Greater
Geelong’s Junior Mayor Josie Horne has presented the Youth Council’s second
report to council.
Twelve
people aged 12-16 were elected to the region’s first ever Youth Council in
February this year, to advise council and serve as an official ‘youth voice’.
Over
the last two months, youth councillors have spent time judging the Geelong
Youth Awards, which took place on June 7, 2019. The awards recognised young
people making significant contributions to the community and the Junior Mayor presented
certificates to them at the ceremony.
Youth
councillors have also been involved in a structured mentoring program that
connects them with their respective ward councillors. The initiative aims to
support the youth councillors to develop skills in civic leadership, community
participation and engagement, and also to provide a voice for young people.
Members from each ward are planning to attend Youth Drop-In
programs across the region to engage with young people and hear about the
issues affecting them. This engagement will help guide youth councillors on
proposed changes or projects that may help our region’s youth reach their full potential.
The Youth Council will present a detailed report from these sessions in its next
presentation to council on September 24, 2019.
Youth councillors
will also be dedicated to organising the Youth Summit, including planning its
location and activities.
You can view a copy of the Youth Council’s second report to council in last night’s council meeting agenda.
Councillor Bruce Harwood – Mayor
Our youth councillors have been hard at
work collaborating with their constituents, to find out how they can best serve
them. I’m looking forward to learning of their progress over the next two
months.My fellow councillors and I are enjoying
mentoring them and gaining valuable insight into the issues affecting young
people, as they develop their priorities and future actions.
Josie Horne – Junior Mayor
Greater
Geelong’s Youth Council is made up of an empathetic, dedicated and driven group
of young people who are passionate about making a difference.Over
the next two months, we will continue to work on our portfolio areas as well as
meeting more young people to gain essential feedback.
