More than 89 per cent of young people in Greater Shepparton that took part in the research said they felt confident about their future.
In Moira Shire, that number was more than 85 per cent and in Strathbogie Shire it was more than 95 per cent.
Project research officer Tom Saxton said Shepparton and Goulburn Valley youth had been hit hard by COVID-19, but that they responded “exceptionally well”.
“I’d probably say that it has hit them harder than other regions, but the things that are in their control, they’ve handled exceptionally well,” he said.
One example was young people in the region’s dedication to education, despite poorer internet connections for online classes and at-times unsatisfactory content in the classrooms, Mr Saxton said.
“Regional students are just inherently more disadvantaged because they don’t have that good of an internet connection,” he said.
“The amount of young people that have just stayed connected to education despite barriers through sheer determination is another reason why Shepparton youth should be role models.”
Young people in Greater Shepparton are also concerned about housing and mental health in the region, but Mr Saxton said those that he spoke to were “focused on solutions”.
Several of the people that said they were concerned about housing also praised the Education First Youth Foyer and wanted more services that were similar.
“Everyone I talked to that was involved with the Shepparton Youth Foyer said it was life-changing,” Mr Saxton said.
One participant said they wanted to see a similar service for “young mums and bubs” in the region.
Another young person said they were concerned about the homeless population’s access to resources.
“There is not enough accessible accommodation and mental health support for homeless individuals,” they said.
Mental health was one of the other major concerns for Goulburn Valley youth.
“We had a lot of post-secondary school young people that had just moved out of home participate, so you can see why that would be an issue,” Mr Saxton said.
“You’re going to uni, you’ve just moved to Melbourne, you’re going to have a completely new network.
“COVID is just going to make it really hard to meet new people.”
One person from the Strathbogie Shire said they experienced loneliness after moving away for university.
“Lockdown made me appreciate my family a lot more,” they said.
“I moved to Melbourne for study this year and being stuck in university accommodation all alone really messes with your mental health.”
The COVID-19 Impact Youth Report is available at www.gmllen.com.au
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