Learning from the next generation

AS MAYOR, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of our most clever and creative young minds to help shape the future of our city.

And our work with the City of Greater Geelong’s Youth Council stands out as a shining example of this.

Throughout the year my fellow councillors and I have been lucky enough to work with these inspiring young people as part of the Councillor Connect Mentoring Program.

And, let me tell you, the youth councillors have mentored us as much as we have them.

During these sessions we have shared what it means to be a councillor and the profound positive impact that local government can have for our community.

In exchange, they have shared their invaluable insights into the key issues our young people face and what they care most about.

My fellow councillors and I were thoroughly impressed with how confidently and passionately youth councillors spoke about issues like vaping, housing affordability, transport, the environment and the cost-of-living crisis.

Their awareness and understanding of these challenging topics were impressive, and their insights will be crucial in developing policies to support our region’s young people.

Already the youth councillors have contributed feedback on a range of City of Greater Geelong strategies and initiatives that are benefitting our community and will shape our future.

These include the Council Plan 2025-29, the Integrated Transport Strategy, the Promoting CHANGE (Community Health and Nutrition Engagement) project, Geelong Nature Festival, and our Open Space, Public Realm, Public Art, and Community Health and Wellbeing strategies.

To have contributed to such a variety of projects is yet another demonstration of their knowledge and insight.

They also actively shaped and promoted our 2025 Geelong Youth Survey – and it shows.

This year’s survey received a massive 3,772 responses – a record number from our region’s young people for a City-led engagement.

And their work developing youth-led strategies to combat vaping have been pivotal in educating their peers and empowering them to say “no” to this harmful addiction.

At our last monthly meeting, I listened with pride as Junior Mayor Ayush Singh detailed these and other achievements in the Youth Council’s second report to Council.

Junior Mayor Singh’s speech reflected the enthusiasm and dedication of the Youth Council members in their role as our region’s official youth voice.

The City of Greater Geelong is now searching for the next group of aspiring young leaders to represent their peers on the 2026 Youth Council.

Nominations opened on Monday, and I encourage young people aged 12 to 17 to apply.

Supported by the City’s Youth Development team, Youth Council members meet monthly and provide advice to Council on a range of important issues.

They bring energy and fresh ideas, and help shape Council policies and initiatives, especially those effecting young people.

They also get to learn more about how local democracy works, build new skills and make friendships with like-minded young people from across our region.

If you’re a young person who wants to make a difference in our community, I urge you to apply.

Or you might know a young person who would be interested – it could be your child, a student, a friend, a teammate or a neighbour. Please encourage them to apply too.

Nominations for the 2026 Youth Council are open until Friday, October 3 at geelongaustralia.com.au/youthcouncil

Cr Stretch Kontelj Mayor, City of Greater Geelong