ARMSTRONG Creek teenager Lachlan Houen hopes he can get the next generation more engaged in politics as part of his time in the 2019 Victorian Youth Congress.<\/p>\n
The Geelong College student was one of 19 young people aged 13-24 from across Victoria chosen for the state government\u2019s second Youth Congress, which will discuss issues affecting young Victorians and help to shape government policies, programs and services.<\/p>\n
Lachlan applied after learning about the program on the Youth Central website.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was the opportunity of leadership and the idea of being able to help people, especially young people, because obviously I\u2019m one of them so I feel passionate about supporting them and leading by example,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The 16-year-old said this year\u2019s Youth Congress would focus on youth political engagement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a severe lack of help and support in that area.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about knowledge of opportunities within youth. There\u2019s so many ways – volunteering with political parties, getting involved within school political programs, all of that sort of stuff \u2013 but there\u2019s a lot of people who don\u2019t really know about those opportunities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of people that once they hit 18, they\u2019re not really sure what\u2019s happening within the political system, they don\u2019t know what voting is, how they vote\u2026 so we\u2019re aiming to get them more involved and more engaged so we become a more informed society, regarding politics.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Youth Congress will have its next meeting on February 1.<\/p>\n
Minister for Youth Gabrielle Williams inducted the congress on January 13.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really excited to meet these talented and inspiring young people who are so committed to making life better for young people in Victoria,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYouth Congress members will provide advice to the Government on key issues affecting young people over the next 12 months \u2013 their thoughts and opinions will create change for the better.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ARMSTRONG Creek teenager Lachlan Houen hopes he can get the next generation more engaged in politics as part of his time in the 2019 Victorian Youth Congress. The Geelong College student was one of 19 young people aged 13-24 from across Victoria chosen for the state government\u2019s second Youth Congress, which will discuss issues affecting […]<\/p>\n