YOUNG people from across the City of Greater Bendigo are being invited to apply to join the municipality\u2019s Youth Council.<\/p>\n
Up to 18 places on the consultative body are available with people aged between 14 and 24 encouraged to put their hand up.<\/p>\n
Run by the City\u2019s youth arm, YO Bendigo, the group provides feedback on municipal plans and projects and represents the region\u2019s young people at events and ceremonies.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s mayor of Youth Council, Victoria Tangey, said being part of the group enabled young people to have an impact on the City\u2019s future.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyone aged 14 to 24 who has an interest in leadership, governance or youth affairs should apply, because contributing to community on a strategic level allows you to create real change and make Greater Bendigo a better place for young people,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYoung people are not the leaders of tomorrow, we have the skills and abilities to be leaders today.<\/p>\n
\u201cYouth Council as a collective have the power to influence City policy and strategies, we are a valued part of the City\u2019s community consultation, and we create positive outcomes for the young people of Greater Bendigo.<\/p>\n
\u201cI encourage young people to apply as they will learn so much and have the opportunity to be involved in some really great projects.\u201d<\/p>\n
Successfully candidates who make the Youth Council will be required to undertake an induction and their first meeting in February next year.<\/p>\n
Set to enter its fifth year of operation, City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said input from youth councillors was welcomed and meaningful.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Youth Council is an initiative to engage with local young people in the decision-making process for the future,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also fulfils a key goal of the City\u2019s Council Plan 2021-2025 to ensure young people are supported to explore, engage and be empowered to shape the world they live in.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first four years of the Youth Council have been very successful with youth councillors providing input into over 40 City plans, strategies, policies and projects. They have also represented young people on over ten advisory and steering committees.\u201d<\/p>\n