North West Coast's Biggest Youth Survey!

Published on 29 June 2026

Burnie City Council has joined Devonport City Council, Central Coast Council and Waratah-Wynyard Council in a region-wide partnership with Burnie Works to support delivery of the 2026 Mission Australia Youth Survey.

Now in its 25th year, the Mission Australia Youth Survey is Australia's largest annual survey of young people, giving those aged 14 to 19 a platform to share their views on the issues affecting their lives, from cost of living and mental health to housing, education and community connection.

In 2025, more than 17,000 young people took part nationally, with cost of living (64%), mental health (29%), climate change and the environment (27%), and housing and homelessness (25%) identified as the issues of most concern.

This year, four North West Coast councils are aiming to collect enough survey responses from each local government area for Mission Australia to produce an individual report for each region, giving local decision-makers a clearer, more localised understanding of the priorities and wellbeing of young people in their community.

Burnie Works will lead community engagement across the region throughout the survey period, including visiting schools and youth organisations, delivering presentations, and supporting young people to complete the survey. Once results are released, Burnie Works will host a whole-of-Northwest-Coast Data Party, bringing local stakeholders together to explore the findings and inform future action.

Burnie City Council encourages schools, youth services and community organisations across the region to get involved, and for young people aged 14 to 19 to have their say.

To take part or arrange a visit from Burnie Works, visit Burnie Works website or send an email to Aaron Meldrum (Community Engagement Lead)

Survey’s closes 14 August 2026