A seat at the table

IT’S TRULY inspiring to see our young people not just coping with the challenges of modern adolescence but actively thriving and making a positive impact in their communities.

Young people want to solve the big problems – tackling discrimination, violence and substance abuse.

They talk about secure housing and easing cost of living pressures. They want to drive sustainability and climate action.

Young people have been left a huge responsibility for fixing challenges they didn’t create. But I am filled with hope seeing how many of you are not only rising to meet those challenges, but also creating joy, connection and positive change along the way.

If this drive to be a leader and create change sounds like a young person you know, they might be the perfect candidate for the City of Greater Geelong’s Youth Council.

We’re searching for 11 young people aged 12 to 17 to join the 2026 Youth Council – the official “youth voice” for our region.

Participants meet once a month to share their views on issues such as cost of living, climate action, health, wellbeing and safety.

Their feedback helps guide our decisions and ensures the perspectives of young people are heard on important issues.

Over the past year, our current Youth Council has made a real impact. They’ve shown how passionate, capable and creative our young people are when given the chance to lead.

Youth Council members gain invaluable leadership training and development opportunities, including the chance to be part of the Councillor Connect mentoring program, where they work closely with experienced City councillors.

It has been a privilege to work with this year’s participants. Their passion is contagious and gaining insight into what’s important to today’s youth is invaluable.

In light of these sessions, I’ve been reflecting on how well my generation – and those before mine – have acted as stewards for the future.

Research tells us more than 75 per cent of young people are frightened about the future.

The issues that our Youth Council have chosen to focus on are some of the biggest challenges facing society – spanning mental health, cost of living pressures and issues like vaping and substance abuse.

They aren’t shying away from the hard conversations and are taking up the challenge of tackling these issues head on, by sparking conversations with local government and engaging their peers.

If you know a young person who relishes this opportunity, I urge you to nominate them for Youth Council today!

Our region is home to an immense amount of talent and leadership potential, as I witnessed when I recently attended the 2025 Geelong Youth Awards.

This important event celebrated robust talent of our young storytellers, and up-and-coming sports stars, entrepreneurs and tech wizards, through to artists and musicians.

Importantly, this event shined a spotlight on some of our community’s quietest achievers and unsung heroes.

These young people defy odds and push boundaries, driven by a shared goal: to create better lives – not just for themselves, but for everyone around them.

The rising generation is inheriting immense challenges, but they are meeting them with an unwavering passion and a drive to lead.

We must continue to celebrate their outstanding achievements, while also ensuring they have the platform to make their concerns heard.

Don’t let this opportunity pass!

Nominations close Friday, 10 October.

Visit geelongaustralia.com.aus/youthcouncil to give them a seat at the table.