CoGG Youth Council nominations open

THE City of Greater Geelong is seeking the next generation of members for its 2023 Youth Council.

Nominations are open for the council made up of people aged between 12 and 17 years that acts as an official advisory committee to the Geelong council.

Nominees will be voted on by members of youth advisory groups, with three youth representatives to be selected for each of the four Council wards: Bellarine, Brownbill, Kardinia and Windermere.

The 12 successful candidates will then elect the Junior Mayor and Junior Deputy Mayor.

“Youth Council is the official ‘youth voice’ of Geelong and plays a vital role in helping Council understand what the region’s youth are thinking and feeling,” Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy said.

“‘It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people in our region to learn more about the process of local government while informing and actually influencing council decisions,” he said.

“We want a diverse Youth Council that’s representative of the entire Greater Geelong community, so we encourage everyone to nominate, regardless of previous experience – you’ll be well-supported by our Youth Development team and via our Councillor Connect Mentoring program.”

The first Youth Council was elected in 2019 and its members meet monthly and advise council on issues such as mental health, climate change, diversity and inclusion.

Current Junior Deputy Mayor Angelle Mackay said she’d picked up valuable experience during her time on the Youth Council but it also provided useful advice to the regions peak council.

“It’s important council knows what issues young people are actually facing, and serving on Youth Council is a great way to make a tangible difference in your community,” she said.

“I have found Youth Council to be a really supportive program that helps our voices to be developed, amplified, and heard and believe that the advice that we provide is used by council to help Geelong to be a clever and creative and youth-enabling community.”

Nominations are open until Monday 7 November 2022 and can be made at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/youthcouncil