The City of Greater Geelong’s fourth Youth Council has been announced, with 12 young people being chosen to serve as the official ‘youth voice’ to Council for 2022.
The Youth Council will act as an official advisory committee to Council, with three members representing each of the four wards: Bellarine, Brownbill, Kardinia and Windermere.
The Youth Council members will meet once a month and provide a youth perspective to Council on important issues such as mental health awareness, bullying, climate change, and inclusion.
Junior members were chosen from more than 100 nominees, all aged between 12 and 17, by members of youth advisory groups in their respective wards.
The 2022 Youth Council members are:
- Bellarine Ward
Indiana Roberts, 14
Genaya Rowbottom, 17
Timothe Garnier, 12
- Brownbill Ward
Tahlia Baronessa, 17
Imogen O’Shannessy,14
Bailey Strahan, 14
- Kardinia Ward
Isobel Rose, 13
Sarah Tolan, 13
Ashlin Bobby, 14
- Windermere Ward
Charlee Hide, 13
Angelle Mackay, 15
Adrian Wyres, 15
The first meeting for the 2022 Youth Council will take place on Monday 7 February, where the junior members will set their key priorities for the year ahead.
Junior members will work closely with councillors in their respective wards as part of the Councillor Connect Mentoring Program, which leads to improved leadership skills, a better understanding of local government and greater confidence in the young people participating.
Youth Council will report to Council quarterly on activities undertaken by the advisory committee and, in previous years, has played an important role in calling for further promotion of the City’s mental health first aid training and additional youth designated spaces in the region.
Last year’s Youth Council contributed to Monash University’s YourGround safety mapping survey, while this year’s Council will be able to offer their insights to the Growing Up in Geelong Study with Deakin University.
The first Youth Council for the City of Greater Geelong was elected in 2019, following the recommendations of the Citizen’s Jury.
Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan
The youth of Geelong have shown remarkable resilience during the pandemic, and now more than ever, we need to hear their perspectives on the issues that are important to them.
The 12 youth councillors are an impressive group and represent a diverse mix of backgrounds. We know they’ll do an outstanding job of representing their peers.
Councillor Sarah Mansfield
We had 111 nominees who put themselves forward to be part of this year’s Youth Council and it’s wonderful to the see passion and commitment of our future leaders.
The 2022 Youth Council will continue the fantastic work of our previous three Youth Councils, and I look forward to hearing their insights on what is important to young people in our region.
