Student leaders from across the Shire have made recommendations to Council on actions to support young people locally at the inaugural Nillumbik Youth Summit.
The recommendations for action included a youth hub, gender equity working group, solar panels in schools, comprehensive sex education, parent education sessions and recycling workshops.
More than 50 students from Diamond Valley College, St Helena Secondary College, Eltham High School, Catholic Ladies College, and Montmorency Secondary College attended the summit, held at the Eltham Community and Reception Centre on 25 May, to discuss the topics that matter most to Nillumbik’s young people.
Keynote speakers included writer and transgender rights activist Nevo Zisin, Australian Paralympian Jaryd Clifford and Hayden Rujak Founder of local charity Hayden’s Helping Hands.
The event was led by Youth Mayor Brianne Keogh and Youth Councillor Bailey Cumming from the Nillumbik Youth Council.
Nillumbik Youth Mayor Brianne Keogh said she hoped that the Summit would help young people in Nillumbik feel heard and empowered to collaborate with Council and the wider community to create positive change.
Nillumbik Mayor Frances Eyre said it was great to hear so many wonderful ideas to improve Nillumbik’s liveability for young people.
“Your ideas and drive for change are so important, on both, a local and broader level. I encourage you to continue to be passionate drivers of leadership and advocacy within the community.
“Council is committed to continuing to work with young people to deliver on each of the recommendations put forward today.”
The Youth Summit was designed by young people for young people who are passionate about leadership, advocacy and the community and is an action which flows from Council’s Youth Strategy 2022-2026.
