Nearly 800 children from across East Gippsland have shared their ideas, hopes, and concerns through the Messages from East Gippsland (MFEG) project, coordinated by Uniting Vic Tas, Communities for Children. The project empowers young people to have a voice in shaping their communities by asking what they love about the region, what frustrates them, and what they would like to see improved.

Children contributed their ideas via postcards addressed to previous Mayor Cr John White, giving students a practical insight into local government and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which ensures every child has the right to express their views and have them considered.

The messages showed that many children are looking for more opportunities to connect with friends, enjoy recreational activities, and engage in sports, while also showing care for people in their community and the natural environment. Ideas ranged from creating safe places to hang out to projects that support those less fortunate or improve the local environment.

Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said, “The depth and understanding our young people have about issues like connection, recreation, and caring for our natural environment is impressive. Their ideas show how much they care about our region and its people. Reading these messages makes me proud and hopeful for the future of East Gippsland.”

All postcards are currently being displayed in prominent locations across towns in East Gippsland, allowing the community to celebrate and reflect on the voices of its young people.  

Participating schools and kindergarten included:  
Cann River P–12, Clifton Creek Primary School, Gippsland Grammar Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance Primary School, Lindenow Primary School, Lucknow Primary School, Marlo Primary School, Nungurner Primary School, Nicholson Primary School, Omeo Primary School, Paynesville Primary School, St Joseph’s Primary School Orbost, St Mary’s Primary School Bairnsdale, Swifts Creek Primary School, Toorloo Arm Primary School and Dala Yooro Kindergarten.  

Caption: Students from Lakes Entrance and Nungurner Primary School’s attended the official launch of the program alongside Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth, Cr Arthur Allen and staff from Uniting Vic Tas.

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