Young people in the Geelong region looking to make a difference in their community have been encouraged to put their hand up and join the 2022 Youth Council.
The City of Greater Geelong’s Youth Council serves a one-year term as an official advisory committee to the council, with younger people aged between 12 and 17 years old able to get involved in the council’s work.
The 2022 Youth Council will be the city’s fourth since the program began in 2019.
Deputy mayor Trent Sullivan encouraged young people to consider nominating.
“Youth Council is a really incredible opportunity for young people in our region to learn more about the process of local government while informing, and actually influencing, council decisions for young people in Greater Geelong,” he said.
“If you’ve got some great ideas for our area, whether that’s programs or social infrastructure, health and wellbeing initiatives, environment and sustainability actions or arts and culture projects, and would like to represent your peers, please consider putting your hand up to join next year’s Youth Council.
“It’s a great forum for meeting new people who share your interest in making a difference in the community, to form friendships, develop public speaking skills, be exposed to new ideas and information and develop your abilities in influencing and advocating for the things that are important to you.”
Nominees will be voted on by members of youth advisory groups, with three youth representatives selected for each of the four council wards.
The 12 successful candidates will then elect the junior mayor and deputy mayor.
Diversity, inclusion and LGBTIQ+ portfolio chairwoman Sarah Mansfield said Youth Council members had played an important role this year.
“I’d like to thank the Youth Council for its efforts this year and persevering through the challenges of virtual meetings,” she said.
“I hope the members know they’ve made a difference to young people in the region and in providing council with the insights needed to make informed decisions and take meaningful action.”
Youth Council members meet once a month and advise the council on important issues like services, health, environment and inclusion.
Throughout the year junior members also engage in the ward-based Councillor Connect Mentoring Program, which gives them the opportunity to connect and receive advice from the councillors in their ward.
The 2022 Youth Council will continue the work of the current members, which has included calling for further promotion of the city’s mental health first aid training, additional youth designated spaces in the region and improvements to how engagements with young people are undertaken.
Junior mayor Elliot Nicholas applauded his fellow Youth Council members on their efforts during a challenging year.
“While it’s sad to be finishing up soon in Youth Council and as junior mayor, I’m really excited to see who puts their hand up and continues to give a voice to young people in the region,” he said.
“Looking back on the year, we’ve achieved a lot as a group and I’m really proud of what we’ve set in motion, such as our advocacy for more designated youth spaces in the region which has seen the city start a Youth Facility Feasibility and Business Case.
“I’ve personally learned a lot through this process and recommend other young people in Greater Geelong put their hand up for 2022.”
Nominations opened this month and run until Friday, November 12.
Nominate online at geelongaustralia.com.au/youthcouncil/.
