On 10 September young people had the opportunity to meet directly with candidates seeking to represent the community in the next Victorian Parliament.
Local high school students spent the morning sharing their experiences and their hopes for the future with each other and with local candidates.
Held at Bargoonga Nganjin North Fitzroy Library, this was the first in a series of Youth Voice workshops that Council will host to give young people an opportunity to be heard by their community representatives.
Front of mind for the young people participating was housing affordability, AI and its growing impact, climate change, and a media landscape that cannot always be trusted.
The students asked candidates about what motivated them to become involved in politics and the pathways they chose. They wanted to know more about the ways in which minor parties and independents can influence outcomes and enact political change.
Representatives from the Victorian and Australian Electoral Commissions came along to share information on the electoral process and enrolling to vote.
Members of Council’s community engagement team were there to discuss ways that young people would like to input to and influence Council decisions. Council’s climate emergency team shared information on the Youth Climate Action Fund Grants that are currently available.
Participating students were adamant that this workshop should not be a one off. Council’s Youth Services team will establish a working group to make sure that future workshops are designed and organised by young people.
There is an opportunity for the broader community to hear from and ask questions of candidates for the seats of Richmond, Brunswick and Northcote at the Community Forum on 14 October.
