The insight of Geelong’s young people was on display at this week’s council meeting when the City’s Youth Council delivered its final report of 2025.
Presented by junior mayor Ayush Singh, the report included personal reflections, an outline of Youth Council’s meetings and activities in the last three months and advice and recommendations on issues impacting Geelong’s young people.
That advice included establishing a youth-specific grants stream, investigating the possibility of a vape- and smoke-free zone in central Geelong, providing opportunities for young people to exercise their voice and participate in civic life and introducing free public transport for people aged 17 and under.
In his final address, junior mayor Singh said he would treasure the skills he had developed through the Youth Council for years to come.
“This past year has been truly life-changing, and I could not be more grateful to have been part of the Youth Council program,” he said.
“I am sure I speak for all Youth Council members when I say we are grateful for all the mentoring you (councillors and staff) have given us.”
Councillor Rowan Story congratulated all 11 youth councillors for their work throughout the year-long program.
“It really produces a wonderful result and we’re very proud of our Youth Council and what they do, and also of the officers who assist them in getting to this higher level of understanding what it means to be involved in governing a complex entity like a city,” he said.
