Young people encouraged to nominate

THE search has started to find young people who want to make a difference in their community and provide advice to the City of Greater Geelong.

Nominations are open for the 2022 youth council and anyone aged between 12 and 17 years old who is interested is encouraged to learn more about the role and consider putting their hand up.

The youth council serves a one-year term as an official advisory committee to the council and includes 12 representatives – three for each of the four council wards – voted in by members of youth advisory groups.

Greater Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said youth council was “a really incredible opportunity for young people in our region to learn more about the process of local government while informing, and actually influencing, council decisions for young people in Greater Geelong”.

“If you’ve got some great ideas for our area, whether that’s programs or social infrastructure, health and wellbeing initiatives, environment and sustainability actions or arts and culture projects, and would like to represent your peers, please consider putting your hand up to join next year’s youth council,” Cr Sullivan said.

“It’s a great forum for meeting new people who share your interest in making a difference in the community, to form friendships, develop public speaking skills, be exposed to new ideas and information and develop your abilities in influencing and advocating for the things that are important to you.”

Diversity, Inclusion and LGBTIQ+ portfolio chair Cr Sarah Mansfield thanked this year’s youth council for its efforts and persevering through the challenges of virtual meetings.

“I hope the members know they’ve made a difference to young people in the region and in providing council with the insights needed to make informed decisions and take meaningful action.”

Youth council members meet once a month and advise the council on important issues like services, health, environment and inclusion.

Throughout the year junior members also have opportunity to connect and receive advice from the councillors representing their ward.

The 2022 Youth Council will continue the great work of the current members, which has included calling for further promotion of the city’s mental health first aid training, additional youth designated spaces in the region and improvements to how engagements with young people are undertaken.

Junior mayor Elliot Nicholas said he was “really proud of what we’ve set in motion, such as our advocacy for more designated youth spaces in the region which has seen the city start a youth facility feasibility and business case”.

“I’ve personally learned a lot through this process and recommend other young people in Greater Geelong put their hand up for 2022.”

Nominations are open until November 12 and nomination eligibility and further information is available online at geelongaustralia.com.au/youthcouncil.