Youth Council presents final report to city

THE City of Greater Geelong’s Youth Council has handed in the last report of its term and offered its final advice to the council.

The council received the last report from the 2024 youth advisory committee at its meeting on December 10.

Youth Council members, aged between 12 and 17, were elected at the end of 2023 and came from towns and suburbs across the municipality, with three representatives from each of the four wards the city had at the time.

In its final report, the Youth Council recaps its activities and discussions since its previous report, and offers five pieces of advice for the council:

• To continue to advocate strongly to the state government for crucial improvements in public transport services throughout Greater Geelong, with priority given to enhancing bus punctuality and optimising routes
• To invest in more safe bike lanes connecting high-traffic areas, including schools, and ensuring that existing bike lanes are well-maintained and properly lit to promote safe cycling; and improving bus stops across the city to ensure they are easily accessible via footpaths, and installing bins, new or better lighting, additional seating and shelters, and nearby bike storage facilities
• That future Youth Council groups remain key stakeholders in the development and implementation of the city’s Integrated Transport Strategy
• To implement measures that economically empower young people by enhancing job opportunities, including exploring ways to strengthen relationships with local organisations specialising in business, employment, and commerce, and
• To consider opportunities to provide free training and educational programs designed to reduce employment barriers and equip young people with essential employment skills.

Junior mayor Hteemoo Yohellaymusaw said Youth Council had been one of the most memorable and enriching programs she had ever participated in.

“I feel so grateful for the opportunity to be the voice of youth in my community, a champion for change, and have my voice heard and respected.

“Moreover, I have had the honour to preside as the Junior Mayor and this is both an honour and privilege that has immensely shaped me as a leader and an individual.”

She said her favourite moments from Youth Council had been engaging with other young people whether on the Youth Council itself or in the community.

“I am thankful for the 11 new friends I made during this program and for the different perspectives I have gained, which I believe will guide my future thinking and decisions.”

She said a personal highlight was attending the Women in Community Life Awards.

“This opportunity not only enabled Mercy and I to speak and build on our public speaking, but it opened my eyes to the amazing efforts made by the women in our community to create a safer and more sustainable Geelong.

“As a young girl standing in a room full of motivated and strong women, the atmosphere was electrifying and, in this moment, I knew that I wanted to drive positive changes such as those recognised that night and one day serve as an inspiration to just one young girl.”