Launceston and Northern Tasmania's future is in the hands of the young and a number of them have banded together for a Tasmanian-first initiative that will give them a stronger voice.
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The Global Shapers initiative was founded in 2011 and there are 400 hubs, or subgroups, around the world but Tasmania has launched its first hub in Launceston, which is the first hub to be established in regional Australia.
Founded by Launceston education entrepreneur Adam Mostogl, the Launceston Global Shapers hub aims to provide young people with a stronger and united voice on key issues that will affect the future of the city and region.
Launceston joins other hubs throughout Australia, with all the rest located in capital cities.
Mr Mostogl said the hub was still in its early days but they were hoping to collaborate on activities that will have a global impact on Launceston, such as ways they can contribute to the climate change discussion.
He said the Launceston hub was focusing its goals around three main areas: climate change, education and environment, and equity and inclusion.
With regards to the environment, Mr Mostogl said small changes in local communities created a groundswell of movement, which could spread to create meaningful change.
"Being in a smaller community, it's easier to make real changes but it's important we look at our own level of responsibility with regards to waste and climate change," he said.
A youth voice on major changes to Launceston and its future direction, particularly concerning investment and development, was an important goal for the Global Shapers hub.
Mr Mostogl said something that was lacking in conversations about Launceston was that distinctive youth voice and the hub wanted to change that.
"We want to bring people in a room together to share knowledge and experience to build each other up and create an inclusive network," he said.
As one of its first projects, the Global Shapers hub has partnered with the Great Regional City Challenge to launch a new community network platform called Launceston Together.
The platform will collate all the local projects as part of the regional challenge but will also be used by the Shapers to create their youth network.
Global Shapers is a movement designed for people under the age of 30.
- For more information check out launcestontogether.com.au
Caitlin Jarvis
I have worked in the Tasmanian digital/print media for 11 years, spanning two newsrooms. I have developed a keen interest in agricultural, development and education news, as well as issues-based long-form journalism. Contact me at caitlin.jarvis@examiner.com.au
I have worked in the Tasmanian digital/print media for 11 years, spanning two newsrooms. I have developed a keen interest in agricultural, development and education news, as well as issues-based long-form journalism. Contact me at caitlin.jarvis@examiner.com.au
