Youth Research Qualitative Report - District Council of Mount Barker

About the Author
Dr Pip Williams is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Work + Life at the University of South
Australia. She has a background in psychology, public health and social science. Pip has spent the
past few years managing the Work, Home and Community Project, a national study exploring how
adults and adolescents experience community, with a particular focus on how the physical and social
characteristics of communities affect access to opportunities for young people. This research has
been widely published and disseminated and the findings are being incorporated into the future
planning processes of the South Australian Land Management Council, Delfin-Lend Lease community
developers and various local government organisations.
Pip is a resident of the Mount Barker Council District and has two children attending primary school
in the area.
Acknowledgements
Firstly, and most importantly, I would like to thank all the young people who participated in this
study. Thank you for generously describing your lives and sharing your thoughts and ideas.
I also extend a special thank you to the principals and teachers of all the participating schools, as
well as the allied health workers and social service providers who facilitated contact with vulnerable
groups of young people.
Finally I would like to thank all the members of the reference group convened to advise on the
conduct of this project.
Note on language
The findings in this report are illustrated with direct quotes from young people participating in focus
groups. In order to retain the authenticity of young people’s responses no attempt has been made
to edit speech and so some quotes contain ‘strong language’.
Disclaimer
Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the material and the integrity of the
analysis presented in this report the consultant will not accept any liability for any actions taken on
the basis of its contents.
The information in this report and any accompanying documentation is accurate to the best of the
consultant’s knowledge. While the consultant has exercised all reasonable skill and care in the
preparation of this report, She does not personally accept any liability in contract or otherwise for
any loss, damage, injury or expense, whether direct, indirect or consequential, arising out of the
provision of information in this report.
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Needs assessment of young people in the Mt Barker Council District – November 2009