New City of Greater Geelong Youth Council steps up for 2025

THE 2025 City of Greater Geelong Youth Council has been announced, with Ayush Singh elected as junior mayor.

Fellow youth councillor Alanah Forbes has been named deputy junior mayor.

The induction ceremony was attended by friends and family of the elected Youth Council members, along with City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM.

Ayush, who attends North Geelong Secondary College, the same school Cr Kontelj graduated from, said it was a privilege to be elected.

“It is a privilege to be elected to the City of Greater Geelong Youth Council for 2025 and a thrill to be serving as the junior mayor,” he said.

“The Youth Council has achieved so much already and I look forward to our group continuing the legacy of those who have served previously.”

The 2025 Youth Council will consist of 11 members, a change from previous years when 12 members were elected, to better reflect the makeup of the Council.

Meetings will be held monthly from February to November, with quarterly mentoring sessions offering members the opportunity to engage with councillors, ask questions, and discuss leadership and issues affecting young people in Geelong.

Cr Kontelj congratulated the newly inducted councillors.

“I congratulate all members of the 2025 Youth Council, and look forward to hearing more from them about the issues of importance to them,” Cr Kontelj said.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work alongside the Youth Council, and I know they will serve their colleagues and peers well.”

The Youth Council will present three reports to the City of Greater Geelong throughout the year, culminating in a final report in December that will provide a summary of its work and official advice to City councillors.

The 2025 City of Greater Geelong Youth Council consists of Alanah Forbes, Archie Gaylard, Ayush Singh, Benjamin Pocock, Codey Broomhall, Isabella Harvey, John McClure, Lacey Young, Lola Philip-Szaraz, Mohammad Husseini, and Sarah Ivey.