A Child and Young People Friendly City
Monash Council is committed to being a Child and Young People Friendly City (CYPFC) and has endorsed the Victorian Charter for Child Friendly Cities and Communities.
As a result, we have put in place a number of strategies to ensure we view and interact with children as active citizens of Monash.
Monash Student Space
In 2019, we introduced a newsletter aimed at school-aged children living and studying in Monash. For more information, email childfriendly@monash.vic.gov.au or call 0459 868 952.
Subscribe to receive the Monash Student Space Newsletter
Newsletters
2023
Monash Student Space: October 2023
Monash Student Space: March 2023
2022
Monash Student Space: August 2022
Monash Student Space: April 2022
Monash Student Space: January 2022
2021
Monash Student Space: October 2021
Monash Student Space: April 2021
Monash Student Space: January 2021
2020
Monash Student Space: October 2020
Monash Student Space: July 2020
Monash Student Space: Special Edition - May 2020
Monash Student Space: Issue 4 - March 2020
Contribute
The content for each newsletter is selected and written by children, and most of the decisions regarding the look and feel of the bulletin are made by the committee of students that oversee the publication of each newsletter.
If any primary or secondary school students would like to contribute to the newsletter please email childfriendly@monash.vic.gov.au for more information.
Junior Advisory Group
There are 2 Junior Advisory Group sessions a year. Four primary schools participate per session, with 4 students per school attending on the day.
More information: Junior Advisory Group
Note to teachers:
Expressions of Interest are now open for 2023. Email childfriendly@monash.vic.gov.au to secure a spot for your Grade 4 students.
Volunteering opportunities for children
Children have told us that they want an opportunity to participate and support their community.
Whenever a child or young person-friendly opportunity becomes available, we will post it here.
Keep a look out on this page, visit our sustainability pages, as well as Monash Youth Services for more opportunities to make a difference in Monash.
You can also ask your school to email childfriendly@monash.vic.gov.au or call 0459 868 952 for further information.
Child Friendly Cities and Communities
As a member of the Child Friendly Cities and Communities Advisory Group, Monash Council supports organisations in their journey to become child-friendly. A framework has been developed as a guide.
Use the framework to gain insight into the potential activity involved in aligning your organisation with the Victorian Charter for Child Friendly Cities and Communities.
The central idea is that by following the suggested framework, children become active citizens of their community.
The Advisory Group meets quarterly and welcomes new member applications annually.
For more information, email childfriendly@monash.vic.gov.au, call 0459 868 952 or refer to the CFCC Advisory Group Contact list in the pack.
Framework pack – Child Friendly Cities and Communities(PDF, 3MB)
Victorian Charter
The Victorian Charter for Child Friendly Cities and Communities has been developed specifically for local governments, organisations and individuals to take action. The Charter is a statement of the principles and actions that underpin the right to be considered child-friendly.
The Charter is consistent with state, national and international protocols and embraces rights that are embedded in the Convention of the Rights of a Child ( 1990), the Chiba Declaration for a Child Friendly Asia Pacific (2009), UNICEF’s Building Blocks for developing a Child Friendly City (2004) and the Victorian Human Rights and Responsibilities Charter (2006).
Recognising the need for increased participation by children and young people in decision-making forums and creating child-friendly environments, we support the following principles:
- Freedom for children to experience environments that consider their needs.
- Respect and dignity for children to express their individual opinions, participate in and contribute to decisions about their communities and their wellbeing.
- Equitable access to supportive environments and services for children regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or ability.
More information