Geelong’s first youth council has identified the environment, mental health and homelessness as priorities for their local contemporaries, according to City Hall.
Members of the youth council presented their inaugural annual plan to Geelong councillors this week, outlining four key issues to address this year.
Junior mayor Josie Horne was “excited and optimistic” about the future, especially an inaugural Geelong youth summit in October.
“The youth council has so far shown itself to be a very positive initiative,” the 15-year-old said.
“We now look forward to implementing the actions set out in our plan for the benefit of all young people in our wonderful community.”
City Hall has made the youth councillors responsible for providing advice to council on a range of issues relevant to young people.
The 12 youth council members, aged 12 to 16, were elected from 49 nominees in February to form the region’s first official “youth voice”.
The representatives will serve a 12-month term, which includes monthly meetings at City Hall and delivering their findings to council quarterly.
The next presentation to council, on 23 July, would focus on community safety and homelessness, City Hall said.
