Point Lonsdale teen Josie Horne has become Geelong’s first “junior mayor” after the city’s youth council selected her in a ballot on Monday night.
“I’m really honoured to be given the opportunity, and grateful for the support of the other youth councillors and my family as well,” she said.
“I’m feeling very excited and optimistic about the year ahead. I think as a youth council we can really achieve some great change.
“I’ll be looking to prioritise areas such as the environment, making Central Geelong a safe space, and mental health access and awareness for young people.”
The year 10 Geelong College student will appear before council four times during 2019 to present the youth councillors’ findings and recommendations.
Josie, 15, was announced as one of three Bellarine Ward youth councillors last week.
She will also carry out mayoral duties including chairing all meetings, representing the youth council at official functions, and acting as the group’s spokesperson.
Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood said Josie spoke “impressively” and was “extremely passionate about our region”.
“So I’m sure she’ll be an excellent leader of this group.”
The youth council was a recommendation of Geelong’s Citizens’ Jury, City Hall’s Robyn Stevens said.
Its recommendations would carry the same weight as other advisory committees such as council’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, she said.
“Council is not bound by the recommendations these advisory committees make, but they will use the information to inform their decision making.”
Youth advisory groups within Geelong’s wards elected the youth councillors.
