Federation council and the opportunities/challenges of being a border region

Uniquely positioned along the picturesque Murray River boundary in the Riverina region of New South Wales, the Federation Council shares a significant border with Victoria. This geographical proximity introduces a complex interplay of cross-border service delivery, presenting distinct challenges, particularly in managing the dispersed nature of services and population. Residents often face the need to travel considerable distances to access essential amenities such as healthcare, education, and specialised support.

These challenges are especially pronounced for early years, youth, and families, who encounter multiple barriers in accessing services and reliable transport. The region’s geographic spread results in overcrowded facilities in higher-density areas, while rural locations struggle to maintain essential services due to limited resources and fewer users.

Ninety Mile Consulting (NMC) are delighted to co-develop a 4-year Children, Youth and Family Strategic Plan in collaboration with Federation Council. This project will ensure that Council continues to be responsive and implement sustainable initiatives to  enhance the well-being of children, youth and families across the region.

Importance of community engagement and evidence-based planning

Through extensive consultations, using diverse communication methods, with service providers, Council stakeholders, Youth Council members, and the broader community, NMC is committed to a co-design approach that ensures all voices are heard in the development of the Children, Youth & Families Strategy. Pop-up engagements will be held at various locations across the Federation Council area, along with targeted outreach to local schools, enabling active participation from children and youth in shaping the project. To further validate and enrich the insights gathered during these consultations, a comprehensive community-wide survey will be launched. This will not only deepen understanding of the challenges faced by children, youth, and families in the region but will also ensure that the strategy is grounded in data-driven decision-making. By integrating qualitative feedback with robust quantitative evidence, the strategy will be well-positioned to address the real needs of the community effectively and sustainably.

Quote from NMC:

“We are very pleased to support this Strategy- Federation Council’s unique position of being a border region comes with an array of challenges, like the unequal distribution of services and populations. These factors emphasise the need for a tailored approach and our expertise in this area will ensure strong outcomes to effectively meet the diverse needs of residents.”