THE City’s Youth Council has commenced its second year of a two-year term, with six new councillors announced and eleven returning for 2026.<\/p>\n
New recruits Anya Singh, Ava Parker, Bailey Leach, Grace Wells, Hayden Ferrari and Simone Richter have joined incumbents Aidan Sanders, Alyssa Beaton, Amelia Westbrook, Annie Dalton, Bailey Dolan, Ella Filsell, Freiya O’Connor, Hamish Knight, Lucas Thredgold, Mollie Hartje and Rafferty Brasier.<\/p>\n
The group met recently to elect Alyssa Beaton as youth mayor and Ella Filsell and Bailey Dolan as deputy mayors.<\/p>\n
Ms Beaton said her appointment filled her with “pride and strength”.<\/p>\n
“To be given the opportunity to lead this year’s Youth Council as we begin our journey of growth, connection and impact sparks an excitement and determination that I plan to channel into this role,” she said.<\/p>\n
“Youth Council provides a space for young people to share their voices and make changes in an environment that is both welcoming and empowering.<\/p>\n
“The skills we gain from being part of this group are invaluable and allow us to truly influence areas of significance for Greater Bendigo.”<\/p>\n
City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Thomas Prince welcomed both new and returning councillors and congratulated the new leadership group.<\/p>\n
“The Youth Council represents the views of young people on a range of City plans and programs that impact them and represents young people at civic and other events and activities,” he said. “Over the past seven years Youth Councillors have contributed to nearly 60 City plans, strategies, policies and projects.<\/p>\n
“They’ve also co-designed and overseen the development of the City’s Youth Action Plan and represented young people on several advisory committees.<\/p>\n
“The Youth Council is an initiative to engage with local young people in the City’s decision-making process for the future, and Council is looking forward to working with them.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE City’s Youth Council has commenced its second year of a two-year term, with six new councillors announced and eleven returning for 2026. New recruits Anya Singh, Ava Parker, Bailey Leach, Grace Wells, Hayden Ferrari and Simone Richter have joined incumbents Aidan Sanders, Alyssa Beaton, Amelia Westbrook, Annie Dalton, Bailey Dolan, Ella Filsell, Freiya O’Connor, […]<\/p>\n