Looking for young leaders

DO YOU know a young person who cares deeply about their community and wants to make a difference? If so, now is the perfect time for them to step forward.

The City of Greater Geelong is looking for the next group of young leaders to join the 2026 Youth Council.

The Youth Council is made up of 11 members, aged 12 to 17, who act as the region’s official “youth voice”.

Supported by the City’s Youth Development team, Youth Council members meet monthly and provide advice to Council on important issues such as health and wellbeing, cost of living, climate change and safety.

They bring energy and fresh ideas, and they take their responsibility seriously when giving advice to Council on the issues that matter to their peers.

Over recent months, the group has helped shape and promote the 2025 Geelong Youth Survey, which received a record 3,790 submissions.

They’ve also worked with local schools to warn their peers about the harms of vaping, showing real leadership on an issue that affects many young people.

One of the most interesting, and I believe important, activities that I am involved in as a councillor is the mentoring program with our Youth Council.

Mentoring sounds as if councillors are instructing the students of the Youth Council. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is very much a two-way conversation and a sharing of views.

The passion for change shown by our Youth Councillors is inspiring. They are well on the way to being engaged citizens who can clearly articulate their thoughts about some big issues.

When I’ve met with the Youth Councillors, I’ve been struck by how confidently they speak about topics that challenge many adults, including housing affordability and the cost-of-living crisis.

Their enthusiasm and insight remind me how capable and motivated our young people are. The future is in good hands.

Being part of Youth Council isn’t just about attending meetings. It’s about learning how local democracy works, building skills and making friendships with like-minded young people from across the region.

Programs like this matter because they reconnect young people with civic life.

The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, recently pointed out that only a quarter of year 10 students have a working knowledge of civics.

That worries me greatly. When young people don’t understand how our system works, they risk disengagement and disconnection.

The Youth Council is one way we can close that gap, by giving young people a seat at the table and letting them see how democracy works in their

own community.

It’s essential we listen when young people speak about their future. Their voices, experiences and ideas should help shape the decisions we make today.

If you know a young person – whether they’re your child, a student, a friend, a teammate or neighbour, please encourage them to apply. Sometimes a word of encouragement is all it takes for them to step forward.

Nominations for the 2026 Youth Council are open until Friday, October 3 at geelongaustralia.com.au/youthcouncil