Brighton Council has wel­comed John Flack in the role of Youth Engagement Worker.

John has a Master of Social Work and has worked as a family support worker, school social worker and an intensive family practitioner. He has had many volunteering roles over the years, including with the Foster Care and Kinship Care Association of Tasmania.

What is your connection to the Brighton communi­ty? My initial connection to Brighton was when I worked at the Blundstone boot factory in nearby Moonah – many of my work colleagues came from the Brighton area. I also have many friends and some family who call Brighton home.

What appealed to you about being a Youth Engagement Officer? While at Blundstone I gained my Certificate IV in workplace training and assessment. When I left, I transferred some of the skills I learnt training young people at Blundstone to youth work. 20 years ago, I completed my Certificate III in community and then enrolled into the community service diploma.

My first-year work placement was in a youth justice service, and I really enjoyed connect­ing with the young people and making a difference in their lives. Since this first work placement in community service, I have worked in youth justice, out of home care, family, and disability support. My passion is bring­ing people together for social justice and equity.

What was your involvement with the Early Childhood Development Program? I was recently employed with yourtown’s Early Childhood Development Program as an intensive family practitioner working in Brighton. I worked with many local families to support their child’s en­gagement with early child­hood intervention services. I became aware that many families had worries about their older children being able to access specialist support, and their child’s attendance at school. I am trained in service navigation, but I too find it hard to navigate the complex service systems which families are expected to know about. I met many young people who want to make a difference and I am excited to be part of the process.

What are your highlights so far of being a Youth Engage­ment Worker in Brighton? I have attended the Brighton Alive Youth Network since it started last year because of my interest in what was going on for youth in Brighton. I then volunteered at a Brighton Youth Action Group (BYAG) event last year and have seen the remarkable work this small group of young people have been able to achieve in such a short time. I look forward to working with the community to give young people oppor­tunities to participate in their community.