About the South Australian Youth Forum
The South Australian Youth Forum (SAYF) was founded in late 2021 by Amber Brock-Fabel at the age of 17, with a vision to create an authentic, youth-led platform for young people aged 13 to 18. SAYF provides a safe and empowering space for young people to connect, voice their perspectives, and influence key decisions that impact their lives. Dedicated to bridging the gap between youth and decision-makers, SAYF ensures that young voices are not only heard but actively shape policies and actions across South Australia.
"My passion for establishing this Forum arises from the recognition of the critical importance of young people's voices in shaping their futures. Through my advocacy, I have seen firsthand how youth are often overlooked in decision-making processes, despite being disproportionately impacted by the choices made on their behalf. Growing up in a world filled with pressing issues can be challenging, and it's disheartening when our perspectives are not valued.
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I envisioned creating a dynamic and engaging space where like-minded young people can come together to share ideas and discuss the issues that matter most to us. By facilitating discussions around pre-determined topics while also documenting our creative outcomes, the South Australian Youth Forum aims to validate these voices and ensure they are heard.
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The Annual Report we produce serves as a vital tool for creating sustainable change, incorporating our insights into existing and new Youth Action Plans. We have successfully engaged with various government departments and local councils, presenting recommendations such as establishing dedicated Youth Hubs in communities and workshops focused on positive relationships and civics education. Through our efforts, we are building a legacy of meaningful youth representation in policy-making throughout South Australia."
Amber Brock-Fabel, a 20-year-old advocate for youth and environmental issues, is the recipient of the Governor's Student Excellence Award, the Governor's Commendation Award, and a two-time finalist for the Young Achiever of the Year Awards. She has actively contributed to discussions and advisory roles on sustainability, education, and youth representation with various agencies and communities. Amber has also shared her insights at prominent events, including the WOMADelaide Planet Talks Forum and the Adelaide Festival's Climate Crisis and the Arts event.
The South Australian Youth Forum Annual Report
Our Annual Report serves as a comprehensive summary of SAYF’s activities, including:
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Minutes from each monthly meeting.
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A snapshot of the Gender Inequality in Schools Report.
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Data from our Open Youth Workshop and Broader Youth Consultation Survey.
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Frameworks of Engagement, Statements, and Feature Articles contributed by each SAYF member.
The 2023 Annual Report was presented to a wide audience of policymakers, including Ministers for Education, Human Services, Women, Transport, Finance, and Child Protection, as well as the Shadow Minister for Youth. We also engaged with key organizations like the Local Government Youth Development Network and the Northern Youth Services Network, and shared insights at a parliamentary roundtable and with academic experts at Flinders University.
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Both the 2022 and 2023 Reports have made a lasting impact. Each has been presented as a Motion to Parliament and has contributed to existing and new Youth Action Plans at both Local and State levels. Through these initiatives, SAYF is building a foundation for lasting change by giving young South Australians a real voice in shaping their communities and futures.
Our Purpose & Approach
SAYF operates on a monthly framework where each meeting is dedicated to discussing critical issues chosen by the Forum’s young members. This member-led approach fosters an environment where youth can engage in meaningful conversations, share diverse perspectives, and collectively develop recommendations on issues they care about most. Our discussions and insights are documented and published annually in the South Australian Youth Forum Annual Report—a powerful tool for communicating the needs and ideas of young people directly to decision-makers.