Geelong’s newest youth councillors are ready to make their mark on their city.
The 11 members of the 2026 Youth Council, aged between 13 and 17, were officially inducted last week at a ceremony at City Hall in front of councillors, family and friends.
Vignesh Ram, 15, was elected to lead the Youth Council as junior mayor, with Bailey Roberts, 14, to serve as deputy junior mayor.
The Youth Council group has already undergone a three-day orientation, during which they formed a new charter and established the priority areas of protecting native land, skies and waterways, youth health and wellbeing, economic equality and opportunity and inclusivity and safety.
The group will meet monthly throughout the year, presenting advice and recommendations to Geelong council in December.
Junior mayor Vignesh said reflected on the opportunity to lead the Youth Council.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent young people across Greater Geelong,” Vignesh said.
“Our Youth Council is excited to learn, collaborate and advocate on issues that matter to us, and we’re looking forward to making a positive difference together.”
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj the newest youth councillors “should feel very proud of this achievement”.
“They were selected from a pool of 26 candidates and nearly 2100 votes from their peers across 17 local schools,” he said.
“Council is excited to work alongside this important advisory committee and hear directly from young people about what matters to them.
“I’m confident these individuals will make a difference in the community and use their new knowledge and skills in all aspects of their lives.”
