2022 Youth Council delivers its first report

MENTAL health and wellbeing, environment and sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and healthy and respectful relationships are among the top priorities outlined in the City of Greater Geelong’s Youth Council’s first report of 2022.

Prior to presenting the report at the City of Greater Geelong’s council meeting, Youth Council considered how the council’s strategic priorities align with the experiences of young people in the region, along with data from Mission Australia’s annual survey.

Youth Council consists of 12 young people aged 12 to 17 elected to reflect the youth voice to the City of Great Geelong.The youth councillors will identify individual topics within priority areas and continue their work with ward councillors through the Councillor Connect Mentoring Program.

Junior mayor Genaya Rowbottom and deputy junior mayor Angelle Mackay said the group is eager to represent the Geelong Youth in the year ahead.

“We are all passionate and driven individuals eager to provide the official youth voice to council on the important issues young people in our region face,” they said.

“We’d like to congratulate the 2022 Youth Council on our achievements so far; we are a very capable group who represent the diverse perspectives of our peers.”

Chair of the Diversity, Inclusion and LGBTIQA+ portfolio councillor Sarah Mansfield said she also looked forward to working with the new Youth Council.

“It’s always one of the highlights of my year to meet with the junior councillors for mentoring sessions and hear their perspectives on behalf of young people in Greater Geelong,” Cr Mansfield said.

“The youth of Geelong have shown remarkable resilience during the pandemic, and I am very much looking forward to hearing their ideas on the best ways to support young people through the COVID-19 recovery period.”

The Youth Council’s next report will be presented on July 26 alongside an update on the Youth Council’s work, achievements and advice.