Join the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC) for the inaugural meeting of our (free) online lunchtime spotlight series.

As we mark a decade since the creation of the National Definition of Youth Work, Professor Tim Corney who was one of the definitions authors will share insights into the current landscape of youth work, and explore considerations about the future of youth work and its existing definition in our dynamic and ever-changing society.

Context:
In 2013, AYAC, initiated the development of a national definition of youth work, in collaboration with representatives from state youth peak bodies and the youth work sector. The need for a clear definition was highlighted by the sector, considering challenges such as declining education and training, evolving roles, occupational shortages, and the lack of a shared identity for youth workers. The AYAC Definition of Youth Work in Australia was released in 2013 and is a marked achievement in the development of the Australian youth work sector.

The Definition of Youth Work in Australia Summary:
“Youth Work is a practice that places young people and their interests first. Youth work is a relational practice, where the youth worker operates alongside the young person in their context. Youth work is an empowering practice that advocates for and facilitates a young person's independence, participation in society, connectedness and realisation of their rights.”

Read the full 2013 National Definition of Youth Work

Agenda:
1. Insights from Professor Tim Corney on the National Definition of Youth Work in Australia including an overview of the definition and why it was created, use of the Definition over the past decade, and future potential for the Definition.
2. Q&A with Professor Tim Corney
3. Next steps: exploration of considerations for the future of youth work and the existing definition.

Key Considerations:
AYAC recognises that the definition of youth work in Australia is designed to be a living statement, responsive to ongoing debate, discussion, and the evolving needs of young people and the youth work sector. As part of our commitment to staying current and relevant, we aim to bring the sector together to revisit the document and discuss whether a review of the definition and language is needed in order to recommit to the national definition for the next decade.

Your Participation:
This session is an opportunity for you to actively participate in a conversation. We encourage your valuable input through a Q&A format.

Three key articles to inform discussion:
Trudi Cooper, Tim Corney, Hilary Tierney, Jamie Gorman & John Sutcliffe (2024) Talking about relational youth work: why language matters, Journal of Youth Studies, DOI: 10.1080/13676261.2023.2298327

Corney, T., Cooper, T., Shier, H., & Williamson, H. (2022). Youth participation: Adultism, human rights and professional youth work. Children & Society, 36(4), 677-690. https://doi.org/10.1111/chso.12526

T. Corney, J. Marion, R. Baird, S. Welsh & J. Gorman (2023) Youth Work as Social Pedagogy: Toward an Understanding of Non-Formal and Informal Education and Learning in Youth Work, Child & Youth Services, DOI: 10.1080/0145935X.2023.2218081

About Professor Tim Corney PhD
Tim is currently Professor of Youth and Community work at Victoria University and has extensive experience in industry, academia and the youth and community sector. He has worked as a youth work practitioner, senior manager of youth services, researcher, teaching academic and as a consultant and adviser on social policy and youth affairs to community agencies, governments and peak bodies across Australia and Internationally.

Tim's deep commitment to AYAC is evident in his long-standing involvement, including three terms on different occasions as an elected board member. His impact on AYAC also extends beyond governance, having co-authored the AYAC Definition of Youth Work.

Currently, Tim holds several key leadership positions in the youth work sector, serving as the Deputy Chair of Youth Workers Australia, the Chair of the Australian chapter of the Professional Association of Lectures in Youth and Community Work, and as a founding member of the Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Work Associations. His global influence is further underscored by his authorship of the Commonwealth of Nations Code of Ethical practice for Youth Work. As a Life Member of YACVic and author of the Victorian Youth Sector Code of Ethical Practice, Tim continues to leave a lasting mark on the field. His multifaceted contributions reflect a passion for ethical youth work and a commitment to advancing the profession at both national and international levels.