Through the Growing Stronger strategy, the coalition will aim to discover and create the perfect solution for young people to build resilience and be successful.

Indigenous, youth and family service regional manager, Janine Hutton, of Campbell Page, welcomed the community to the launch of the Growing Stronger strategy at Moruya Golf Club last month.

There were more than 70 interested community members, health professionals, sporting club representatives and NSW Police who attended throughout the day.

"The response was really positive, people were interested in being involved," Ms Hutton said.

The Growing Stronger strategy is a long-term project where the community coalition can work through the different terms of government.

"We will drive this locally and make it not dependent on short term cycles of funding," Ms Hutton said.

The coalition was formed with support services such as Headspace, Campbell Page and the Local Drug Action Team. The coalition was also open for other services and individuals to join.

The goal is to help young people reach their full potential within the community, and to contribute to society.

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The coalition will follow a step-by-step program built by Deakin University academics, called Communities that Care.

Ms Hutton said Communities that Care is a project model that supports youth and families to strive.

Over decades, it was proven to be successful in a number of Australian and overseas communities.

She said now was more important than ever to develop a long-term strategy to help young people with opportunities and a bright future.

"There has been added pressures since the bushfires and COVID-19," Ms Hutton said.

"Suicide is the leading cause of death in young people."

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"We want young people to stay engaged in healthy behaviour and to see education and employment pathways," Ms Hutton said.

Ms Hutton said the program was perfectly suited to our shire, thanks to "on the ground work" by founding member of the Local Drug Action Team, Robert Richmond.

"Over the past few years Rob has done countless hours of researching and networking to find the right solution for some of the big and difficult issues facing young people and families in the Eurobodalla," she said.

"The communities that care model fits that bill, and we are excited to be able to make that happen."

The strategy is focused on all youth in the Eurobodalla Shire and was state-government funded by Resilience NSW.

"What I think is so special about this strategy, is that it's about all young people," Ms Hutton said.

"It's about the data we collect through surveys which is a collective voice; we can then respond to what they identify as their needs."

To get the ball rolling, Ms Hutton said a community profile must be developed first. To do that, takes research.

She said the surveys have been designed to better understand mental health of school children aged 12 to 15.

"Its about building resilience for young people," she said.

"We want to understand the impacts of the bushfires, COVID; by understanding those impacts, we can look at evidence-based ways to help with strength and resilience."

The Growing Stronger coalition will work in partnership with Deakin University to deliver the project.

During the launch, Deakin academics provided case studies of how their program promoted healthy development of young people through community planning.

"There's a range of programs and strategies Deakin University know work, and our community profile will be matched to those strategies to create a unique solution for the Eurobodalla," Ms Hutton said.

"We believe that the community profile and the outcomes of our interventions will prove to be a worthy investment for current and future generations.

"The community profile we create, will be robust enough to advocate for funding to support young people."

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Ms Hutton wants to see more young people with the appropriate skills to make them less reliant on crisis support.

She said the current youth support system was based around response or reaction and the focus needed to be on prevention strategies instead.

"Many agencies are working at the crisis end to support young people," Ms Hutton said.

"The system is over prescribed - it is regularly at capacity.

"This strategy is about early intervention and prevention."

Ms Hutton said it takes a whole-community approach to make a difference.

"Everyone can play a part whether small or large," she said.

There will be opportunities for the wider community to jump on board, to connect and support youth along the way.

"We hope the community can see clearly how they can make a difference in the lives of young people," Ms Hutton said.

"We encourage you to join our Growing Stronger coalition or stay in touch to work in partnership as this strategy unfolds."

To get in touch, email growingstronger@campbellpage.org.au