The City of Greater Bendigo wants to hear from local young people aged between 14 and 22 who want to have a stronger voice in their community and are interested in being part of the next City of Greater Bendigo Youth Council.
City of Greater Bendigo CEO Craig Niemann said the City of Greater Bendigo is looking for up to 18 local young people who want to represent young people and their views on a range of matters as part of the Youth Council.
“The Youth Council is an initiative to engage with local young people in the decision-making process for the future. It is also a key action in the City’s Youth Strategy,” Mr Niemann said.
“The first two Youth Council terms have been very successful with Youth Councillors providing input into over 20 City plans, strategies and policies. They have also represented young people on over 10 advisory and steering committees including the Creative City of Gastronomy Advisory Committee, the Bendigo Safe Community Forum and City’s Economic Development Strategy.
“The Youth Council will represent the views of young people on City plans and programs that impact them and report to the City of Greater Bendigo Mayor and Councillors. They will also represent young people at civic events and activities. In turn the Mayor and Councillors will provide members of the Youth Council with mentoring and support.”
Greater Bendigo Youth Mayor for 2020 Ryan Petersen said while it has been a fantastic experience to be included and heard in the conversations to make Greater Bendigo the most liveable community, the learning from being involved in the Youth Council has been just as important.
“It’s a great opportunity for us as young people to meet others with similar interests and ideas, build our leadership skills and develop the knowledge and abilities to influence change. We also have the chance to develop knowledge in team work, meeting processes, organising projects, public speaking, advocating for change and consulting with our peers,” Mr Petersen said.
“I encourage young people to apply as they will learn so much and have the opportunity to be involved in some really great projects.”
The City is looking for up to 18 young people aged from 14 to 22 to participate.
Applications close 6pm Sunday December 6, 2020, with Youth Councillors set to be appointed in December. The Youth Councillors will undertake induction and training in January, meet the Mayor and Councillors and hold their first meeting in February 2021.
