13 Feb 2023
Senior Youth Workers appointed to work across schools
Michelle Colebourne is still fairly new to Canberra, but has a long history supporting young people.
Originally from Western Australia, Michelle has worked as a youth justice officer, a primary school teacher, a youth worker and after moving to Canberra in June has been working in the community sector.
But as one of five newly appointed Senior Youth Workers in the Education Directorate, Michelle is ready to put those skills and experiences to use across the ACT public school system.
“Youth work, for me, has always been a very important role,” Michelle said.
“Young people don’t always have an even playing field. With youth work, that’s where we as experienced adults can cater to the needs of that young person. Youth work is youth focused, it is client focused, so everything we do revolves around that young person.
“I think it is important we give young people that even playing field so they can make the most of their educational opportunity and grow for success. That’s what we’re all aiming for.”
Michelle and our new team of Senior Youth Workers will go into schools and work with the school-based youth workers and support staff to provide extra support to them in doing their jobs, acting not only as mentors and guides but also as linkages to the community sector.
“We support youth workers in schools so that they can support young people in schools,” Michelle said. “I want staff in our schools to feel like they have that support and that guidance from us.”
“It’s all about bringing more supports around young people, whether it is education or youth work, so they can have their highest level of achievement and success for the future.”
Student wellbeing is embedded in the ACT school curriculum and is a key component of the Future of Education Strategy. Our network of youth workers has a key role to play in supporting young people on their learning journey.
“One thing about youth work is that the work that we do can be invisible,” Michelle said.
“Youth workers have that time to build rapport with young people. They build on relationships and because of those relationships they have successes with young people.
“When you see the impact you have on a young person, that is quite rewarding. I’m a very big believer that one person’s influence can change a young person’s trajectory.
“Teachers know that too, we have an impact on young people. Youth workers also have an impact on young people. Everyone I’ve always seen in youth work has that 100% commitment to working with young people and are very passionate about it.”
Youth workers form part of wellbeing teams in ACT public schools which provide access for young people to allied health professionals. These teams collectively work towards meeting the wellbeing needs of students at universal, selected and targeted levels.
For more information on the wellbeing supports available at your school, please contact your school.