2021 Youth Council announced

Cr Sarah Mansfield (left), Cr Jim Mason (centre) and acting mayor Trent Sullivan (right) pictured with the newly-inducted Youth Council. Photo: CITY OF GREATER GEELONG

TWELVE youths have been elected to take on the added responsibility of representing young people from across the region as they now prepare to serve as a council body in 2021.

The chosen members will serve as the third Youth Council to be inducted as an official advisory committee working alongside City of Greater Geelong councillors on issues relevant to young people.

Members were elected ahead of more than 100 nominees aged between 12 and 17 with only three successful candidates from each ward.

Youth Council representatives will meet once a month to give perspective on issues such as services, health and environment and inclusion.

Previous advisory committees have dedicated their time in office to tackling mental health, sustainability and safe and accessible communities across the Greater Geelong region.

Acting mayor Trent Sullivan congratulated the twelve members and the Youth Council body that is now entering its third year running.

“Over the past two years we’ve seen how important it is to have a youth voice informing Council on the issues impacting young people in the region. A big thanks to the 2020 Youth Council members for their work over the past 12 months and a warm welcome and congratulations to the incoming members.”

Junior members will be provided with mentoring from councillors of their respective wards as a part of the Councillor Connect Mentoring program.

The program aims to teach young members leadership skills as well as increased local government knowledge.

Youth Council will report to the council quarterly to provide advice, creative ideas and possible solutions with the first report to be handed down in March. The first meeting conducted by the junior panel will take place on February 1, where members will set out their aims for 2021.

“I have no doubt these young people will do an incredible job representing their peers and I look forward to hearing their insights throughout the year,” Cr Sullivan said.

The Youth Council comprises:

Belllarine Ward –

Emma Pape, 14

Mackenzie Sinclair, 15

Maria Glass, 15

Brownbill Ward –

Charlotte Hawkins, 13

Elliot Nicholas, 17

Minnie Dacres-Mannings, 17

Kardinia Ward –

Eva Maria Gee, 13

Madeline Grace, 16