Youth Services and Support in Mount Barker

Shannon Swart is the Child and Youth Development Officer for Mount Barker District Council.

Shannon first connected with local government at the age of 14 when she joined the Broken Hill Youth Council - a step that sparked a lasting passion to elevate young voices and strengthen communities.

Since then, she’s earned a Social Sciences degree in youth work and built a career focused on youth leadership and inclusion. From volunteer roles to local government, community organisations to education – Shannon’s worked alongside young people across South Australia to co-design programs, lead initiatives and shape strategy.

She’s delivered youth-led events, supported mentoring programs, and helped embed young voices into local policy and planning.

Alongside her work in local government, Shannon is also an Adjunct Lecturer in Sociology and Youth Work where she teaches topics including Intro to Sociology and Theories of Youth.

Now at Mount Barker, she’ll be working closely with local children, young people, families and services to deliver the district’s Child and Youth Action Plan.

Her role is to build strong relationships across the townships, schools, service providers and community groups, and bringing fresh energy and insight to the role.