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Ausyouth was a youth initiative funded by the Commonwealth Department of Family and Community Services (FaCS). It was established to bring together, work with, and assist, collaboration between governments, business and community organisations with a common interest in youth development. Ausyouth’s work to facilitate and coordinate youth development across Australia culminated in the National Future Directions in Youth Development Forum in July 2002.

This document includes the complete proceedings of the forum, held in Sydney and Adelaide, and provides an outline of future actions to be undertaken in the area of youth development. A keynote address by Karen Pittman, entitled ‘Preventing problems, promoting youth development: competing goals or linked priorities?’, can be found within the document, as can several panel presentations. The discussions held in both states have been synthesised for this report and transformed into proposals for action, the framework of which is based on the ‘nine critical tasks’ identified at the forum. The major themes for action identified and discussed in the paper are found under the subheadings of: Vision; Building cross cutting coordinating bodies; Providing proof: evidence, data, outcomes and indicators; Involvement of young people and communities; Marketing, messages and communications; Capacity building; Model policies and initiatives; Making the case to increase resources; and Technology. Show less

Purpose - In the current knowledge-based economic climate, the success of an organisation is inextricably linked to the individual. This article seeks to consider the key relationships between the individual, lifelong learning, the workplace and employability in the context of the knowledge society. The aim is to extend understanding of these relationships and their impact on future employability. Design/methodology/approach - The paper examines the key relationships between the individual, lifelong learning, the workplace and employability from the perspective of the Programme for University Industry Interface (PUII). Findings - The discussions focus on the implications of the current situation for the future and suggest ecology as a metaphor for the way in which learning is intertwined in a complex environment that incorporates the learner, the workplace, the external company environment and the knowledge repositories. Originality/value - The paper sheds light on these particular issues through the findings of the PUII. The authors also explore potential avenues for advancement or resolution of some issues, e.g. strategies for developing self-directed learners and approaches to workplace learning based on these findings.

Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner. Show less

In recent times, many Indigenous communities have expressed concern for their future and the prospects of their youth. Almost half of Australia’s Indigenous population is under 19, and suffers from extreme disadvantage. A great many of these young people face additional challenges in comparison to their non-indigenous peers, such as: high levels of poverty; social and economic exclusion; low life expectancy; and high levels of youth suicide. Of particular importance is the difficulty many Indigenous youth (and adults) have in accessing employment and assistance in the areas of health, community services, education and training. This discussion paper aims to create awareness of these issues, and discusses how youth development experiences and activities might be made more accessible and culturally relevant to young Indigenous Australians. The paper is organised in two major sections, with the first describing the concept of youth development, and the goals it is hoped young people can achieve, and the second exploring several key themes related to achieving better outcomes for Indigenous young people. Key stakeholders are questioned and give responses and ideas on the various themes. Show less