Join Youth Council to create a positive change

I have always loved politics.

Regardless of which tier of government, I find the entire process captivating.

It is something I think more people should be involved in, but there are many reasons why that isn’t the case.

However, it has never been more important that the younger generation sees politics not as an institution for stuffy, old men and women in suits, but as a vehicle for all of us to make positive change.

We are fortunate to live in a democracy in Australia and that our vote really does mean something.

Whether you agree with everything our elected leaders do is beside the point, what matters is that each of us has the opportunity to choose who will make the decisions that ultimately affect the way we all live our lives.

It has been a challenging time for the youth in our region.

Two years without access to their regular routine, not being able to see friends or study in the way they were used to, would surely take its toll on most, if not all of us.

Is it any wonder then that many younger people began to take more of an interest in the political landscape in the wake of the global pandemic?

With decisions being made daily dictating what they could and could not do, who they could and could not see, and where they could and could not go, our youth was rightfully engaged in the political process.

It resulted in large voter turnouts among young Australians at this year’s federal election, and hopefully will mean further engagement with the political process for many years to come.

For those younger people in our region feeling they too would like to become involved in politics, I am pleased to say that nominations for the 2023 City of Greater Geelong Youth Council are now open.

Our Youth Council is made up of young people aged between 12 and 17 years old who act as an official advisory committee to Council.

I would strongly encourage those in the community in that age range who are passionate about making a difference to put their hands up and nominate to join next year’s Youth Council.

Nominees will be voted on by members of youth advisory groups, with three youth representatives to be selected for each of the four Council wards.

From there, the 12 successful candidates will elect a Junior Mayor and Junior Deputy Mayor.

Youth Council members meet monthly and advise Council on important issues such as mental health, climate change, diversity and inclusion.

They are also actively involved in training and development, are invited to Council events, and participate in the Councillor Connect Mentoring program.

As one of three representatives of the Bellarine Ward on Council, I have thoroughly enjoyed connecting with the three youth members from my ward each year and listening to what they have to say on issues that matter to them.

Because, while Councillors are there to mentor representatives on Youth Council, I speak from experience when I say that we certainly learn plenty from them as well.

The reason for this is because they offer a different way of looking at issues, which in turn provides valuable insight into how we deal with matters when they come before Council.

This is a terrific opportunity, so please pass this link on to the young people in your life who you believe have what it takes to make positive change in our community: www.geelongaustralia.com.au/youthcouncil

Youth Council acts as the official ‘youth voice’ of our region and it is important that we have a diverse group that is representative of the entire Greater Geelong community, so I urge everyone to nominate.

Deputy Mayor,

Trent Sullivan