Council Programs
The Launceston City Council provides and supports a range of programs to enhance the wellbeing, development and enjoyment of young people who both live in and access the city. These programs are part of the Launceston City Council's commitment to participating in the process of identifying people's needs and seeking solutions.
Community services are a vital part of the Council's service provision. The way we engage with the range of community groups, and the services we provide, helps foster the Launceston community and creates a city everyone can be proud of.
Human Library
The Launceston Human Library uses an innovative method designed to promote dialogue, reduce prejudices and encourage understanding. The main characteristics of the project are to be found in its simplicity and openness, modelled on an approach used world wide. A Human Library sets up a comfortable space for dialogue and interaction where members of the public are given the opportunity to speak informally with a 'book' who tells a story about her or his experience. A 'reader' can enter the story by asking questions or telling about their own experiences. It's up to reader and human book how they will use the half hour they can spend together. The books are varied in age, sex and cultural background.
The Human Library enables groups to break stereotypes by challenging prejudice in a positive and humourous manner. It is a concrete, easily transferable and affordable way of promoting tolerance and understanding. Our program wants to be a simple and direct contribution to social cohesion in Launceston.
Some of our current Human books are:
Migrant from Liberia
My life as an outsider+ The Valley of Search
Making Australia my new home
Living with an eating disorder
Lotus flowers and coal dust: Conundrums of China
Rock musician...and woman too!
Stop! Police
Not the only gay in the village
Living without belief
The pursuit of happiness
Demystifying the only child
Tears for the Opera house
Living with Apartheid
Walking with the black dog
Male embroidery
You can find us somewhere in Launceston once a month!
Check where we are next on www.launcestonhumanlibrary.com.au
How does it work?
Check our calendar of events, the time and places the Human Library operates.
Come and choose the Human book you wish to talk to from the list of available 'titles'.
Most 'readings' are scheduled for half an hour, but can be shortened or extended.
It is free of charge.
The Human Library is a community project operated by an independent Committee. Contact us if you wish to join as a Human Book or as a Committee member by calling 0415 399 716, emailing launcestonhumanlibrary@gmail.com or visit www.launcestonhumanlibrary.com.au
Active City Park
Active City Park is the Council's main recreational program. The Program encourages residents to get fit and healthy. Active City Park runs over 8 week blocks, twice yearly - Jan to March and Oct to Dec. All sessions last for approximately one hour. Please note there will be no activities on public holidays, during the Christmas break (19 December - 2 January) or during Festivale (7 - 14 February). The program offers a range of free outdoor activities and fitness classes to residents of all ages. Sessions include:
- Stretch and Strengthen
- Fitness and Fun
- Tai Chi
Please visit the Active Launceston website for the full list of Active Parks programs.
For more information about any of these programs please contact Kristy Bracic, Recreation Planning Officer on 03 6323 3613 or by email.
- Identify and engage with relevant groups to coordinate, cooperate and commit to the goal of Active Launceston;
- Enhance and increase the opportunities for the community's participation in physical activity; and
- Identify and develop resources that support and monitor increased participation in physical activity.
The seniors Growing Older Living Dangerously (GOLD program) is a free program specifically for older adults.
Northern Youth Coordinating Committee
The Northern Youth Coordinating Committee (NYCC) was established as a result of the Burdekin Report 1991. The group was formed to provide an opportunity for federal, state, local government and non-government youth service providers to come together to achieve a more coordinated approach to youth issues across Northern Tasmania. There are currently around 80 members from a wide range of agencies and departments who represent a range of youth issues.
Contact details
Youth Advisory Group
The Youth Advisory Group (YAG) has worked to promote the contributions that young people make to their municipality and the broader community since its inception in 1997.
YAG Objectives
The objectives of the Launceston Youth Advisory Group are:
- To create a consultative link between young people and the Launceston City Council by providing a mechanism for feedback and promoting communication;
- To voice the opinions and views of youth in the community;
- To create an active interest amongst young people in the local affairs of the municipality;
- To create and foster a sense of civic pride among the youth of the municipality;
- To provide young people with the opportunity to participate in and achieve an understanding of the operations of Local Government;
- To action, where appropriate, issues of importance and priority to young people;
- To ensure that young people are involved in their community's economic and social development; and
- To positively promote youth within the municipality, especially in regards to the potential value which the community can gain from youth input.