Youth council recommends smoke-free zone

A VAPE- and smoke-free zone in central Geelong and better public transport facilities and services are among the recommendations the youth council has handed to the City of Greater Geelong.

Junior mayor Ayush Singh presented the youth council advisory committee’s final report to the council at its December meeting.

The recommendations to councillors include:

• Investigating the feasibility of establishing a designated vape and smoke-free zone in central
• Geelong, prioritising high-traffic public areas
• Undertaking a review of bus stops and prioritising upgrades to lighting, shelters, bins, connecting footpaths and bike lanes to ensure young people feel safe and comfortable using public transport,
• nd advocating to the Victorian government for young people to be engaged in the coming Geelong and Bellarine bus network review
• Reviewing how the city supports young people in the middle years of their development (ages 10 to 12) to identify service gaps, strengthen collaboration and invest in preventative and early  intervention initiatives. Alternative digital and offline communication channels are suggested to reach young people affected by social media restrictions, and
• Establishing a pilot youth-specific grants stream, exclusively available to young people, to respond to the impact of cost-of-living pressures on young people while fostering leadership, skill development and community engagement.

The city will consider the advice and provide an update to councillors by June.

Ayush said he was incredibly proud of everything the youth council had achieved.

“As junior mayor, I’ve had the honour of chairing meetings and helping drive change alongside the youth council,” he said.

“I’ve watched my peers grow, share bold ideas and come up with creative solutions I never would’ve imagined.

“Being part of the youth council has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and it’s sparked a deep passion in me for advocacy and community connection.”

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj thanked the youth council members for contributions and advocacy on behalf of the region’s young people.

“The council found the mentoring sessions with these clever young people highly valuable in understanding and responding to the needs of younger residents,” he said.

“From public health to transport and youth engagement, these young leaders have tackled complex issues with maturity and creativity.

“We will deeply consider the youth council’s thoughtful and practical recommendations which aim to strengthen youth participation and wellbeing.”