We have received the 2025 Mission Australia Youth Survey Data!

Thank you for your support in helping Alpine Shire reach enough responses for the 2025 Youth Survey, we reached a massive 119!

This data is incredibly valuable. It helps inform local planning, strengthens funding and advocacy efforts, and ensures the voices of young people are reflected in decisions that affect them.

Key takeaways from the Alpine Shire specific results:

🔥 Mental health remains critical

• 46% of young people are experiencing moderate to high psychological distress

• 1 in 3 say mental health and wellbeing was a major source of stress in the past year

🏫 School stress is increasingly linked to anxiety

• Over half of young people said school or study caused stress

• 20% missed school due to anxiety, depression or mental health concerns, this is higher than the Victorian average

💸 Cost of living is the top issue facing young people

• 66% ranked cost of living as the most important issue in Australia today

• Financial stress is limiting participation, with young people missing out on activities and opportunities

🧠 Motivation and wellbeing are now the biggest barriers to goals

• The most common barriers to achieving goals are lack of motivation, mental health concerns and burnout

• This marks a shift from 2024, where location and access were the biggest barriers

🤝 Connection exists - but loneliness is still common

• Nearly half of young people experienced loneliness in the past month

• Many prefer to handle challenges on their own, even when support is available

⚠️ Experiences of unfair treatment are increasing

• 34% experienced discrimination in the past year

• Most common reasons include physical appearance, personal views and mental health

This data helps us better understand the lived experiences of young people in Alpine Shire and strengthens our ability to advocate for local, trusted and in-person supports where they are needed most.

Thank you again for your continued commitment to amplifying young people’s voices and supporting their wellbeing across Alpine Shire.