City inducts 2026 youth council

A NEW generation of young leaders has been given a seat at the table at City Hall, with the City of Greater Geelong’s 2026 youth council officially inducted this week.

The 11-member council, make up of young people aged 13 to 17, has already begun shaping its agenda for the year ahead.

Following their induction, members took part in a three-day orientation program delivered by the city in partnership with Youth Leadership Academy Australia.

During the program, the group developed a new charter, identified shared priorities and selected a project to focus on throughout their term.

Protecting native land, skies and waterways, youth health and wellbeing, economic equality and opportunity, and inclusivity and safety within the community were identified as the council’s key focus areas for 2026.

Over the next 11 months, the youth council will meet monthly to consider issues affecting young people across region, before presenting advice and recommendations to the Geelong council.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the new youth council members had earned their place through a competitive selection process.

“Members should feel very proud of this achievement, as they faced stiff competition to get to this point,” he said. “They were selected from a pool of 26 candidates and nearly 2,100 votes from their peers across 17 local schools.

“Council is excited to work alongside this important advisory committee and hear directly from young people about what matters to them.

“I’m confident these individuals will make a difference in the community and use their new knowledge and skills in all aspects of their lives.”

Vignesh Ram, 15, has been elected as junior mayor and Bailey Roberts, 14, as deputy junior mayor.

Vignesh said he was looking forward to advocating for young people across the municipality.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent young people across Greater Geelong.

“Our youth council is excited to learn, collaborate and advocate on issues that matter to us, and we’re looking forward to making a positive difference together.”