A Cessnock-based anti-bullying project received the Most Outstanding Partnership award at the 2019 Youth Action NSW Youth Work Awards.
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Beyond Bullying is a partnership between Mount View High School, the Cessnock Community and Youth Development Project, youth and community service agencies (including Youth off the Streets, Ability Links and Cessnock City Council), young people and community members.
The project was led by Cessnock youth development officer Will Doran, who is based at The Centre @Kurri Kurri.
Mr Doran brought together a group of school and community representatives to undertake a thorough review of the anti-bullying policy at Mount View High School.
They surveyed and interviewed students, staff and community members; published a comprehensive report, and have continued to work with the school to outline the findings of the review and to guide the revision of the policy.
Outsourcing policy review into a partnership with the youth sector was a new direction for Mount View High - one that has drawn the attention of other Hunter schools.
Mr Doran said the partnership has resulted in a number of significant outcomes for young people, by placing an emphasis on "strong and authentic valuing of student voice".
The students who were part of the review team - Chelsea Webb, Rose Lucas and Vincent Plater - benefited from the leadership and self-development opportunities that arose from the project.
The Beyond Bullying review was a key component in Mount View High's win for best student wellbeing program at the Australian Education Awards in August.
Mr Doran said receiving the award from Youth Action NSW means a great deal to the project team.
"It provides another opportunity to hear the community voice, validating that bullying is a significant issue for young people and one which they are passionate about," he said.