Early in the year the TCC’s Youth Engagement Sub-committee ran its annual survey to find out about current student concerns and ideas. This survey gathered responses from two student cohorts: a larger high school survey, which a provides the breadth of issues and a smaller college student survey which provided more detailed comments about how those issues are experienced by older students as they move closer to work, further study and independent travel. The survey identified that The Economy (particularly the Cost of living 79%) and Transport was the major concerns of students in Tuggeranong, closely followed by Education and Facilities
This Youth Survey was followed by this year’s Tuggeranong Community Council Youth Engagement Forum was held on Thursday the 14th May 2026, It should be noted that the first Forum was held in 2017, after the Tuggeranong Community Council (TCC) and its Youth Engagement Subcommittee had identified some key topics of concern for young people living in the Tuggeranong region. The TCC feels it is important to have a follow up discussion with a broader group of young people, expand the conversation and to get feedback from a larger cross-section of young people in the region. The Forum was supported by the TCC and Communities at Work. The consultation activity utilised a World Café approach, where community members come together to have their say.
Students from eight high schools and colleges in Tuggeranong participated and provided their opinions on topics of interest. These topics of interest, identified by the recent TCC Youth Engagement Survey were based on information from the recent TCC Youth Engagement SURVEY.
Each topic was allocated a table and facilitator, attendees rotated around the different tables to provide feedback on each topic. Table facilitators consisted of representatives from relevant ACT Government Directorates and community service agencies with subject matter expertise. Table facilitators set the scene for each topic and posed a range of questions to stimulate discussion. Students were encouraged to participate in discussions and to write down any ideas that they would like included in the final report. Collated student feedback from each table topic forms the basis of this report.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT: – Bren Burkevics, Executive Group Manager Environment, Heritage and Parks
The discussion showed that students care about climate change and the environment, but they do not all understand it. Some students understood how climate change affects animals, plants, ecosystems and people, others only has a basic understanding based on what they had heard at home, at school or in the media. Climate change is seen as an important issue, but students’ knowledge is uneven and need clearer learning and discussion, logically through school.
- students knew more about practical actions like recycling and reducing litter than about the bigger causes and effects of climate change.
- Students spoke about looking after their local environment, but were unsure about long-term risks, the reasons climate change is happening, and what governments and industries should do about it.
- This shows that students are ready to take action, but they also need more support to understand the bigger picture.
Students were clearly worried about the future impacts of climate change. They talked about bushfires, poor water quality, worse air quality, pressure on wildlife and the loss of species. Some students said they felt a sense of hopelessness, or that people may only care about climate change when they are affected by it directly. This shows that climate change is not only seen as an environmental issue, but also something that can affect how young people feel about the future.
The discussion focused strongly on practical local action. Students suggested recycling more, planting trees, planting trees, gardening, using cleaner energy and doing more through schools and community projects. These ideas show that students want to help and believe local action matters. but it needs to be matched by bigger action from organisations and governments.
Lake Tuggeranong was the clearest local issue raised by students. They spoke about litter, bad smells and poor water quality, but did not know its causes
Overall, students expect government to take a stronger lead on climate change and local environmental issues. Young people want to be part of the solution, but they also want governments, businesses and communities to work together. Future work would benefit from combining simple, practical actions with better education about climate change, local ecosystems and shared responsibility.
EDUCATION: – Ed Cuthbertson, Principal Amaroo High School
High-quality teachers matter most
Students overwhelmingly identified teacher quality as the single biggest factor influencing learning. They repeatedly emphasised that they learn best when teachers actively teach, explain concepts clearly and check for understanding. Technology and online learning platforms were viewed as useful for consolidation, but not as replacements for direct teaching.
Teacher shortages are impacting learning and safety
Students expressed significant concern about staffing shortages in schools. They strongly linked teacher shortages to both declining educational outcomes and reduced feelings of safety and engagement at school.
Students value respectful relationships and safe learning environments
Students consistently highlighted the importance of positive student-teacher relationships. They preferred teachers who use respectful communication, consistency and “soft power” rather than purely authoritarian approaches. Students connected strong relationships with:
Assessment and workload coordination need improvement
A major concern across groups was assessment overload and poor coordination between subjects.
Students called for stronger communication and collaboration between teaching teams to better manage assessment timing and expectations.
Students are cautious about generative AI
Most students expressed strong concerns about generative AI in education. While some students acknowledged limited uses for AI e.g. research support or note-taking, the overwhelming view was AI should support, not replace, human teaching and learning.
Young people want learning to feel relevant
Students valued traditional academic skills such as writing, research and critical thinking, but also called for more practical life learning, including: financial literacy, taxes and superannuation
employment and workplace readiness, housing and budgeting
Students also highlighted the need for: stronger literacy and numeracy intervention, better differentiation for advanced and struggling learners, greater flexibility in senior schooling pathways
Conclusion
Students consistently identified that strong relationships, high-quality teaching and meaningful engagement remain the foundation of effective education in 2026. Their message was clear: students want schools where they feel supported, challenged, safe and actively taught by skilled and caring professionals.
EMPLOYMENT AND THE ECONOMY:- Chloe Brewer, A/g Executive Director Community Services, Communities at Work
The 2026 Tuggeranong Youth Forum highlighted that young people are highly engaged, optimistic, and solutions-focused, yet acutely aware of the economic challenges shaping their futures.
They were very concerned about:
- cost of living pressures – the central issue impacting all aspects of young people’s lives, (housing costs, inflation, and everyday expenses). They felt that wages are not keeping pace with these increases.
- these pressures are contributing to heightened anxiety about financial stability and a growing sense of uncertainty about achieving key life milestones.
Participants described a highly competitive/often inaccessible employment landscape, characterised by expectations of prior experience, limited entry-level opportunities, and challenges balancing study with the need to work.
- They wanted more practical education in financial literacy, job readiness, and career pathways, as well as greater alignment between schools and employers.
- Housing affordability emerged as a critical issue underpinning future outlooks, with many young people expressing concern about being priced out of the market.
Across all themes, participants emphasised the need for coordinated action, including improved education, more accessible employment pathways, and broader economic and housing reforms, to better
FACILITIES AND TRANSPORT: –Bruce FitzGerald, Deputy Director General, Transport & City Services
Overview: Young people highlighted that while Tuggeranong has strong community assets, there is a perception it is under-invested and falling behind other parts of Canberra.
Key Findings:
• Facilities: Need better maintenance, safer public spaces, more after-school hangout areas, and revitalisation of centres such as SouthPoint.
• Sport & Recreation: Existing facilities valued, but require upgrades, better maintenance, more shade and modern playing surfaces.
• Libraries: Opportunity to enhance as youth-friendly hubs with study spaces, social areas, and expanded programs.
• Public Transport: Services are well used however, services can be unreliable, crowded, expensive, and raise safety issues, especially for students. The interchange is a particular concern.
• Active Travel: Footpaths and cycling routes are often unsafe due to poor maintenance and accessibility issues.
• Light Rail: Strong support from young people, with a desire for earlier delivery and better integration with transport networks.
Conclusion: Young people are calling for a safer, better-maintained, and more connected Tuggeranong. Priorities include maintaining existing infrastructure, investing in youth-friendly spaces, improving transport, and delivering long-term solutions such as light rail.
FREE DISCUSSION: – Thane Sherwood and Lal Nunpui, TCC Youth Engagement Sub-Committee
Cost of living pressures were identified as heavily impacting young people’s quality of life. Balancing school with part-time employment is increasingly difficult. Rising costs also seen as a barrier to participating in social activities, accessing transport, and enjoying local facilities.
Buses including:
- timetables, pricing, problems with the app, many participants
- expressed concerns about and travelling long distances, particularly at night,
- antisocial behaviour at bus interchanges. This limits their willingness to participate in social, educational, and recreational opportunities.
Antisocial behaviour – indicated that many young people believe environment and peer influence play a part. Concerns were also raised about safety in schools, and increasing pressures on staff.
Mental health – Participants noted that while support services and facilities exist, barriers discourage many young people from seeking help. They were also concerned about Social media, some thinking is contributes to antisocial behaviour and poor wellbeing, while others see it as an important outlet for expressing emotions and finding support.
Within education, young people expressed frustration that curriculum needs to be refined to better prepare students for practical aspects of adulthood, including financial literacy, taxes, and real-world skills. Participants also linked teacher/support staff shortages and overworked staff to less effective learning environments and reduced classroom engagement.
A repeated concern was the lack of awareness about programs, opportunities, and services available to young people. They wanted more information, better advertised, community events, mental health supports, volunteering, and youth programs .
Social connection and recreational opportunities – Many felt there are limited affordable or free activities available in Tuggeranong. They were concerned about the maintenance and accessibility of recreational facilities, sporting grounds, and public spaces, reducing opportunities for community engagement.
Overall, the forum highlighted that young people want a community where they feel safe, informed, included, and supported. Participants emphasised the importance of stronger community connection, practical support systems, accessible opportunities, and environments that encourage positive wellbeing.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING: – Cassandra Tinning, Director, Child and Youth Strategic Policy
Young people described wellbeing as shaped by everyday life, including school, friendships and family. Many noted the pressure of competing demands,
Access to health services was valued, but often dependent on family support. Navigation was described as complex. School-based supports were particularly valued due to their accessibility, with one participant noting they involve “no cost and no travel.”
Mental health was discussed in practical, everyday terms, focused on managing stress, achieving balance and feeling supported. Young people emphasised the importance of accessible, local and flexible supports, including opportunities for peer connection. Barriers included stigma, system complexity, with repeated calls to improve communication about what is available
Neurodiversity (the concept that differences in human brain function and behaviour are natural), valuable variations rather than defects) was a prominent theme, with many young people or their families having lived experience. Participants called for more inclusive and flexible approaches. They also expressed a strong desire for independence, and wanted more information taught at school about adult systems including: information about taxes, superannuation, Medicare, finance.
Overall, young people’s perspectives highlight a clear opportunity, not only to address gaps, but to build on existing strengths. Tuggeranong can be known as a great place to grow up, where connection, independence and wellbeing are actively supported.
SAFETY AND CRIME: –Nigel Booth, Officer in Charge, Tuggeranong Police Station
While up to 79% of the 255 students who did the Youth Engagement Survey said they felt safe in their community, students at the Forum noted the following. Student feedback indicated that safety concerns in Tuggeranong are driven by a mix of environmental factors, youth behaviour, and visible crime activity, particularly in transport hubs and commercial areas.
Key risks centre on:
-
- Poorly lit, isolated spaces
- Youth group behaviour and intimidation
- Visible drug activity and theft
- Growing influence of social media on conflict
- Transport hubs as high-risk environments
- There is also a strong call for:
- Better environmental design (lighting, visibility)
- Earlier engagement with young people
- Improved safety in public transport areas
WHERE TO FROM HERE: – Jeff Bollard, President, Tuggeranong Community Council
The “Where to From Here” discussion explored how young people could be better engaged in community issues, what they would like to see happen after the Youth Forum, and how they might take part in future consultation. Forum results will be sent which will be provided to participating schools, relevant ACT Government agencies, local MLAs and the federal member, and will inform Tuggeranong Community Council’s work on youth issues in the district.
A strong theme was young people are more likely to participate when they can see that their views are taken seriously and have some visible impact. This suggests the need for a clear feedback loop after forums and surveys,
Students saw schools as an important way to reach young people, particularly through student councils, leadership groups and school-based surveys. But they wanted participants included less connected, less confident, disadvantaged, neurodivergent, as well as school-selected representatives. involved
Participants called for better promotion of youth surveys, forums and outside-school including schools, social media, youth-friendly advertising, TikTok-style content, memes, trends and other platforms familiar to young people. At the same time, there was caution that social media should not be the only engagement method. The discussion also raised concern about survey fatigue. Future surveys should be short, purposeful, clearly explained and linked to visible follow-up.
Showed mixed knowledge of local politics and limited awareness of how to raise issues with MLAs or other decision-makers. There was support for youth councils, youth forums and stronger civics education. This suggests a practical role for Tuggeranong Community Council in helping young people understand how local advocacy works and how they can raise issues effectively.
Practical local priorities included better transport options, improved buses, more after-school opportunities, modern and welcoming public spaces, fixing and repainting basketball courts, and stronger attention to youth health and wellbeing. Students also raised the need for more inclusive engagement.
Overall, the discussion showed that young people want more than a one-off chance to speak. They want accessible ways to contribute, clearer pathways to decision-makers, and evidence that their views can influence action.