Voting begins for Youth Council

VOTING has begun for next year’s City of Greater Geelong Youth Council.

Voting booths have been set up at various locations across Geelong including in schools, where young people will be able to cast their vote.

The nomination campaign in August and September saw 40 self-nominations, which were representative of the entire Greater Geelong municipality.

The Youth Council is made up of 11 young people aged between 12 and 17.

It provides opportunities for young people to participate and learn about civic and democratic processes, and provides multiple opportunities for the council to seek and receive advice and input from young people about youth specific issues.

City of Greater Geelong chief executive Ali Wastie encouraged young community members to get out and cast their vote to have their voice heard.

“Youth Council provides opportunities for young people to participate and learn about civic and democratic processes, and there is nothing more democratic than getting out and voting for those we want to represent us,” she said.

“Voting provides a chance to have a say in who will represent the views of young people in our local community and it is an important way to make sure the youth voice is heard and that the issues that matter most to young peopleare represented.”

It is quick and easy to vote – eligible community members just need to head to a booth, cast their ballot, and they will be done.

Voters can only vote at a school if they are a student presently attending that school and campus, and the city’s Youth staff will be onsite to help with any questions.

Voting has already taken place at Bellarine Secondary College’s Ocean Grove Campus and Iona College in Armstrong Creek

Coming voting locations:

• Bellarine Secondary College, Drysdale Campus – Thursday, November 14
• Belmont High School – Monday, November 25
• Grovedale College – Tuesday, November 19
• Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary School – Thursday, November 21
• North Geelong Secondary College – Tuesday, November 26
• Sacred Heart College – Wednesday, November 20
• St Joseph’s Flexible Learning Centre, Geelong – Tuesday, November 26
• Armstrong Creek Youth Hub – drop-in voting
• The fOrt Youth Centre, Norlane – drop-in voting.

For more information, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/youthcouncil