invasion. We pay our respects to their Elders – past and present. We express our sorrow for past injustices and support the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to self-determination. Council understands our responsibilities and role in working with the Aboriginal community to promote cultural heritage and history, address areas of disadvantage, and protect and preserve the environment as well as sites of significance to Aboriginal peoples. In doing so, we acknowledge that Aboriginal cultures continue to strengthen and enrich our community.

Fish Traps by Edwards Clarke, Bay Run

Today, diverse groups of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples live and work across Inner West. We admire the resilience displayed in their significant achievements and in making immense contributions to both Council and the broader community. Council is committed to embedding the values and perspectives of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure we learn from the

mistakes of our past and forge a positive future of long-lasting value built on mutual respect, equality and opportunity. We acknowledge their evolving, living cultures and dynamic relationships with Country. We recognise that Country has been cared for by First Nations peoples for millennia. We also pay our respects to the cultural knowledgeholders who have guided us in the development of this project.

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Contents Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recognition Statement _____________________________ 2 Mayor’s Message __________________________________________________________ 4 Young Leaders’ message _____________________________________________________ 5 The strategy at a glance _____________________________________________________ 6 Priority projects ___________________________________________________________ 7 Introduction ______________________________________________________________ 8 Children and young people in the Inner West________________________________________ 9 What is Council’s role? _______________________________________________________ 13 How we developed this strategy ________________________________________________ 16 Our vision, goals and strategic priorities 2026-30 ____________________________________ 25 Creativity, Culture and Community Wellbeing ______________________________________ 29 Communicating with young people _____________________________________________ 36 Early learning ____________________________________________________________ 38 Environment and sustainability ________________________________________________ 42 Library service ___________________________________________________________ 49 Parks, playgrounds, pools, sport and recreation _____________________________________ 57 Community safety ________________________________________________________ 64 Planning for our growing population ____________________________________________ 66 Jobs and skills ___________________________________________________________ 68 Monitoring and resourcing ___________________________________________________ 70 Indicators of success ______________________________________________________ 70 Action plan _____________________________________________________________ 75 Version control ___________________________________________________________ 86

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Mayor’s Message Every child in our community deserves to feel safe, connected and included, to be treated fairly, and to have a real say in their future. That’s why we’ve developed the Inner West Children and Young People Strategy, a plan that will guide Council’s work to ensure our services, programs and facilities meet the needs of young people. Our goals are practical. We are creating welcoming spaces, offering affordable opportunities for sport, recreation and play, and supporting young people to care for and connect with their local community. We also want young people to share their ideas with us, understand how local government works, and help shape decisions that affect their lives. By removing barriers to participation and building stronger connections across generations, we can help create safe pathways for young people to learn, find employment, and become the next generation of leaders. Together, we can ensure every child and young person in the Inner West has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Young Leaders’ message The Inner West Council Young Leaders Local Democracy Group is a diverse group of young people from across the Inner West who are passionate about creating positive change in our community. Our role is to empower Inner West Council’s youth to become well-informed, active participants of the community, and provide input to Council’s planning and decisionmaking. For the past two years, the Group has worked on the development of the Children and Young People’s Strategy. We acknowledge that young people are the future and will be the demographic most impacted by decisions made today and over the coming years. We also understand that the interest and participation of young people in their communities is often underestimated by decision-makers. However, we are proof that young people have valuable ideas, lived experiences and

Inner West Council Young Leaders Local Democracy Group

perspectives and are willing to enact change in their communities. Participants at the Inner West Council Youth Voice Summit earlier this year also shared this sentiment: "Young people want to be heard, involved and taken seriously, and they are ready to act." This Strategy is an important step towards creating a community where young people feel heard, valued, safe and empowered. By being informed by the voices, experiences and priorities of children, young people and the wider community, it reflects what matters most to the people it is designed to support and helps ensure important issues are not overlooked. Ultimately, we hope this Strategy supports the wellbeing, growth and development of young people in the Inner West and enriches their lives. We are proud to have contributed to this Strategy and hope it gives every young person the opportunity to participate, belong and help shape the community they call home.

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

The strategy at a glance Vision

• Right to life, survival and development

Every child and young person in the Inner West is supported to feel safe, connected and included, have their voice heard, and access the opportunities they need to thrive, grow and move confidently towards an independent and hopeful future.

• Right to express views and have them considered

Principles United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

Social justice • Access – remove barriers • Equity – recognise different needs • Participation – provide meaningful opportunities to have a voice

• Right to non-discrimination

• Rights – protect wellbeing, best interests and dignity

• Best interests of the child

• Goals and aims

Goal 1

Kindness, Connection and Wellbeing

Goal 2

Voice, Agency and Participation

Aim 1

Children and young people have access to welcoming places, programs and activities that support connection, belonging and wellbeing

Aim 1

Children and young people are supported to express their views and participate meaningfully in Council decision-making

Aim 2

Children and young people can participate in safe, inclusive and affordable recreation, play and physical activity opportunities

Children and young people have greater awareness of how Council works, what services are available and how they can get involved

Aim 3

Children and young people are empowered to lead, create and contribute through civic, cultural and environmental participation.

Aim 3

Children and young people develop a connection to the environment and contribute to a sustainable Inner West

Goal 3

Safety, Respect and Inclusion

Goal 4

Hope and Opportunity

Aim 1

Children and young people experience physical, cultural and psychological safety

Aim 1

Aim 2

Children and young people experience belonging, inclusion and equitable access to opportunities

Children and young people develop the knowledge, skills and experiences needed for learning, employment and lifelong success

Aim 2

Aim 3

Children and young people have access to inclusive places, relationships and services that strengthen connection across generations and communities

Children and young people have pathways to employment, careers and leadership

Aim 3

Children and young people can access resources, spaces and opportunities that support creativity, innovation, learning and independence

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Priority projects • Implement Our Fairer Future Plan for increased housing and associated community infrastructure that meets the needs of children, young people and their families • Strengthen the crucial role of libraries as third places through investigating a trial of extended opening hours at selected libraries, investigating new community space at Stanmore Library and expanding programming for 18-24 year olds through collaborations

• Create a Leichhardt Sports Precinct through major upgrades to Leichhardt Oval and Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre • Upgrade the Robyn Webster Sports Centre at Tempe to create more indoor recreation opportunities and community space

• Strengthen the role of the Inner West Sustainability Hub for young people with targeted programming • Deliver programs for young people to support pathways to independence and employment • Increase opportunities to centre the voices of children and young people in decisions that impact them, including by hosting an annual Youth Voice Summit, and strengthening relationships with local schools • Implement place-based youth services through partnerships focusing on Marrickville south, Balmain and Summer Hill • Deliver Safer School Journeys program to improve pedestrian and traffic safety around each school • Construct inclusive playgrounds in Camperdown and Steel Parks so children of all abilities can play, and develop a playground strategy • Improve the information on Council’s website about services and programs for children and young people, including for specific needs

Dulwich Hill Festival 2025

•

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Introduction This Strategy outlines Inner West Council’s commitment to supporting children and young people over the next four years. It is for people aged 0–24 years across the following life stages:

While the Strategy focuses on children and young people, it is also relevant for parents and carers, those who work with young people, and local organisations that support them.

• 0–6 years: Early childhood - a critical stage where strong foundations are built through secure relationships, early learning and nurturing environments.

It outlines how Council will strengthen services, programs and places to ensure young people feel safe, connected and supported, with opportunities to participate and thrive.

• 5–11 years: Primary school - a time of growing independence and social connection, where children develop skills, confidence and a sense of belonging through school, play and community.

Informed by the diverse voices and experiences of children and young people, it builds on existing community assets, including libraries, parks and playgrounds, while identifying new opportunities across Council’s services and infrastructure.

• 12–17 years: Secondary school - a key stage of identity formation, where young people explore who they are, build relationships, strengthen resilience and increase their independence. • 18–24 years: Early adulthood - a transition to adulthood focused on education, employment and life pathways, where young people build skills, independence and shape their future.

Importantly it places the voices of children and young people at the centre of future planning and decision-making. The Strategy’s four goals guide a practical action plan for Council’s role as a place-maker, service provider, connector and advocate, creating even better outcomes for the children and young people of the Inner West now and into the future.

Dulwich Hill Festival

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Children and young people in the Inner West The Inner West has more than 45,000 children and young people - one quarter of the total population.

• One in three Inner West households has children or young people. • 38% of Inner West’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population are children and young people. • Over 5,000 children and young people were born overseas. • One quarter of the Inner West population speaks a language other than English at home.

• 43.6% of 18-24 years cohort are university students (compared to 38.1% in Greater Sydney). • 6.8% of 15 to 24 year olds were not engaged in employment or education, compared to 8.9% in Greater Sydney. (n=1,272) • There are 6,303 one parent families • 12% of children and young people live with disability1

Source .id, the population experts, accessed June 2026. Data from Census 2021. The next Census was held in August 2026 and data will be available in 2027. 2022 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (SDAC) – all areas

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Population forecast change from 2021-2046 Forecast change is strongest for young adults aged 18–24, with growth of around 45–48% in this cohort by 2031 and levels still around 30– 33% above 2021 by 2046.

declines, indicating a shift towards an older adolescent profile over time. The 0–4 cohort remains relatively stable, increasing by around 8% to 2046, while primary school-aged children (5–11) decline by around 8% over the same period.2

The teenage population is mixed: older teenagers cohort (15–19) grows strongly, while younger teenagers cohort (10–14)

Forecast age structure 5 year age groups

0 TO 4

5 TO 9

11,629 9,155

7,470

7,608

10 TO 14

15,149

16,867

2046

9,951

2031

7,347

8,846

8,507

8,258

8,918

10,020

9,462

9,314

2021

15 TO 19

20 TO 24

Forecast age structure service age groups 2046

5 TO 11

14,561 9,460

9,700

9,697

11,594

11,170

12,605

10,020

9,462

9,314

0 TO 4

19,364

2031

21,553

2021

12 TO 17

18 TO 24

These forecasts were last adjusted in December 2024 by .id, the population experts, on behalf of Inner West Council.

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

The young adult population is growing most strongly In the service age groups graph, the 18 to 24 cohort grows by about 48% between 2021 and 2031, before settling to a level that is still about 33% higher in 2046 than in 2021. In the 5-year age groups graph, 20 to 24 shows the largest percentage increase in the older young adult range, rising by about 45% from 2021 to 2031, then easing slightly, but remaining about 30% higher in 2046 than in 2021. This is the strongest sustained increase among the age groups shown.

Younger teens are shrinking as a cohort, while older teens are increasing In the service age groups graph, the 12 to 17 cohort is broadly stable to 2031, then declines slightly, ending around 2% lower in 2046 than in 2021. The 10 to 14s falls quite noticeably, from 8,846 in 2021 to 7,347 in 2031, then lifts slightly to 7,608 in 2046. This is a net decline of 1,238 over the full period. The 15 to 19s moves in the opposite direction, increasing from 7,470 in 2021 to 9,951 in 2031, then easing to 9,155 in 2046. Even after that decline, it remains 1,685 higher than in 2021.

The growth is strongest in Marrickville Most growth of the 0-24 years population in numbers will occur in the suburb of Marrickville followed by Camperdown, St Peters/Sydenham, Leichhardt and Newtown. The highest percentage change is forecast to be in Camperdown which will see a huge 329% increase of its 15-24 years population by 2046 compared to 2021. This is followed by St Peters/ Sydenham at 136% increase. The most decline in the 0-24 years group will occur in Ashfield (north), Haberfield, Dulwich Hill and Balmain.3

Population forecast 0-24 years – percentage change 2021 to 2046

3 These forecasts were last adjusted in December 2024 by .id, the population experts, on behalf of Inner West Council.

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

How does this impact Council’s planning? Early childhood

Primary school

Secondary school

Young adults

0-6

5-11

12-17

18-24

ê/é

Steady with incremental growth in demand for early education and care, facilities and programs.

Sustained decline with implications for schools, out-ofschool-hours-care and children's facilities and programming demand.

Broadly stable but shifting older younger teens will decline while older teens will increase with a need for more facilities and programming for the older group.

Strongest growth of all groups with implications for housing, employment, education and social infrastructure.

The population forecasts in this section do not include future growth in these areas.

Future growth areas Future population growth in well-located areas — specifically those near public transport, employment hubs, and existing infrastructure — is a major focus for all levels of government.

Priority areas in the Inner West Council will particularly need to consider infrastructure, facilities and services in Marrickville, Camperdown, St Peters/Sydenham, Leichhardt and Newtown, as well as the future growth areas of Ashfield, Dulwich Hill and Bays West Precinct to meet the needs of the growing population.

Planned growth areas in the Inner West local government area include Ashfield, Dulwich Hill and Bays West Precinct (around White Bay and Rozelle Bay), as well as Marrickville and the Parramatta Road corridor.

The GreenWay opening

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

What is Council’s role? Council plays a key role in shaping the environments, services and opportunities that influence the lives of children and young people. As the level of government closest to the community, Council works directly with children, young people and their families to understand their needs and support everyday life.

advocating. Through local planning and policy, Council helps ensure housing, infrastructure and public spaces meet the needs of children, young people and families. We also work with schools, community organisations and government agencies to strengthen the local service system and improve outcomes.

Council delivers a wide range of services and infrastructure that contribute to wellbeing and development, including early childhood education and care, libraries, parks, playgrounds, community venues, events and youth programs. These provide opportunities for learning, play, connection and participation, and help create safe, inclusive and welcoming communities.

As a local leader and advocate, Council represents the priorities of the Inner West community to state and federal governments, particularly on issues such as early education, health, housing and transport. By bringing together partners, supporting local organisations and amplifying the voices of children and young people, Council helps create the conditions for all young people to feel safe, connected and able to thrive.

Beyond direct service delivery, Council also plays a broader role in planning, connecting and

Which level of government does what? Federal – economy and taxation, national security and defence, immigration and borders, national infrastructure, airports, telecommunications State – public hospitals and healthcare, education and public schools, public transport, police, justice and emergency services Local– parks, playgrounds, sporting grounds, skate parks, rubbish and recycling, local roads and footpaths, traffic management and parking, cycleways, libraries, community venues, aquatic centre, indoor recreation, town planning and building approvals, arts, culture and events, public health and safety, animal management

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

How we developed this strategy The Strategy has been informed by the diverse voices and experiences of children and young people, ongoing engagement with Council’s delivery partners, government agencies and non-government organisations, and extensive research, nationally and internationally.

Strategic links • United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

• National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Strategy

• Australian Government – Early Years Strategy 2024-34

• Council strategies:

• Australian Government – Office for Youth – Engage! Strategy • Australian Government – Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) • NSW Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People Strategic Plan 2022-24 and various publications • NSW Health – LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy • Inner West Child Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030

• Community Strategic Plan – Our Inner West 2041 • Delivery Program 2025-29 • Recreation Strategy 2023-32 • Disability Inclusion Action Plan • Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2023-25 • Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-26 • Cultural Strategy 2022-25 • Biodiversity Strategy 2036

• National Agreement on Closing the Gap

• Our Fairer Future Plan

• National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032

• Asset Management Strategy 2022-32 • Workforce Management Strategy 2022-26 • Zero Waste Strategy 2021-36

Community engagement and data collection • Young Leaders Local Democracy Group • Youth Voice Summit April 2026 • Targeted consultation February-May 2026 • Youth Library workshop 2025 and Youth Alliance Library roundtable • Inner West Survey of Recreational Needs for Girls, Young Women and Gender Diverse People 2025 • Inner West Culture Counts service evaluation data – Libraries and Events 2024-26

• Inner West Council inclusive playgrounds engagement – various • Inner West Young People Climate Workshop 2025 • Micromex community satisfaction research for Inner West Council 2024 • Inner West youth survey 2023/24

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

SNAPSHOT: Young Leaders Local Democracy Group Council’s Young Leaders Local Democracy Group provides a platform for young people to provide input to contribute to Council’s decision-making and actions. Through regular engagement with Council staff, members share their perspectives on issues that matter to young people in the Inner West. During this term, Young Leaders have played a key role in shaping the Children and Young People Strategy. They identified priority areas including parks and green spaces, multicultural events, sport and recreation, and environmental sustainability. Young Leaders also highlighted

Young Leaders Local Democracy Group

opportunities to strengthen youth participation, including greater promotion of volunteering and pathways for young people to get involved in community initiatives. Following Council’s decision to hold a Youth Summit, Young Leaders were involved in codesigning the format, working collaboratively to develop the program and build their leadership skills. Their focus on connection, accessibility and inclusion helped shape a Summit that reflected the diverse experiences of young people across the Inner West.

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

SNAPSHOT: Inner West Youth Voice Summit Council welcomed student representatives and teachers from over 20 schools across the Inner West to our first Youth Summit in April 2026. Other attendees included members of the Young Leaders Local Democracy Group and local service representatives – Twenty10, headspace, Deadly Connections Community and Justice Services (now known as Wundirra Community and Consultancy Services), Multicultural Youth Affairs Network (MYAN NSW), and NSW Police Youth Engagement Officer. Facilitated by Youth Leadership Academy Australia, children and young people shared their experiences and ideas for the Inner West, and explored agency and leadership. Through interactive activities and discussion, participants considered how they can use their voice to influence change, identified places they feel safe and connected, and highlighted gaps in local services.

Leadership is guiding and inspiring others through actions, values and strengths to create positive impact. Youth Leadership Academy Australia Young people emphasised the importance of being heard, taking action and contributing to their community, while also identifying barriers such as fear of judgement and limited opportunities to participate. Participants told us they like to hang out at parks, skateparks, sports fields, shopping centres, cafes and food strips, libraries and aquatic centres. They want free, welcoming and youth-focused places to spend time. The asked for place to “just exist”, sit outside, eat affordably, study quietly, meet friends, or chill indoors and outdoors without needing to spend money. They told us they need more study and learning spaces, and life skills and practical learning opportunities. Older teens nominated limited bus frequency as an issue as they are more reliant on public transport.

Voices from the Summit

What do you want to get out of today? “To be able to speak out and not be afraid of what others say.”

“I want to understand how I can have an impact as a young person.”

“Stand up for what you believe.”

How will you use your voice as a young leader? “To represent others who don’t have the ability to use theirs.”

“Our age doesn’t define how much action we can take in community”

“To be a role model.”

“Motivate, mentor and move forward.”

What stops you from taking action? “Adults underestimating us so we feel less confident to take action”

“Feeling that youth does not have power over what government does”

“Money, age and authority”

“Afraid of judgement”

“People thinking your dream isn’t realistic”

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

There was a wide range of suggestions for additional services, programs and spaces including more accessible sport and fitness options, creative and music activities and safe and clean public spaces with better lighting. “Public sport areas e.g. courts, nets, hoops, goals, flooring for outdoor dance” “Cooking clubs”

Youth Voice Summit 2026

“More leadership workshops/programs” “Study places with food”

“Music festivals”

Barriers to participation included cost, time constraints, lack of awareness, social anxiety and feeling like a “newbie”, and lack of transport. Some people nominated barriers related to racism and homophobia. Insights from the Summit helped Council develop this Strategy and reinforced our commitment to genuine children and young people’s participation and a more inclusive and connected Inner West. A key initiative of this strategy is to hold an annual Youth Voice Summit.

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

SNAPSHOT: NSW Advocate for Children and Young People The NSW Advocate for Children and Young People ACYP) works to improve the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all children and young people in NSW. The Advocate leads the development of NSW-wide strategic plans that are informed by the voices of children and young people. The development of the current strategic plan involved over 40,000 children and young people.

The NSW Advocate’s website has information for children and young people to learn about their rights, health resources and contacts, and data. www.acyp.nsw.gov.au

The Inner West Children and Young People Strategy is closely aligned with the priorities and evidence base of the NSW Strategic Plan for Children and Young People. Council has drawn on the research, consultation findings and emerging directions informing the development of the next NSW strategy (2027–2030), ensuring local priorities are connected to broader statewide goals. ACYP research and consultation from their publication Consultation Paper NSW Strategic Plan for Children and Young People 2027–2030 is referenced throughout this strategy. While the NSW strategy provides whole-ofgovernment actions for state agencies, our Inner West Strategy focuses on actions which Council can deliver at a local level.

Youth Voice Summit 2026

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

SNAPSHOT: Midjuburi Youth Resource Centre We visited Midjuburi Youth Resource Centre in May 2026 to explore the lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in the Inner West. The session was attended by 13 young people aged between 16 and 19. The young people told us they: • value free, local and culturally safe spaces e.g. Midjuburi Youth Resource Centre (MYRC), parks and libraries where they can connect, relax and feel a sense of belonging without judgement • experience wellbeing as closely linked to culturally safe spaces, with MYRC described as a “second home” providing connection, community and culture

• have limited local employment opportunities, especially skilled work and after-school work, and unclear pathways into employment • would be interested in practical training opportunities such as barista training, construction pathways, and trades and skilled work • prefer to receive information through trusted places like MYRC • want to have a say, with simple, accessible and direct engagement methods and improved awareness of participation opportunities.

SNAPSHOT: Twenty10 Twenty10’s Queerleaders’ team reviewed and responded to the strategy’s four goals and provided input on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis) of the Inner West for LGBTIQ+ young people in May 2026.

• want more opportunities for employment, skills development and participation, with financial stress, limited local pathways and accessibility barriers (including for young people with disability) impacting future prospects

The young people told us they:

• suggest initiatives such as subsidised learn to drive classes, provision of more sheltered areas with picnic tables, spaces young people can hire for free, more gender neutral bathrooms and mental health programs.

• value community services such as Twenty10 and Safe Haven (NSW Health drop-in space) • need more free youth-friendly ‘third spaces’, drop-in hubs and inclusive public environments (without ‘hostile architecture’) • see affordability as a significant barrier to participation, and would like cheap or free recreation and sport options • find Council’s information and engagement channels hard to navigate, particularly the website, preferring more social media and engagement approaches such as an online forum with incentive to participate • seek a stronger voice, clearer opportunities to participate, and more direct relationships with decision-makers

Mardi Gras Screening

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

SNAPSHOT: Inner West Youth Survey 2024 Over 300 young people aged between 11-18 years told us what they care about in their community and the changes they would like to see. They were most passionate about: • community spirit and inclusion • sport and active recreation • environment and green spaces • local businesses, food and culture • libraries, creativity and learning • more greenery and trees

Soccer players at Lambert Park

• better transport (bus routes and timetables) • Improved cleanliness and waste management (less litter, more bins, FOGO) • more footpaths and roads maintenance • sports and facilities upgrades (parks, courts, pitches, lighting) • greater safety and lighting • housing affordability • more social support (mental health, homelessness) and activities

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Local skate parks and public green spaces and the positive effects that they have in our community Age 15 Croydon

Lots of outdoor activities like parks, pools, nature walks, bird watching, bike tracks Age 11 Dulwich Hill

Mental health centre Age 17 Stanmore

Having facilities like great libraries and spaces to be for young people Age 13 Lilyfield

Sports venues. I love going to the football & soccer at Leichhardt Oval Age 13 Leichhardt

House prices. I really want to live here when I am older Age 18 Ashfield

Sporting activities and fun places to go and visit with friends and family Age 14 Balmain

All of the problems I know of in the community are being worked on already, and the improvements are already visible Age 16 Marrickville

More housing for lower-income people, and housing options for homeless people Age 12 Ashfield

How we can make the environment a better and enjoyable place. I truly believe that even kids can make a difference. Age 12 Ashfield

I am passionate about reducing pollution, mainly plastic waste Age 14 Rozelle

I love how even though the population is big you still feel like you know people Age 11 Newtown

Creative spaces to nurture my inner artist and express myself freely Age 18 Tempe

Safety. Sometimes it can get a bit rough in & out of school Age 13 Leichhardt

Allow access to Council-run gyms Age 13 Balmain

More events where we can get together and clean up rubbish that is found on the streets Age 14 Dulwich Hill

More fun things to do for girls my age like movie nights or spots to sit and hangout with friends that feel safe so I’ll be allowed to go there Age 13 Dulwich Hill

More things in the playground for tweens and teenagers Age 11 Haberfield

More recycling and maybe more advocacy for solar panels Age 16 Leichhardt

More bins placed around the parks and less rubbish in the ocean Age 12 Ashfield

The community of people and cultures Age 18 Leichhardt

Playing sports and representing my clubs in my competitions Age 12 Leichhardt

New or upgraded sporting grounds, gyms and facilities suitable for our age group Age 13 Lewisham

More trees along median strips and in parks Age 17 Ashfield

Street art in community areas Age 17 Leichhardt

Additional sport complexes and better maintenance of the current ones Age 16 Balmain

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

A park which has more adventurous equipment - like a parkour / ninja warrior course Age 11 Leichhardt

More places for young people to go. Venues for bands that under 18's can attend Age 17 Croydon Park

Better football pitches which don't get swamped when it rains Age 13 Dulwich Hill

I am most passionate about the kindness within our community Age 13 Leichhardt

I would like to see the attitude against teenagers change … people acting as if we are a burden for being in public spaces Age 16 Tempe

Better bus stops and seats for those that don't have them. Especially with hot days and rain, without shelter is hard Age 18 Haberfield

More love, kindness, understanding and compassion between community members Age 17 Ashfield

I don't believe there is much we should change about our community. It is already perfect to me Age 15 Lilyfield

Recycling and Equality Age 16 Leichhardt

Having a safe and joyful place where everyone can feel included and safe at all times Age 13 Camperdown

A peaceful safe neighbourhood with community spirit Age 12 Croydon Park

New innovative traffic solutions and making the streets safer for pedestrians Age 13 Lewisham

The sense of belonging I feel and a feeling of local-ness' in the community Age 18 Newtown

More places to swim on the harbour Age 16 Rozelle

Public toilets in more areas and better kept Age 12 Summer Hill

Street art in community areas Age 17 Leichhardt

More separated bike lanes that make cyclists, pedestrians and drivers happier and safer Age 17 Newtown

More sport facilities especially for girls Age 13 Marrickville

Aqua golf, Trampoline park, Treetops, Treehouse Playground, Tandem bike hire, go cart track, Fairs and drive in /outdoor cinema Age 13 Marrickville

Multicultural restaurants and clothing stores Age 13 Lewisham

Our ability to welcome everyone no matter where they come from and what they believe in, creating a safe space where people feel free to be themselves Age 15 Croydon

Being active and having space to catch up with friends Age 12 Summer Hill

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Our vision, goals and strategic priorities 2026-30 Vision Every child and young person in the Inner West is supported to feel safe, connected and included, have their voice heard, and access the opportunities they need to thrive, grow and move confidently towards an independent and hopeful future.

Goal 1 – Kindness, Connection and Wellbeing Children and young people belong to kind, connected and caring communities.

Aims - What we want to achieve 1.

Children and young people have access to welcoming places, programs and activities that support connection, belonging and wellbeing

Children and young people can participate in safe, inclusive and affordable recreation, play and physical activity opportunities

3. Children and young people develop a connection to the environment and contribute to a sustainable Inner West

What we will do • Build on the strengths of libraries and early childhood education and care centres as places for learning, connection and belonging • Deliver affordable and inclusive programs, events and festivals for children, young people and families • Promote information, resources and events that support mental health, wellbeing and access to local services • Increase access to sport, recreation, play and physical activity through Council facilities, parks, playgrounds and open spaces • Enhance parks, playgrounds, sporting grounds, natural spaces and public spaces to support connected, thriving and active communities

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Goal 2 – Voice, Agency and Participation Children and young people have influence over decisions that affect their lives.

Aims - What we want to achieve 1.

Children and young people are supported to express their views and participate meaningfully in Council decision-making

2. Children and young people have greater awareness of how Council works, what services are available and how they can get involved 3. Children and young people are empowered to lead, create and contribute through civic, cultural and environmental participation

What we will do • Strengthen ongoing youth participation through the Young Leaders Local Democracy Group, Youth Voice Summit and other engagement channels • Build stronger relationships with schools to support regular, practical and accessible engagement • Involve children and young people in planning parks, public spaces, libraries, events, programs and services • Support young people to lead, co-design and promote Council programs, including through peer-led communication • Provide clear, youth-friendly and relevant content on Council’s website, social media and other communication channels • Create participation opportunities through creative, cultural, sporting, environmental and community programs

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Goal 3 – Safety, Respect and Inclusion Children and young people feel safe, respected and included in all aspects of community life.

Aims - What we want to achieve 1.

Children and young people experience cultural, physical and psychological safety

Children and young people experience belonging, inclusion and equitable access to opportunities

3. Children and young people have access to inclusive places, relationships and services that strengthen connection across generations and communities

What we will do • Deliver inclusive recreation, aquatic, cultural, library, early education and community programs for diverse children and young people • Improve the safety, accessibility and inclusiveness of playgrounds, public spaces, school surrounds and community facilities • Support culturally safe programs, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural learning and intergenerational connection • Ensure that children and young people with disability, who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTIQA+, culturally and linguistically diverse or neurodiverse, or who are economically disadvantaged are included and visible in Council programs and spaces • Use community safety planning and public domain improvements to support safer, more welcoming places for children and young people • Collaborate with partners to improve outcomes and opportunities for vulnerable or marginalised children and young people and build on their strengths • Embed child safe policy, practice and procedures across Council services, programs and facilities

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Goal 4 – Hope and Opportunity Children and young people have opportunities to learn, build skills, explore pathways and shape a positive future.

Aims - What we want to achieve 1.

Children and young people develop the knowledge, skills and experiences needed for learning, employment and lifelong success

Children and young people have pathways to employment, careers and leadership

3. Children and young people can access resources, spaces and opportunities that support creativity, innovation, learning and independence

What we will do • Support traineeships, apprenticeships, work experience, industry exposure and career pathways through Council and partner programs • Provide skills development, mentoring and educational workshops that support employment, social inclusion and future pathways • Strengthen creative, cultural and entrepreneurial pathways for young people, including emerging artists, young creatives and startups • Support high quality early learning, inclusive practice and educator capability to strengthen foundations for children • Provide learning and development opportunities through Libraries such as curriculum resources, placements and grant-writing support • Create targeted pathway opportunities for young people experiencing marginalisation or barriers to participation • Support environmental, circular economy and social enterprise opportunities that help young people build skills and contribute to community life • Plan for housing and community infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing population

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Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Creativity, Culture and Community Wellbeing Council provides creative, cultural and wellbeing services that celebrate the Inner West’s diversity and promote inclusion and social connection for all children and young people. We deliver programs and social supports that contribute to wellbeing, strengthen belonging and reduce inequities. Our priority groups include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, and culturally and linguistically diverse children and young people, those living with disability and neurodiversity, and those experiencing economic disadvantage. We also deliver arts and cultural programs, festivals, community events, public art, creative spaces. opportunities for local artists and creatives, and ways for people to express themselves and participate in cultural life.

“Feeling part of a community reduces isolation, builds resilience and supports healthier coping during stressful times.” NSW Advocate for Children and Young People We will provide services that reflect and respond to our diverse community and use targeted approaches to identify and reduce disadvantage.

Our diverse community ACYP research and data*4 tell us that: • Some young people experience high rates of discrimination due to race, religion, sexuality, gender or ability • Strong culture is fundamental to improved life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people • 12% of children and young people live with disability and 6% have profound or severe disability. Early intervention, along with access to education, employment and community spaces like playgrounds, venues, sport facilities and public toilets, is key for inclusion Children and young people say: • Public displays of support and celebrations like Pride Month and Wear it Purple Day help LGBTIQA+ young people to feel included and safe • It’s important to remove stigma and make activities more accessible for children and young people living with disability • Culture brings identity, pride, belonging, safety and purpose

"A community built on acceptance and giving back” Youth Voice Summit participant

"Somewhere that everyone belongs, no matter age or race" Youth Voice Summit participant

NSW Advocate for Children and Young People Consultation Paper NSW Strategic Plan for Children and Young People 2027–2030

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Aboriginal Community Hub We will create a cultural hub for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Camperdown Park. The Hub will have flexible spaces for workshops, smoking ceremonies,

yarning circles and community events, extending into a garden planted with edible and culturally significant species. The space will support cultural learning for young people.

Concept design

Inclusion at Council events We provide sensory spaces at all large scale events including Marrickville Music Festival, Kids Fest, Balmain Festival and Bairro Portuguese. These retreats offer a safe, low-sensory environment for attendees of all ages to recharge away from event noise and crowds. The spaces feature a range of calming amenities and support tools such as: • Calming equipment: noise-cancelling headphones, weighted stuffed pillows, and sensory cushions. • Comfortable setup: soft lighting, individual retreat tents, and minimal-interaction zones. • Gentle activities: timer tools, reading books, and fidget or colouring tools. • We also provide Auslan interpreters for stage events and wheelchair mobility matting.

Dulwich Hill Festival

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Mental Health is a key concern ACYP research and data tell us: • Around 1 in 7 children and young people aged 4 to 17 years, experience a mental health condition. • 30% of mental-health-related Emergency Department visits in NSW are by people under 25. Children and young people say: • Mental health is one of the biggest concerns for their age group. • Clear information about how to get support is important. We support mental health and wellbeing by creating opportunities for connection, participation and belonging. Through our libraries, parks, community facilities, events, partnerships with organisations like Headspace, and grants, Council helps reduce social isolation, promote wellbeing and improve access to support.

We will improve access to information about support services including through our communication channels.

Kids Fest We will continue to host our free annual festival held at Enmore Park. Kids Fest is a fun-filled day of music, crafts, games, and community spirit that includes performances, creative workshops, interactive games, art activities, and sports challenges.

Perfect Match mentoring Our Perfect Match street art program has created more than 170 large scale murals, making the Inner West the street art capital of Australia. The Perfect Match approach brings artists, residents, businesses, property owners and community together to collaboratively create fantastic new street artworks in public places. We will provide mentoring opportunities for emerging young artists to create public works as part of the Perfect Match Street Art program.

We maintain a dedicated mental health and wellbeing page on our website that promotes local and national support services.

Perfect Match

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Live Music Activation Program

Place-based youth services

We provide funding and support for local organisations and creatives to deliver live music events across the Inner West. These events allow families and young people to attend events where they can enjoy free live music and also supports local musicians to perform.

We partner with a range of community organisations to deliver programs that meet the needs of children and young people where they live, learn and play. We will further develop place-based youth services through partnerships, particularly focusing on Marrickville south, Balmain and Summer Hill.

“I am most passionate about the youth live music scene in my community and making sure that musicians, singer-songwriters, and bands under the age of 18 have equal opportunities throughout the Inner West.” Age 17 Leichhardt

In 2026 we funded the Generate! Youth Music Fest in Yeo Park Ashfield and Futureproof Music Festival at Petersham Town Hall. As part of this program, young people were mentored in all aspects of live music event production and performance. We will continue to provide opportunities for young musicians to perform at Council events and live music activations.

We will expand free youth activities with regular Council-run drop in social sessions at Debbie and Abbey Borgia Centre, Marrickville for teens and tweens. We will continue to work with PCYC and other local community organisations to provide youth resources and activities. We will continue to fund the Youth Zone at Summer Hill Community Centre, a safe, free and supported drop-in centre for young people aged 9-18 years. We will also assess options for the ongoing management and operation of the centre by Council. We will also collaborate with partners on the School as Community Centre (SaCC) initiative based at Marrickville West Public School to support children’s development and community participation.

Dulwich Hill Festival 2025

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Grants program Our annual grants program supports individuals and groups to deliver projects that benefit our community. The streams include arts, business, circular economy, community wellbeing, disability support, environment, history and multicultural. Recent examples include: Addison Road Centre ‘Wednesday Night Lights’ $20,000 for weekly outreach program offering free meals, medical and legal support, and social services, plus a kids program to help families access essential services. Good Neighbours Australia ‘Connection Through Creativity’ $20,000 for art workshops bringing seniors and young adults together to foster social inclusion, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections. Midjuburi Youth Resource Centre ‘Strength through Culture and Connection’ $20,000 for Aboriginal youth program offering yarning circles, arts workshops, and mentoring to build resilience, cultural identity, and supportive relationships. Headspace Ashfield ‘Upskill’ $5,000 for training sessions for young people aged 16–25 with mental health challenges to build skills and confidence for employment, plus ongoing Work and Study Program support. Minus18 Foundation ‘Night at the Museum – A Queer Youth Celebration’ $5,000 for a free LGBTQIA+ young people’s event featuring exhibitions, performances, and sensory-friendly spaces to foster pride, creativity, and social connection.

Lights Up Kids Festival $10,000 for a two-week performing arts festival for children and families featuring theatre, workshops, and community celebrations. Lifestart Disability Services ‘SpeakUp Program in Inner West Schools’ $9,800 for supporting students with disability to build confidence and skills through a strengthsbased program delivered in local schools. KinHub - Unseen, Unheard, Unstoppable – Youth-Led Arts Exhibition $5,000 for empowering young people with disability through creative workshops and a public exhibition showcasing diverse voices during Youth Week. Sydney Chinese Youth Association ‘Youth Employability Enhancement’ $5,000 for career readiness workshops for Chinese-Australian youth to build confidence, skills, and social integration. NSW Federation of Community Language Schools ‘Multicultural Immersion Playgroups Pilot Program’ $5,000 for free playgroups in Greek, Vietnamese, Portuguese, and Chinese for children aged 3–5 and their carers to help families connect and learn heritage languages

Dancers at Petersham Town Hall

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Creativity, Culture and Community Wellbeing actions 2026-30 Goal

Actions

Implement place-based youth services through partnerships, focusing on Marrickville south, Balmain and Summer Hill Assess options for the ongoing management and operation of Summer Hill Neighbourhood Centre by Inner West Council

1 1 1 1 1 2

Deliver Council’s annual Youth Week program to celebrate young people and support their participation across the Inner West. Provide information, advice and referral to children, young people and their families to access social services Promote information, resources and events to improve mental health and wellbeing Hold an annual festival focusing on the needs of Inner West children that includes a mix of creative workshops, interactive games, art activities, and sports challenges. Coordinate the Young Leaders Local Democracy Group to provide input to Council on key issues including policy challenges

Involve young people in the planning, promotion, and implementation of Youth Week events.

Strengthen Council's relationship with schools through enhanced internal collaboration Build on the success of Council's inaugural Youth Summit by holding an annual event to elevate the voices of children and young people in shaping Council’s planning and delivery Provide mentoring opportunities for emerging young artists in the Perfect Match Street Art program to create public works Encourage young people's participation in the Beyond the Studio pilot program, which empowers artists to identify business and audience development opportunities that best fit their needs Increase opportunities for young people to engage in Council’s Art and Cultural programming to support their increased participation Deliver Reconciliation Action Week, NAIDOC Week and Aboriginal languages cultural programs Collaborate with partners on the School as Community Centre (SaCC) initiative based at Marrickville West Public School to support children’s development and community participation Provide inclusion supports such as Auslan interpreters and safe sensory zones at community events Support inclusion of LGBTQ+ young people and their families in Mardi Gras celebrations Support arts and cultural planning that includes young people particularly those from marginalised groups Showcase local innovation and creative risk taking in programming, including new technologies, with young emerging artists Provide cultural learning for young people in the new Aboriginal Community Hub Program activities to celebrate dates of significance such as Children’s Week, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day and International Day of People with Disability Facilitate collaboration, information sharing and partnership development between organisations that support children, young people and families in the Inner West. Deliver educational workshops and programs to build knowledge and skills for pathways to employment and increased social inclusion Provide opportunities for young musicians to perform at Council events and live music activations Provide support for young creative entrepreneurs and young emerging artists through networks, professional development and Council’s mentorship programs Provide a grants program that delivers benefits for children and young people across a range of streams

2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030 See also: Inner West Disability Inclusion Action Plan Inner West Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan Inner West Anti-Racism Strategy Inner West Cultural Strategy Inner West Council Grants

Participants at the Youth Voice Summit 2026

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Communicating with young people We asked young people through our Youth Survey, Youth Voice Summit and targeted engagements how they would like Council to communicate and engage with them.

The key suggestions were: • Surveys, polls and suggestion boxes • School outreach and youth ambassadors • Social media • Events and forums • Through trusted youth organisations

How do you want Council to communicate and engage with you?

“A survey sent to the leadership groups in each school.” Age 16, Ashfield

“Position any engagements as a social thing” Young Leaders Climate Workshop participant

“ways that are actually engaging and interesting rather than corporate or beige design and artstyle.” Age 16, Dulwich Hill “Council coming to talk to us at school” Age 11, Lewisham

“Having younger people who work at the Inner West council potentially going to high schools to hear opinions from students. I think if you get younger people going and seeking these answers, teenagers will be more willing to engage and share ideas. ” Age 17, Leichhardt

“There should an SRC (student representative council) system for the kids of the inner west to be heard in the decision making of the areas that they live in.” Age 13, Lewisham

“Social = fun things to do – social activities, entertainment” Young Leaders Climate Workshop participant

“make it relatable to youth ... Go to places where young people go” Age 18, Marrickville

“Having a youth instagram or tiktok page so we can see what is going on ” Age 16, Petersham

“Maybe climate change related events like gardening, litter pick-ups” Young Leaders Climate Workshop participant

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

The 2026 Digital News Report*5 found that 71% of under-25s access news on social media. And 70% of 18-24 year-olds get news from influencers or creators. Council will build on our channels to strengthen communication with young people and ensure

reach through diverse methods with relevant content. We will also promote the range of specialist service organisations for children and young people available in the Inner West on Council’s website and social media feed.

Communications actions 2026-30

Goal

Actions

Improve information on Council's website targeted to children and young people, including services available by ward

Promote the range of specialist organisations for children and young people that are available in the Inner West on Council’s website and social media

* Digital News Report: Australia 2026, University of Canberra, News and Media Research Centre

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Early learning Our 17 early learning services offer inclusive, high-quality, play-based education and care for over 1,600 children aged from birth to 12 years. Council’s education and care services meet or exceed the National Quality Framework.

“Every $1 invested in early childhood yields a 13% return” NSW Government, Brighter Beginnings: The First 2000 Days of Life The services include: • 11 long day care centres • A preschool • Two outside school hours care (OSHC) services • An occasional care service • A family day care scheme • Magic Yellow Bus mobile playgroup

Addison Road Early Learning Centre Diwali Celebration

ACYP research and data tell us that: • Safe, high-quality Early Childhood Education and Care is linked to better long-term educational and social outcomes for children. Children say: • Relationships made with friends, teachers and the community when in Early Childhood Education and Care is important. • Early Childhood Education and Care provides opportunities to be creative, explore and play in ways they cannot do at home. • Being in Early Childhood Education and Care lets children try new things and access experiences they wouldn’t otherwise have.

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Family and children’s voices Our annual family survey shows exceptionally high satisfaction with the service, with an average rating of 94%. We carefully review the feedback about each centre and develop plans to meet local needs.

To embed the voices of young children in our planning, we will develop an age-appropriate child survey for our Early Learning attendees.

Kids Festival 2026

Inclusion and equity of access Our services are not for profit. We focus on quality, affordability and equity of access. We actively reduce barriers to participation and support vulnerable families.

capability to embed inclusive physical education and creative arts in our programming.

We will encourage intergenerational language and education projects for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and deliver programs to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Early Learning educator wellbeing and professional development. We will deliver inclusive programs and provide allied health practitioner services in our Early Learning Centres to support children's inclusion and educators' professional development. We will also build educators’

Aunty Trace Bostock, Early Childhood Educator and Aboriginal culture mentor

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Magic Yellow Bus The Magic Yellow Bus is one of Council’s longest-running early childhood programs, providing free, play-based activities for young children and their families in local parks across the Inner West.

while also supporting parents and carers to build social connections and access local services. It contributes to children’s wellbeing, development and sense of belonging during the vital early years of life.

The service is free to all and creates opportunities for children to learn through play, make friends and connect with their community,

We will increase the Magic Yellow Bus service to five days per week to extend this free service where it is needed most.

Magic Yellow Bus

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Early Learning actions 2026-30 Goal

Actions

Deliver the Magic Yellow Bus free mobile playgroup providing inclusive, play-based learning and connection for young children and their families five days per week in local parks

Deliver free Toy Swap sessions that support family connection and reuse of pre-loved toys.

Develop an age-appropriate child survey for Early Learning attendees to give voice to young children

Deliver intergenerational activities in Early Learning Centres and Magic Yellow Bus

Provide allied health practitioner services in Early Learning Centres to support children's inclusion and educators' professional development

Encourage intergenerational language and education projects for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, including evaluating Early Learning programs

Accommodate organisations who provide services to children and young people including early education, out-of-school-hours-care and playgroups in Council spaces through lease and hire agreements

Provide high quality learning and care through Council's early learning centres, occasional care and family day care

Deliver programs to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Learning educator wellbeing and professional development

Provide early learning programming activities that support best practice approaches such as visits to exhibitions

Support industry upskilling through a mentoring program for inexperienced Early Learning educators e.g. employment of Ability Advocate trainees and TAFE student trainees.

Host creative arts practitioners in early learning centres to build educator capability in using innovative materials and strengthen confidence in creative arts for both children and educators.

Host physical education specialists to deliver inclusive programs and build educators’ capability to embed inclusive physical education in the early childhood curriculum

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Environment and sustainability We’re committed to protecting and enhancing the environment for current and future generations through ambitious action on climate change, sustainability, biodiversity and resource recovery. Council is working to reduce emissions, increase urban greening, protect waterways and natural areas, support a circular economy and build a more resilient Inner West.

ACYP consultation with children and young people*6 heard: • They want a clean and healthy earth • Thinking about climate change can result in feeling hopeless and impact on mental health • There needs to be stronger action on climate change • They feel left out of conversations and decisions about the environment and climate change policy

Children and young people are passionate about the environment in the Inner West Engagement with children and young people in the Inner West confirms their passion for the environment. All ages are keen to push for stronger environmental initiatives and to have a say in decisions that affect future climate and biodiversity outcomes.

“I’m really worried about the biodiversity and wildlife extinctions.” Young People Climate Workshop participant

We hosted a diverse group of young people to share their thoughts in a climate workshop. We also engaged our Young Leaders Democracy Group in our Climate Strategy review.

“Climate change will impact us for the rest of our lives” Young Leaders Democracy Group member

NSW Advocate for Children and Young People Consultation Paper NSW Strategic Plan for Children and Young People 2027–2030

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

SNAPSHOT: Inner West Young People Climate Workshop We hosted a Young People Climate Workshop in September 2025 for 12-16 year olds at the Inner West Pride Centre. We wanted to engage young people on climate change issues, gather their perspectives on local climate impacts, and cocreate a vision for a sustainable and thriving Inner West.

• Wildlife corridors and biodiversity

Young people identified major climate impacts which affected them personally, including:

• Inclusive, creative, and climate-resilient neighbourhoods

• Extreme heat and hot weather

The artworks demonstrated optimism and creativity, with many envisioning a future where people and nature thrive together.

• Flooding and storm events • Air quality and bushfire smoke

Their ideas included: • Urban greening and rooftop gardens • Solar-powered transport and buildings • Community hubs and shared spaces

• Mental health impacts related to climate anxiety They discussed places where they like to go on a hot day and places they avoid. And they created mood boards and artworks imagining a vibrant, sustainable Inner West in 2041.

Young People Climate Workshop

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Young people want to be part of the solution The Inner West is living with climate change. Young people are full of ideas to fix environmental problems and want to be part of the solution. Council will continue to provide awareness and education programs, involve young people in environmental planning, and

“Green space that’s not just a sea of grass. Green space that has trees, bushes, flowers” Young Leaders Democracy Group member

“Having a youth instagram or tiktok page so we can see what is going on” Age 16, Petersham

“I think that the amount of trash that gets dumped on the streets needs to change as it could run into the drains and cause more pollution.” Age 16, Marrickville

collaborate on local problems and solutions. Our community can take action, including using solar and renewable energy, by walking, cycling and public transport, and recycling food and garden organics (FOGO).

“I would like people to be more aware of their environmental footprint and waste.” Age 15 Ashfield

"In our current heat stricken situation on our planet due to climate change, I feel it is all the more important to have many open green spaces." Age 13, Enmore

“Plant big trees and plants along streets so there's more shade and birds.” Age 11, Leichhardt

“We could make all of the street lights solar-powered to help reduce our impact on the environment and be more eco-friendly and install bins that notify the council when they need emptying in parks and other places.” Age 12, Enmore

“It was really cool at my school how there were bee hotels and they got a big grant for possum highways.” Young People Climate Change Workshop participant

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Inner West Sustainability Hub

At the Hub we host:

The Inner West Sustainability Hub is Council’s flagship centre for sustainability education, community environmental action and the circular economy. Located in Summer Hill, the Hub brings together sustainability-focused organisations, community programs and practical resources that help residents reduce waste, save energy, repair and reuse household items, and take positive action for the environment. It empowers the community to live more sustainably by providing opportunities to learn new skills, access expert advice and participate in hands-on workshops, events and projects.

• Workshops - regular Healthy Edible Garden Series, Repair Circle- Clothes Mending, Creative Remake

The Hub is home to organisations including the Green Living Centre, The Bower, RePlace, Dress for Success and the Plastic Makerspace, creating a unique community space that combines environmental outcomes with social inclusion and community connection.

• Other events - monthly swaps (clothes, toys, plants &seeds and books), Energy Efficiency 1:1 consultations, Bike Tune-ups/Maintenance, Repair Days, talks/films, Adventure for Eco-tweens • Online engagement We will strengthen the role of the Inner West Sustainability Hub for children and young people through workshops, repair programs, markets, sustainability education and circular economy initiatives, to help bring Council’s vision for a more sustainable, resilient and zero-waste Inner West to life. We will partner with young people and local organisations to deliver social, fun events at the Inner West Sustainability Hub, so young people can connect and take action together.

Sustainability Hub, Summer Hill

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Re Fest We will establish Re Fest, an annual immersive celebration of sustainability that will bring the Inner West community together to reimagine, repair, reuse and regenerate at our dedicated Inner West Sustainability Hub. It will showcase environmental actions, local ideas and solutions, and hands-on experiences while reimagining sustainable living together.

Fashion sewing circles and clothes swaps Clothes swapping is a smart and thrifty way to revive a wardrobe, avoid waste, save money and take part in the circular economy. We will continue to hold Clothes Swaps at the Hub to bring together like-minded individuals who care about our community and environment. Participants access thousands of items with time to browse the racks, try on items on offer, and chat to other fashion lovers.

RePlace, Summer Hill

Sustainable Schools Network The Network is a forum to share sustainability skills and learning resources, find local opportunities and inspire ideas. It’s open to all principals, teachers, parents, school staff volunteers and educators to support individual and collective action. We will continue to support the Network to empower young people to take action for the environment in schools. We will also develop an interactive excursion program at the Inner West Sustainability Hub focused on recycling and the circular economy.

“It’s great to see what’s happening at other schools as far as sustainability and the environment goes - learning how other schools engage both teachers and students and how they incorporate sustainability into the curriculum.” Sustainable Schools Network member

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Volunteering and citizen science Children and young people want to be involved in solutions for environmental problems. Our Young Leaders suggested increasing opportunities for volunteering. We will provide opportunities for young people to participate in ecological, monitoring and environmental restoration activities such as Bush Care, National Tree Planting Day and wildlife monitoring.

Natural Areas Autumn Bioblitz Our Natural Areas Autumn BioBlitz is a citizen science initiative inviting ecology enthusiasts to help monitor and record local biodiversity. Taking place across Council-managed urban bushlands and biodiversity corridors, the program encourages locals to document plants, fungi, insects, and animals to build a public species database. We invite all keen ecology enthusiasts to get involved by recording data on the iNaturalist platform

https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/biodiversity View wildlife monitoring programs and opportunities in your area, collect data and contribute to local biodiversity projects.

FOGO By putting food scraps into the FOGO bin, Inner West residents are helping to turn food waste into compost which is then used by NSW farmers.

• avoided nearly 40,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to taking more than 22,000 cars off the road for a year

We have rolled out Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling to households which in its first year:

Building on this success, we have expanded FOGO to schools and Council-operated and notfor-profit early learning centres, helping children and young people develop lifelong waste reduction and sustainability practices. We will continue to promote and expand this service.

• diverted nearly 19,000 tonnes of organic waste from landfill

“People should only be given a really small red bin so they have to use FOGO.” Youth Climate Change Workshop participant

“It was really cool at my school how there were bee hotels and they got a big grant for possum highways.” Young People Climate Change Workshop participant

"Being sustainable and vigilantly utilising the FOGO food scraps bin." Age 17, Haberfield

FOGO in Early Learning Centres

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Environment and Sustainability actions 2026-30 Goal

Actions

Provide opportunities for young people to participate in ecological, monitoring and environmental restoration activities such as Bush Care, National Tree Planting Day and wildlife monitoring.

Deliver an engaging, interactive stall at the annual Inner West Kids Fest to educate children and their families about recycling, FOGO and reuse initiatives including Home Cycle, Community Recycling Centres, Return and Earn, composting and worm farming.

Develop an interactive excursion program at the Inner West Sustainability Hub focused on recycling and the circular economy through the Sustainable Schools Network

Hold regular workshops and activities at the Inner West Sustainability Hub for children and young people

Deliver Inner West Re-Fest (sustainability festival) at the Inner West Sustainability Hub

Provide training and resources to support best practice implementation of FOGO in local schools and Council-run and not-for-profit early learning centres, providing children with hands on practical skills that contribute to the environment.

Host the Sustainable Schools Network to share sustainability skills and learning resources, find local opportunities and inspire ideas among young people

Expand Return and Earn by installing new Reverse Vending Machines, and peer to peer basket installation in Inner West parks and public places, supporting children, young people and their families to participate in the circular economy

See also: Inner West Biodiversity Strategy 2036 Inner West Towards Zero Waste Strategy 2021-36 Inner West Climate and Renewables Strategy

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Library service Our libraries are welcoming, inclusive spaces where children and young people can learn, connect and explore new ideas. Through our eight libraries, children and young people can access free books, digital resources and safe places to study, create and spend time with others. We offer a wide range of programs for all ages, including storytime and early literacy sessions, school holiday activities, creative workshops and HSC study support. These help children and young people build skills, confidence and a lifelong love of reading and learning.

In 2025/26 we invested over $110,000 to provide more than 1,300 programs for nearly 57,000 children and young people. Spaces are designed to be accessible and inclusive for everyone, supporting participation for children and young people of all abilities and backgrounds. We employ two dedicated full-time librarians for under 25s programming. This data illustrates that Inner West libraries either lead or rank among the top five in NSW, based on State Library of NSW benchmarks.

Young people told us our libraries are well-loved ‘third places’ Young people use libraries as a free, safe and welcoming ‘third place’ (a place where people spend time besides home and work or school). Young people told us they value: • Comfortable, well-designed spaces, natural light and a mix of quiet areas and group spaces • Friendly, respectful, and helpful staff, being treated like a “normal” person, not monitored or judged • Feeling welcome even when staying for long periods

They would like: • Later opening and fewer early “clear out” practices before closing • More hang-out and study spaces, compared to older residents who often request more space for collections. • Easier membership sign-up options

It's so important to have a third space to work or be in after school/work that doesn't cost money and has a sense of community. Age 17 youth survey

They see the library as: • Safe for LGBTQIA+ people • Welcoming for neurodivergent young people • Accessible for those with disability • Inclusive regardless of income

We need more seating area for the size of the building, there is not alot of seating area, if you go there after school, you rarely find a place to sit or work, unless you have an early mark. Culture Counts survey 2026

It’d be great if the Stanmore library was bigger and took up more of the unused reserve it sits on. Culture Counts survey 2026

I love how it is very laid back. As a student I love how I am able to come after school and stay with my friends having light fun. Culture Counts survey 2026

Feel there could be better hours particularly for young people to study and have a safe space they don’t need to spend money to access. Culture Counts survey 2026

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Opportunities for Council’s libraries We will strengthen the crucial role of libraries as third places through trialling extended opening hours at Marrickville Library. We will respond to seasonal needs by dedicating all available programming spaces for group study use during the peak HSC period (September to November), when study space is at capacity. We will continue to strengthen our youth collections and spaces to reflect young people's interests, identities and learning needs, including diverse resources, emerging formats, creative technologies and contemporary reading trends. We will explore self-service book lockers for 24/7 borrowing and returns, particularly in areas

without a physical library such as Newtown, Summer Hill, Lewisham and Lilyfield. We will investigate creating new community space at Stanmore Library by expanding the existing building. In partnership with University of Sydney, we will support delivery of the ‘Experience and Service Design’ course. Students will investigate how libraries can build on their already valuable role to develop further as care infrastructure that supports community health and wellbeing. To meet the needs of our growing population in the future, we will plan for new library spaces, especially in Leichhardt and Bays West.

Expanding programming for older teens and young adults Older youth (18–24) told us: • Most programs feel aimed at children or older adults • There are limited creative, skills-based, or peer-oriented activities for their age group

Young Creatives Awards

We will extend programming for the growing population of 18-24 year olds through collaborations and continue the expansion of the Young Creative Awards in art, writing and film. We will provide opportunities for young people to lead library programming through the annual Youth Takeover event and engage young people as content creators for peer led promotion of library, programs and services.

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Library collections Our library collections help children and young people learn, explore their interests and develop a lifelong love of reading. Through a diverse range of books, digital resources, educational materials and multilingual collections, libraries support literacy, learning, creativity and personal development from early childhood through to young adulthood. v

My family relies on the inner west library network for our children's learning, embracing their interests and opening their minds to new ideas and experiences. The library is something that ignites joy in my family and it's become a mainstay in our weekly routine. - Culture Counts survey 2026

Rainbow Families at Libraries

We will continue to strengthen our youth collections and spaces to reflect young people's interests, identities and learning needs, including diverse resources, emerging formats, creative technologies and contemporary reading trends.

I visit weekly to borrow board books to read to [my young granddaughters] and l also like taking them to the Library to enjoy the children's space with the sensory wall, bright space and child-friendly furniture. Culture Counts survey 2026

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Library programs We provide an extensive range of programs for 0-24 year olds and all-ages programming that attracts multigenerational audiences. These diverse initiatives which foster diverse community participation include: • Supporting early literacy and family engagement through regular under 5’s programs such as Storytime and Book Buddies • Collaborating with young people and the wider community to co-design programs that reflect their interests, aspirations and lived experiences • Showcasing and celebrating the Inner West's identity as a vibrant creative hub through arts and cultural programming for young people I love the kids programming (Book Buddies), the 1000 books before school challenge which our family has been really enjoying, and the fact that the Library has a great children's book collection. Culture Counts survey 2026

Drag Storytime

• Building social connection through intergenerational programs that bring people together around shared interests, including regular art programs for young adults (18-25 years) and seniors • Providing free and equitable access to a diverse range of HSC support programs, helping students access educational opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach • Delivering inclusive and targeted programs that promote access, participation and belonging, including tabletop gaming sessions, craft programs for neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ young people, youth-focused literary events, and regular all-abilities workshops.

I love how much it’s suited to being a young/new mum, that I can bring my toddler there on rainy days, it’s so welcoming of young babies/families. Culture Counts survey 2026

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Young Creatives Awards The Young Creatives Awards is an annual creative competition open to young people aged 12 to 25 who live, work, or study in the Inner West. Participants can submit original works in writing, visual arts, or film, providing a platform to showcase emerging creative talent. The program aims to nurture and support young people pursuing creative interests by creating pathways into the creative industries, facilitating professional connections with Inner West creative networks, and encouraging engagement with library collections and cultural resources. Awards are presented across three age categories: 12-15 years, 16-18 years, and 19-25 years.

Young Creatives Awards 2024

The competition offers valuable professional and creative development opportunities, with finalists having the chance to see their work published in an anthology, exhibited at the Chrissie Cotter Gallery, or screened in a cinema. Beyond recognising creative achievement, the Young Creatives Awards program serves as a launchpad for emerging artists and creators. Previous finalists have gone on to be commissioned for Inner West Council marketing campaigns and have facilitated creative workshops for young people within the library, demonstrating the program's capacity to support ongoing engagement and career development in the creative sector.

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

SNAPSHOT: Youth Alliance Library Roundtable In February 2025, Council hosted the Inner West Youth Alliance Library Roundtable. All local services and organisations who work with young people were invited. More than 42 people attended including NSW Department of Education School Support Officers and NSW Police Youth Liaison Officers. The group explored opportunities to integrate Council’s Library service with broader youth services through collaboration and strategic

partnerships. Discussions focused on creating safe and welcoming spaces for young people, engaging non-library users and non-readers, and developing effective marketing approaches to increase awareness and participation. Participants also considered potential partnerships with youth organisations and shared their ideas to strengthen youth engagement with library services.

SNAPSHOT: Young Leaders Library workshop In May 2025, Library staff held a workshop with our Young Leaders Local Democracy Group to obtain feedback on Inner West Libraries and how to maximise their value for young people. The Young Leaders suggested ideas including advice about suitable spaces for study groups, youth book clubs, arts and craft materials, essay writing, creative writing and media programs, high school outreach and HSC programs, author events for youth, theatre-related programs, ceramics and photography. They also ranked what they valued most in the library, (where 1 is the highest rank): 1.

Studying, learning new skills, conducting research

Borrowing books or other materials

Youth Oil Pastels workshop with Augustine Flett at Marrickville Library

3. Using technology, such as a public computer, scanners or printers 4. Attending an event or program 5. Reading for leisure in the library 6. Accessing Wi-Fi, the internet or charging facilities 7.

Working. E.g. remote work, freelance tasks / Receiving help with forms

8. Hiring a space or meeting room / Attending a regular program e.g. book club or gaming The feedback directly influenced programming and actions in this strategy.

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Library service actions 2026-30 Goal

Actions

Deliver free, inclusive and accessible programs across library locations that reflect young people’s diversity and encourage participation.

Trial extended operating hours for 12 months at Marrickville Library and explore self-service library book lockers at selected locations

Provide access to current technology for children and young people at libraries

Provide a sense of place for young people with history programs and site studies tied to the NSW school curriculum

Provide opportunities for young people to lead library programming through the annual Youth Takeover event

Regularly consult with young people to ensure they have input into library collections and programs including through Culture Counts

Engage young people as content creators for peer led promotion of library, programs and services to boost young people's library membership.

Support children and young people to engage in Council’s cultural programs including the continuation and expansion of the Young Creative Awards in art, writing and film

Implement initiative to increase Library membership for young people

Provide library collections in inclusive formats and community languages

Provide safe and welcoming library spaces that are youth friendly and responsive to different needs

Deliver Library programs and collections that engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Provide Library programs and collections for young people with disability, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and who identify as LGBTIQA+

Investigate a community centre and gathering space at Stanmore Library

Advocate for a new library as part of the Bays Precinct development

Provide support materials based on the NSW curriculum for school students through up-to-date print and online resources including the library school resources collection.

Enhance opportunities for young people to obtain library industry placement and Duke of Edinburgh students within the library

Partner with University of Sydney through the Experience and Service Design course in which students will investigate libraries as care infrastructure.

Establish a program of grant writing workshops for young people so they can grow their potential

Review the location of young adult collections and spaces across library branches to better support young people's needs for age-appropriate, welcoming environments

Respond quickly to emerging youth reading trends by agile purchasing of high-demand content, including manga, light novels, BookTok titles and other contemporary formats

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Investigate the expansion of non-traditional book collections alternative formats such as graphic non-fiction and community-created zines that address contemporary issues

Investigate Libraries of Things and digital literacy resources for teenagers and young adults, including technology kits and creative equipment

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Parks, playgrounds, pools, sport and recreation We have an extensive network of parks, playgrounds, pools and sporting facilities. These encourage physical health and active lifestyles, support mental health and wellbeing and increase social connection and community cohesion. Children and young people can take part in a wide range of sports and recreation activities across the Inner West. Council facilities and local clubs support both structured and informal participation in sports such as soccer, AFL, rugby league, netball, cricket and athletics, as well as swimming, cycling and walking. Our indoor recreation centres also provide opportunities for activities like basketball, volleyball, badminton, futsal, pickleball and table tennis.

Young people are passionate about parks and sport Young people nominated sport and recreation, parks and green spaces and community spirit and inclusion as the top three things they were passionate about in the Inner West7 ACYP research and data8 tell us that: • Swimming, soccer, basketball, netball and AFL are some of the most popular sports. More girls and young women are playing sports like soccer and AFL than ever before. • Cost is the main factor influencing sports participation, with high-income families more likely to participate in sports programs. In 2024, only 41% of 18-24 year-olds told us they have enough opportunities to participate in sporting or recreational activities9

SNAPSHOT: Inner West Survey of Recreational Needs for Girls, Young Women and Gender Diverse People 2025 Council invited young women, girls, and gender diverse people aged 12–24 to share their thoughts on recreation, sports, and activities in the Inner West. The aim was to better understand what’s currently enjoyed, what’s missing, and how we can make recreation more fun, inclusive and accessible for everyone. Young people told us: • The most popular activities/exercise were walking or hiking, soccer/futsal, swimming, netball and gym workouts

• Barriers to participation include cost, time constraints, male-dominated spaces, bad weather or outdoor conditions, no one to go with • Top requests were for safe well-lit spaces, especially at night, good facilities (toilets, showers, change rooms), open green space for informal activities or chilling out, indoor options for bad weather and multi-use courts

• The top reasons to participate were for physical health, enjoyment & fun, social connection, mental health and wellbeing, to relax and de-stress

(Young person survey).

NSW Advocate for Children and Young People Consultation Paper NSW Strategic Plan for Children and Young People 2027–2030

Inner West Council community satisfaction research by Micromex 2024

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Opportunities for open space There is increasing pressure on parks, playgrounds and sporting facilities due to population growth, limited open space and high community demand. We will maximise existing spaces by investing in new and upgraded facilities and improving the durability and year-round use of sporting grounds. We’ll embed inclusive and equitable design, including improving female and gender-diverse friendly change rooms and amenities in our sporting facilities, and inclusive playgrounds so everyone can play.

Richard Murden Inclusive Playground

We will deliver programs that ensure children and young people have more opportunities to be active, connect and thrive in our community.

Inclusive playgrounds so everyone can play We are building inclusive playgrounds where children of all abilities can play in Camperdown and Steel Parks. Together with the three already constructed (in King George Park, Rozelle, Richard Murden Reserve, Haberfield, and Yeo Park, Ashfield) these playgrounds will complete Council’s commitment to build one in each ward.

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Leichhardt sports precinct We are creating a sports precinct in Leichhardt through major upgrades of Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre and Leichhardt Oval. The multi-stage upgrade of Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre is designed to secure the facility for the next 50 years. It includes: • New heated 50m Olympic pool and multi-use 25m pool • Children’s splash and play areas and upgraded family facilities • Improved landscaped areas with BBQs, seating and shade

Artist impression of Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre

The $50million upgrade to Leichhardt Oval is a partnership between Council, Federal and State governments. This will see the historic Leichhardt Oval brought up to modern standards for women’s and men’s rugby league, soccer, rugby union and for all forms of community sport.

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Parks, sporting grounds and playgrounds upgrades We have planned significant capital works for the following parks, sporting grounds and playgrounds in the period 2026-30 • Algie Park sporting ground

• Marrickville Park sporting ground

• Arlington Reserve sporting ground and grandstand

• Mort Bay Park and playground

• Ashfield Park sporting ground • Birchgrove Oval floodlighting • Blackmore Park amenities • Camperdown Memorial Rest Park playground • Camperdown Park inclusive playground and sporting ground • Easton Park floodlighting • Elkington Park playground • Henson Park floodlighting and building upgrades • Jarvie Park • JF Laxton lighting • Leichhardt No. 3 Park floodlighting • Leichhardt Park • Loftus Street Dulwich Hill pocket park

Richard Murden Inclusive Playground

• Paringa Reserve • Petersham Park and sporting ground • Pioneer Memorial Park • Pratten Park • Richard Murden Reserve • Steel Park inclusive playground and amenities • Sydenham Green • Tempe Reserve including netball and tennis courts • Wicks Park playground and tennis court

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Parks, Playgrounds and Sporting Field actions 2026-30 Goal

Actions

Deliver Council’s annual playground upgrades program to enhance safe, inclusive play spaces for children.

Deliver park and sporting ground upgrades to provide opportunities for structured and unstructured activities, especially encouraging underrepresented groups to be active and connected in community sport

Investigate the establishment of a Junior Parkrun in the Inner West

Develop an Inner West Playground Strategy

Upgrade the Robyn Webster Sports Centre at Tempe

Create a Leichhardt Sports Precinct through major upgrades to Leichhardt Oval and Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre

Implement 'Kids Play Kids Say' program involving students from nearby schools in consultations for parks upgrades

Convene the Inner West Sports Forum twice per year to enable input and influence from independent groups who use Council facilities, including for hosting sport and programs for children and young people

Support the voice and imagination of children and young people in Council’s parks and public domain planning

Increase opportunities for children and young people to participate in organised sport and recreational activities, particularly socially excluded children and young people

Construct inclusive playgrounds in Camperdown and Steel Parks so children of all abilities can play

Convert one pocket park in each ward into a sensory garden for local children and residents with neurodiversity

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Aquatics and Indoor Recreation Centres Inner West’s five aquatic centres are highly valued community assets, attracting around 2 million visits annually. They play a key role in supporting the health, wellbeing and development of children and young people. Our aquatics centres provide accessible spaces for active play, swimming, skill-building and social connection through learn-to-swim programs, fitness classes and gym equipment, school activities and opportunities for informal time with friends and family.

Free learn to swim classes for vulnerable children Our aquatic centres provide essential water safety lessons. According to the Royal Life Saving Society Australia, nearly half of children aged 1112 years can’t swim 50m and one in ten children aged 5-14 have never had a swimming lesson. Council offers learn to swim classes for babies, children and young people. Recognising that some families can’t afford learn to swim classes, Council partnered with Sydney Airport to provide free lessons for eligible children.

“Access to a free, communitybased program of this quality has made a significant difference for the family, who may not otherwise have been able to engage in ongoing lessons.” The Benevolent Society, Child, Youth and Family Practitioner Indoor recreation centres We have two indoor recreation centres: • The Robyn Webster Sports Centre is a large indoor and outdoor sporting complex located in Tempe Recreation Reserve, supporting organised sport, training and community use. • The Debbie and Abbie Borgia Centre (PCYC Marrickville) is a multi-purpose indoor recreation and community facility with a broader mix of sport, programs and community use. Council will scope a major upgrade of the Robyn Webster Centre which is at capacity while demand for indoor courts is increasing. We will also implement place-based youth services through partnerships and existing infrastructure including at Marrickville south, Summer Hill and Balmain.

All abilities sporting day

PCYC sporting Marrickville All abilities day

The all abilities sporting day is an inclusive come and try event for young people with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities to try activities.

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Aquatics and Recreation actions 2026-30 Goal

Actions

Deliver inclusive and affordable programs for children and young people at Council's recreation centres

Schedule school holiday fitness programs at Council's aquatic and recreation centres

Provide fitness programs such as strength and conditioning for young people

Provide safe and inclusive events such as Trans and Gender Diverse Swim Nights at aquatic centres

Implement the Young People Aquatics Membership category which enables younger teens to access Council gyms without parental supervision

Partner with Royal Life Saving Society to deliver annual junior Life Saving Clinics

Deliver Learn to Swim classes and swimming squads at Council's aquatics centres to increase water safety and confidence for young people and children

Implement Sydney Airport-Inner West Council child and young people water safety program to provide swimming lessons for people at risk of non-participation in Learn to Swim programs

Host school swimming carnivals at Council's aquatics centres

See also: Inner West Recreation Strategy 2023-32

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Community safety Safety is essential for children and young people’s health, wellbeing and participation. Children and young people who feel safe are more likely to use public spaces, participate in sport and recreation, access services and engage in community life. Creating safe, inclusive and welcoming environments helps build confidence, strengthens social connections and supports children and young people to thrive as active members of the community. ACYP research and data tell us: • Vibrant, safe and well-designed public spaces support wellbeing. • 1 in 3 women under 25 years feel unsafe in public spaces after dark, compared to 1 in 10 young men. • Children and young people say: • Safety in public spaces at night, including in streets, parks and on transport, is a common worry.

I’m super passionate about feeling safe in my community, I want to be able to walk home or walk around at night and not feel unsafe or have to worry if some person is going to try to do something to me. Age 13 Annandale

"Better / improved street lighting and signage in quieter suburbs/streets" Youth summit participant

Our Community Satisfaction Research found that young people are more likely than older people to feel safer in the Inner West at night. One hundred percent of the 18-24 year olds in our Community Satisfaction Research said they felt safe both during the day and at night. However, safety was raised by many teens and children in our survey and Youth Summit. The key request was for better lighting, particularly around parks, dark or quiet streets, and train stations. Well-lit spaces feel safer. Young women particularly highlighted concerns about walking alone at night, poorly lit streets and public transport after dark. School routes were highlighted as places where lighting, crossings and traffic calming measures could improve safety. We will continue to upgrade our public domain, building in safety through design. And we will continue our Main Street Blitz program to enhance public domain safety, cleanliness, and presentation.

“Reclaim back lanes for kids! The reason why I chose this idea is because before I was born kids used to play on the street carelessly without needing to worry a car was gonna speed down every 5min. I would love to see more kids my age older and younger be playing in the back lanes!” Age 11, Newtown

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Safer Journeys to School program Every day, thousands of children across the Inner West walk, ride, scoot or are driven to and from school. We have commenced a project to talk to families, children and young people around every school in the Inner West to see how we can improve pedestrian and traffic safety around

each school. We will map and review infrastructure, traffic behaviours, and pedestrian crossings to prioritise upgrades. The program will be implemented throughout the period of this strategy. "I’m very passionate about road safety for my road for it is a dangerous street for all of us kids and community” Age 16, Balmain

Child safe standards We are committed to making sure children and young people are safe and supported wherever they connect with Council. In line with the NSW Child Safe Standards and legal requirements, child safety is built into our policies, programs, services and facilities, helping to create environments where children and young people feel heard, included and protected. Child safety is everyone's responsibility. Through our Child Safe Framework, Council works to

embed child safe practices across all areas of service delivery, from early learning, libraries and recreation programs to community spaces and events. This includes ensuring staff and volunteers are appropriately screened and trained, responding effectively to concerns, managing risks, and creating environments where children and young people can participate safely and confidently in community life.

Community safety actions 2026-30 Goal

Actions

Implement Safer Journeys to School program to improve pedestrian and traffic safety around schools

Deliver the Main Street blitz program, to ensure enhanced public domain safety, cleanliness, and presentation

Hold free workshops to support parents and supervisors of young people learning to drive

Embed Child Safety policy, practices and procedures across Council operations

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Planning for our growing population Many young people want to live in the Inner West, but Australia’s housing supply crisis means affording a home is harder than ever before. Young people say10: • Affordable rentals close to work, TAFE or universities are hard to find • Increasing living costs and housing prices are keeping young people from moving out of home • The competitive rental market causes stress and anxiety

Our Fairer Future Plan Council developed Our Fairer Future Plan to meet the needs of our growing population by allowing around 27,000 new homes in the Inner West local government area over the next 15 years.

“More areas dedicated to mixed use and low cost housing, especially in places close to valuable services such as train stations and light rail stops.” Age 16, Croydon Park

Council will also invest more than $500 million in the infrastructure our growing community needs, like new open spaces, upgrading existing open space, active transport links, community facilities like libraries and community centres and improved public spaces. The plan will help young people, renters and essential workers find a home in the Inner West.

“Our Fairer Future plan will stop the exodus of young people and essential workers from the Inner West and make sure that in the decades to come our children and grandchildren can have a home in the community they love.” Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne

“We should build up. Make the most of space.” Young People Climate Workshop participant

“More housing for lowerincome people, and housing options for homeless people.” Age 12, Ashfield

Supporting innovation and employment Inner West Tech+ Startup partnership Tech Central is Australia’s largest innovation and technology precinct. It extends from Central Station to Camperdown and focuses on innovation, research and development. The location was chosen as it is close to Royal Prince

Alfred Hospital (RPA) and Sydney University. As this precinct matures over time, there will be opportunities for young people to participate through internships and work experience opportunities, as well as future job prospects from high-growth startups to global tech giants.

NSW Advocate for Children and Young People Consultation Paper NSW Strategic Plan for Children and Young People 2027–2030

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Strategic Planning actions 2026-30 Goal

Actions

Implement Our Fairer Future Plan - Plan for increased housing and associated community infrastructure that meets the needs of children, young people and their families

Deliver the Inner West Tech+ Startup partnership which will provide opportunities for local talent

Advocate for a new library as part of the Bays Precinct development

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Jobs and skills Council has a key role as a local employer, offering roles in a range of areas, from casual to permanent positions. • ACYP research and data tell us that: • Many young people don’t know what jobs or careers are available • Young people say: • They don’t have enough knowledge on workplace rights, discrimination, obligations, awards and wages In our consultations, young people suggested Council could host workshops to assist with skills development. We will work with young people to identify areas of need and deliver a range of workshops to help young people increase their skills and employability. We will also continue to provide traineeships and apprenticeships across Council services, including for people with disability, as well as offer opportunities for work experience.

Workshops We will deliver a range of workshops. Opportunities identified to date include White Card training, budgeting, tax, superannuation, resume building and interview skills, with more to come. We will work with young people to identify the areas in which they’d most like to receive training and skills.

Queer Careers

Careers Expos In June 2026 Council partnered with headspace to run Australia’s first Queer Careers expo at Ashfield Town Hall. Over 700 people attended as well as schools, community groups and over 60 organisations looking to recruit staff. In August 2026, Council put local government careers in the spotlight at the University of Sydney's Graduate Jobs and Internships Spring Fair, reaching more than 2,500 students keen to explore their career options. We will continue to participate in local careers expos, including those held by schools, to promote pathways to careers at Council.

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Jobs and skills actions 2026-30 Goal

Actions

Provide opportunities for young people to access Council traineeships and apprenticeships

Represent Council at local careers expos including those held by schools to promote pathways to careers at Council

Provide opportunities for young people to undertake work experience at Council

Enable young people to develop and grow their individual potential with the exploration of pathway opportunities for young entrepreneurs, small business and startups through Council programs and events

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Monitoring and resourcing Monitoring and evaluation Over the life of this four-year strategy, we will provide an annual snapshot of progress for the elected Council and community. The progress reports will also form the basis of ongoing engagement with children and young people. In 2030, the strategy will be reviewed, evaluated and renewed, including updating and reporting on indicators of success. The review will include engagement with children and young people, local organisations and Council’s delivery partners, alignment to state and federal government plans, local, state and national research, and local data and information collation.

Resourcing our strategy We are committed to delivering this strategy in a financially sustainable way. The Action Plan outlines the funding status for each initiative. The majority of actions are fully funded through Council operations, sometimes with external partner funding. Some actions are subject to future funding, as shown in the Action Plan. We will work in partnership with local organisations and government agencies to maximise impact and support shared outcomes. We will also actively pursue external funding opportunities to expand and enhance our work. By continuing to invest in children and young people, we support a connected, inclusive and resilient community, and contribute to stronger social and economic outcomes over time.

Indicators of success We will monitor internal and external indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of our actions in achieving our goals for children and young people. We will report changes at the end of the Strategy in 2030. Changes in the indicators may be due to many external factors and interrelated areas that influence these outcomes

Inner West Community Satisfaction Survey Our Community Satisfaction Survey is undertaken every few years by an independent researcher. It allows measurement over time of a range of service satisfaction and life in the Inner West measures. For this strategy, we track responses from those in age group 18-24 years.

Baseline - 2024 data Area

18-24 years (%)

Satisfaction with youth programs and activities

Sense of safety in the area during the day

100

Sense of safety in the area at night

100

Overall satisfaction with Council

Overall rating of Council’s community engagement good to excellent

Overall rating of Council’s integrity and decision-making

The Inner West area is a good place to live

100

Inner West is a harmonious, respectful and inclusive community

There are enough good quality open spaces

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

I feel a part of my local community

I have enough opportunities to participate in sporting or recreational activities

I have enough opportunities to participate in arts and cultural activities

20*

Local town centres are vibrant and economically healthy

I have enough opportunities to participate in Council’s community consultation

15*

Housing in the area is affordable

(*significantly lower than the general population)

Library Culture Counts data The Public Libraries Evaluation Network (PLEN) is a nation-wide data collection initiative designed to help libraries better understand and illustrate their value. Delivered in partnership with Culture Counts and Public Libraries Australia, it helps public libraries across Australia collect

community feedback, measure social impact, and benchmark performance against peers. The data collects information on participants in a range of age groups. For this strategy, we track responses from those in groups ‘under 20’ and ’20-29 years’.

Baseline - 2026 data Net Promoter Score (NPS)

Under 20 years

20-29 years

Under 20 years (%)

20-29 years (%)

Role: The Library is an important part of the place where I live

Safe and Trusted: I feel safe and welcome when using the library service

Literacy: My library experience has encouraged me to read more

Learning: The library has helped me to enjoy learning

Relevance: The library is changing in ways that increase its relevance for me

Creativity: The library has helped me be more creative in my own life and work

Skills: The library service has enabled me to learn and gain new skills

Connection: The library has encouraged me to become more engaged in the community

Digital connection: The library helps me to be more digitally connected to others

Enterprise: The library has helped me to improve the success of my business

A positive NPS (i.e. higher than zero) is considered good, while > 50 is excellent. There is an opportunity to improve the NPS for under 20s. Dimension

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Events Council also uses Culture Counts to evaluate events. The table below shows the national benchmark for events, Council’s averages for all

age groups, and scores for the under 20s and 20-29 year olds for two events. This data helps Council understand the impacts of our events.

Baseline 2025/26 data Dimension

National Benchmark

Inner West Council Average 2025/26

Marrickville Music Festival

Mardi Gras Screening

Under 20 / Under 20 / 20-29 20-29 years years

Connection: It helped me feel connected to my community

88.1

59 / 92

81 /93

Inclusion: It made me feel welcome and included

91.11

77 / 94

94 / 94

Early Learning Council surveys families of children who attend our Early Learning service each year. Baseline 2025 data Family satisfaction 94% Eleven out of 18 services achieved 100% satisfaction, up from nine in 2024 Council will establish a young children’s survey – data and baselines to be established 2026/27

Youth Summit Satisfaction with annual Youth Summit – data and baselines to be established 2026/27.

Youth Participation Participation in labour force or education and training /youth unemployment Baseline 2021 (the 2026 Census data will be released in 2027) In 2021, 6.8% of Inner West young people aged 15–24 were not engaged in employment or education, compared to 8.9% in Greater Sydney.

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Early Development Census Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) – children vulnerable in two or more domains The AEDC is a national assessment conducted every three years to examine how children have developed by the time they start school. It looks at five areas of early childhood development: physical health and wellbeing, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills (school-based), and communication skills and general knowledge. For Inner West Council, the results are provided for the areas comprising the three former councils that amalgamated in 2016 to form Inner West (Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville). This is to ensure data consistency and allow comparison with the original set data set.

We can also drill down to the suburb level. Inner West suburbs with highest rates of vulnerability are St Peters, Lewisham and Summer Hill. The AEDC data can help: • discover how well early childhood programs are preparing children for school • develop target resources and services to support children's and families' wellbeing. We track progress in the AEDC to determine areas of the Inner West where we should focus investment and to help assess if our programs are effective.

AEDC percentage of children developmentally vulnerable in one or two areas (baseline 2024 data)

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Action plan Goal 1 - Kindness, connection and wellbeing

Lead team

Timeline

Funding status

0 to 6 years

5 to 11 years

12 to 17 years

18 to 24 years

Schedule school holiday fitness programs at Council's aquatic and recreation centres

Aquatics and Recreation

Ongoing

Funded

Provide fitness programs such as strength and conditioning for young people

Aquatics and Recreation

Ongoing

Funded

Deliver inclusive and affordable programs for children and young people at Council's recreation centres

Aquatics and Recreation

Ongoing

Funded

Deliver Council’s annual playground upgrades program to enhance safe, inclusive play spaces for children.

Capital Works

Ongoing

Funded

Capital Works

Ongoing

Funded

Implement place-based youth services through partnerships, focusing on Marrickville south, Balmain and Summer Hill

Community Wellbeing

Ongoing

Funded (DCJ)

Assess options for the ongoing management and operation of Summer Hill Neighbourhood Centre by Inner West Council

Community Wellbeing

Ongoing

Funded

Deliver Council’s annual Youth Week program to celebrate young people and support their participation across the Inner West.

Community Wellbeing

Ongoing

Funded (DCJ)

Provide information, advice and referral to children, young people and their families to access social services

Community Wellbeing

Ongoing

Funded (DCJ)

Promote information, resources and events to improve mental health and wellbeing

Community Wellbeing

Ongoing

Funded (DCJ)

Hold an annual festival focusing on the needs of Inner West children that includes a mix of creative workshops, interactive games, art activities, and sports challenges.

Creative Communities

Ongoing

Funded

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Deliver the Magic Yellow Bus free mobile playgroup providing inclusive, play-based learning and connection for young children and their families five days per week in local parks

Early Learning

Ongoing

Funded

Deliver free Toy Swap sessions that support family connection and reuse of pre-loved toys.

Early Learning

Ongoing

Funded

Provide opportunities for young people to participate in ecological, monitoring and environmental restoration activities such as Bush Care, National Tree Planting Day and wildlife monitoring.

Environment

Ongoing

Funded

Environment

Ongoing

Funded

Develop an interactive excursion program at the Inner West Sustainability Hub focused on recycling and the circular economy through the Sustainable Schools Network

Environment

Ongoing

Funded

Hold regular workshops and activities at the Inner West Sustainability Hub for children and young people

Environment

Ongoing

Funded

Deliver Inner West Re-Fest (sustainability festival) at the Inner West Sustainability Hub

Environment

Annual

Funded

Environment

Ongoing

Funded

Deliver free, inclusive and accessible programs across library locations that reflect young people’s diversity and encourage participation.

Library

Ongoing

Funded

Trial extended opening hours for 12 months at Marrickville Library and explore self-service library book lockers including at Newtown, Summer Hill, Lewisham and Lilyfield

Library

2026/27

Future budget

Provide access to current technology for children and young people at libraries

Library

Ongoing

Funded

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Provide a sense of place for young people with history programs and site studies tied to the NSW school curriculum

Library

Ongoing

Funded

Upgrade the Robyn Webster Sports Centre at Tempe

Major Projects

Ongoing

Future budget

Create a Leichhardt Sports Precinct through major upgrades to Leichhardt Oval and Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre

Major Projects

Ongoing

Funded (Federal and State grants)

Office of Sport and Parks Liaison

2026/27

Funded

Parks and Public Domain Planning

2026/27

Funded

Investigate the establishment of a Junior Parkrun in the Inner West

Develop an Inner West Playground Strategy

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Goal 2 - Voice, agency and participation

Lead team

Timeline

Funding status

0 to 6 years

5 to 11 years

12 to 17 years

18 to 24 years

Implement 'Kids Play Kids Say' program involving students from nearby schools in consultations for parks upgrades

Capital Works

Ongoing

Funded

Improve information on Council's website targeted to children and young people, including services available by ward

Communications and Engagement

Ongoing

Funded

Promote the range of specialist organisations for children and young people that are available in the Inner West on Council’s website and social media

Communications and Engagement

Ongoing

Funded

Coordinate the Young Leaders Local Democracy Group to provide input to Council on key issues including policy challenges

Community Wellbeing

Ongoing

Funded

Involve young people in the planning, promotion, and implementation of Youth Week events.

Community Wellbeing

Annual

Funded (DCJ)

Strengthen Council's relationship with schools through enhanced internal collaboration

Community Wellbeing

Ongoing

Funded

Build on the success of Council's inaugural Youth Summit by holding an annual event to elevate the voices of children and young people in shaping Council's planning and delivery

Community Wellbeing

Ongoing

Funded (DCJ)

Provide mentoring opportunities for emerging young artists in the Perfect Match Street Art program to create public works

Creative Communities

Ongoing

Funded

Encourage young people's participation in the Beyond the Studio pilot program, which empowers artists to identify business and audience development opportunities that best fit their needs

Creative Communities

Ongoing

Funded

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Increase opportunities for young people to engage in Council’s Art and Cultural programming to support their increased participation

Creative Communities

Ongoing

Funded

Develop an ageappropriate child survey for Early Learning attendees to give voice to young children

Early Learning

2026/27

Funded

Host the Sustainable Schools Network to share sustainability skills and learning resources, find local opportunities and inspire ideas among young people

Environment

Ongoing

Funded

Provide opportunities for young people to lead library programming through the annual Youth Takeover event

Library

Annual

Funded

Regularly consult with young people to ensure they have input into library collections and programs including through Culture Counts

Library

Ongoing

Funded

Engage young people as content creators for peer led promotion of library, programs and services to boost young people's library membership.

Library

Ongoing

Funded

Implement initiative to increase Library membership for young people

Library

Ongoing

Funded

Support children and young people to engage in Council’s cultural programs including the continuation and expansion of the Young Creative Awards in art, writing and film

Library

Ongoing

Funded

Office of Sport and Parks Liaison

Biannual

Funded

Support the voice and imagination of children and young people in Council’s parks and public domain planning

Parks and Public Domain Planning

Ongoing

Funded

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Goal 3 - Safety, respect and inclusion

Lead team

Timeline

Funding status

0 to 6 years

5 to 11 years

12 to 17 years

18 to 24 years

Provide safe and inclusive events such as Trans and Gender Diverse Swim Nights at aquatic centres

Aquatics and Recreation

Ongoing

Funded

Implement the Young People Aquatics Membership category which enables younger teens to access Council gyms without parental supervision

Aquatics and Recreation

Ongoing

Funded

Partner with Royal Life Saving Society to deliver annual junior Life Saving Clinics

Aquatics and Recreation

Ongoing

Funded

Deliver Learn to Swim classes and swimming squads at Council's aquatics centres to increase water safety and confidence for young people and children

Aquatics and Recreation

Ongoing

Funded

Implement Sydney AirportInner West Council child and young people water safety program to provide swimming lessons for people at risk of nonparticipation in Learn to Swim programs

Aquatics and Recreation

Ongoing

Funded (Sydney Airport)

Host school swimming carnivals at Council's aquatics centres

Aquatics and Recreation

Ongoing

Funded

Construct inclusive playgrounds in Camperdown and Steel Parks so children of all abilities can play

Capital Works

2026/27

Funded

Deliver Reconciliation Action Week, NAIDOC Week and Aboriginal languages cultural programs

Community Wellbeing

Ongoing

Funded

Support inclusion of LGBTQ+ young people and their families in Mardi Gras celebrations

Community Wellbeing

Annual

Funded

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Collaborate with partners on the School as Community Centre (SaCC) initiative based at Marrickville West Public School, to support children's development and community participation

Community Wellbeing

Ongoing

Funded

Facilitate collaboration, information sharing and partnership development between organisations that support children, young people and families in the Inner West

Community Wellbeing

Ongoing

Funded

Provide inclusion supports such as Auslan interpreters and safe sensory zones at community events

Creative Communities

Ongoing

Funded

Support arts and cultural planning that includes young people particularly those from marginalised groups

Creative Communities

Ongoing

Funded

Showcase local innovation and creative risk taking in programming, including new technologies, with young emerging artists

Creative Communities

Ongoing

Funded

Deliver intergenerational activities in Early Learning Centres and Magic Yellow Bus

Early Learning

Ongoing

Funded

Provide allied health practitioner services in Early Learning Centres to support children's inclusion and educators' professional development

Early Learning

Ongoing

Funded

Encourage intergenerational language and education projects for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, including evaluating Early Learning programs

Early Learning

Ongoing

Funded

Program activities to celebrate dates of significance such as Children’s Week, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day and International Day of People with Disability

Early Learning

Ongoing

Funded

Embed Child Safety policy, practices and procedures across Council operations

Governance

Ongoing

Funded

Provide library collections in inclusive formats and community languages

Library

Ongoing

Funded

Provide safe and welcoming library spaces that are youth friendly and responsive to different needs

Funded Library

Ongoing

Deliver library programs and collections that engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Library

Ongoing

Funded

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Provide Library programs and collections for young people with disability, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and who identify as LGBTIQA+

Library

Ongoing

Funded

Increase opportunities for children and young people to participate in organised sport and recreational activities, particularly socially excluded children and young people

Office of Sport and Parks Liaison

Ongoing

Funded

Deliver the Main Street blitz program, to ensure enhanced public domain safety, cleanliness and presentation

Operations

Ongoing

Funded

Convert one pocket park in each ward into a sensory garden for local children and residents with neurodiversity

Parks and Public Domain Planning

2026-28

Funded

Accommodate organisations who provide services to children and young people including early education, out-of-schoolhours-care and playgroups in Council spaces through lease and hire agreements

Properties and Strategic Investments

Ongoing

Funded

Hold free workshops to support parents and supervisors of young people learning to drive

Traffic and Transport Planning

Ongoing

Funded

Provide cultural learning for young people in the new Aboriginal Community Hub

Social and Cultural Planning

Ongoing

Funded

Implement Safer Journeys to School program to improve pedestrian and traffic safety around schools

Traffic and Transport Planning

Ongoing

Funded

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Goal 4 – Hope and opportunity

Lead team

Timeline

Funding status

0 to 6 years

5 to 11 years

12 to 17 years

18 to 24 years

Deliver educational workshops and programs to build knowledge and skills for pathways to employment and increased social inclusion

Community Wellbeing

Ongoing

Funded (DCJ)

Provide opportunities for young musicians to perform at Council events and live music activations

Creative Communities

Ongoing

Funded

Provide support for young creative entrepreneurs and young emerging artists through networks, professional development and Council’s mentorship programs

Creative Communities

Ongoing

Funded

Provide high quality learning and care through Council's early learning centres, occasional care and family day care

Early Learning

Ongoing

Funded

Deliver programs to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Early Learning educator wellbeing and professional development

Early Learning

Ongoing

Funded

Provide early learning programming activities that support best practice approaches such as visits to exhibitions

Early Learning

Ongoing

Funded

Support industry upskilling through a mentoring program for inexperienced Early Learning educators e.g. employment of Ability Advocate trainees and TAFE student trainees.

Early Learning

Ongoing

Funded

Host creative arts practitioners in early learning centres to build educator capability in using innovative materials and strengthen confidence in creative arts for both children and educators.

Early Learning

Ongoing

Funded (HDP and Start Strong)

Host physical education specialists to deliver inclusive programs and build educators’ capability to embed inclusive physical education in the early childhood curriculum

Early Learning

Ongoing

Funded (HDP grant)

Economic Development

Ongoing

Funded

Environment

Ongoing

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Investigate a community centre and gathering space at Stanmore Library

Library

Ongoing

Future budget

Provide support materials based on the NSW curriculum for school students through up-todate print and online resources including the library school resources collection.

Library

Ongoing

Funded

Enhance opportunities for young people to obtain library industry placement and Duke of Edinburgh students within the library

Library

Ongoing

Funded

Establish a program of grant writing workshops for young people so they can grow their potential

Library

Ongoing

Funded

Review the location of young adult collections and spaces across library branches to better support young people's needs for age-appropriate, welcoming environments

Library

Ongoing

Funded

Respond quickly to emerging youth reading trends by agile purchasing of high-demand content, including manga, light novels, BookTok titles and other contemporary formats

Library

Ongoing

Funded

Investigate the expansion of non-traditional book collections alternative formats such as graphic non-fiction and community-created zines that address contemporary issues

Library

Ongoing

Funded

Investigate Libraries of Things and digital literacy resources for teenagers and young adults, including technology kits and creative equipment

Library

Ongoing

Future budget

Partner with University of Sydney through the Experience and Service Design course in which students will investigate libraries as care infrastructure.

Library

2026/27

Funded

Provide opportunities for young people to access Council traineeships and apprenticeships

People and Culture

Ongoing

Funded (OLG)

Represent Council at local careers expos including those held by schools to promote pathways to careers at Council

People and Culture

Ongoing

Funded

Provide opportunities for young people to undertake work experience at Council

People and Culture

Ongoing

Funded

Provide a grants program that delivers benefits for children and young people across a range of streams

Social and Cultural Planning

Annual

Funded

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

Implement Our Fairer Future Plan - Plan for increased housing and associated community infrastructure that meets the needs of children, young people and their families

Strategic Planning

Ongoing

Funded

Deliver the Inner West Tech+ Startup partnership which will provide opportunities for local talent

Strategic Planning

2026-2029

Funded

Advocate for a new library as part of the Bays Precinct development

Strategic Planning

2026-2030

Future budget

Inner West Children and People Strategy 2026-2030

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