City’s new youth leaders declared

THE City of Greater Bendigo youth council has appointed Ryan Peterson youth mayor for 2023 as the group begins a new two-year term.

Mr Peterson previously held the position in 2020 and served as deputy-mayor from 2021 to 2022.

“It’s an honour to be appointed the 2023 youth mayor and I’m thrilled to be working with two very capable deputy youth mayors in Lilly Correll and Remus Brasier,” he said.

“My goal for this year is to build on all of the great work we’ve been doing up to now, and with the support of the City, mayor and councillors I believe we can further our achievements in 2023.”

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said she was keenly anticipating cooperating with Mr Peterson and the rest of the youth council this year.

“The youth council is an initiative to engage with local young people in the City’s decision-making process for the future,” she said.

“[It] represents the views of young people on City plans and programs that impact them and represent young people at civic events and activities.”

Cr Metcalf said the first four years of the municipal youth council have been successful, with youth councillors providing input into more than 40 city plans, strategies, policies and projects.

“They have also represented young people on over 10 advisory and steering committees including the Creative City of Gastronomy advisory committee, the Bendigo safe community forum, farming and agribusiness advisory committee, Greater Bendigo climate collaboration committee and the City’s economic development strategy committee.”