General News
1 February, 2024
Applications for next youth leaders open
In the two years since its formation, the Central Goldfields Shire Youth Council has nurtured several future leaders. Now, other young people interested in following the same path are being invited to get involved. Applications are being accepted...
In the two years since its formation, the Central Goldfields Shire Youth Council has
nurtured several future leaders. Now, other young people interested in following the same path are being invited to get involved.
Applications are being accepted for Youth Council 2024 and all residents aged between 14 and 23 — with a keen interest in representing their peers and the issues that matter to them — are being encouraged to apply.
By becoming a youth councillor, you will be providing advice and advocating to council about relevant problems, while developing important skills and gaining confidence in your abilities.
With a focus on community leadership, people will receive training and experience in public speaking, organising events and creating meaningful change in the community.
Councillor Grace La Vella said all of those factors made the Youth Council an integral part of the shire.
“It really is vital that council keeps connected with our young people, to help shape and inform our decisions for the whole community,” she said.
“I was incredibly impressed both by the diversity and talent of our Youth Council in 2023. I’d be delighted to see it return bigger and better this year.
“Those in the community who know a young person with passion, is an up-and-coming leader, or would benefit from the rich experiences council offers, should urge them to apply.”
Some of the activities undertaken by youth councillors last year included — conducting a community survey to help advocate for more public transport services, hosting climate conversations in schools, planning events, and meeting with MPs and the Victorian Governor about local issues affecting young people.
Actively participating in and leading these initiatives has set former youth mayor, Safhira Rowe, up for success.
“It’s been really good — I’ve had lots of opportunities through the youth council that I wouldn’t have had otherwise,” she said.
“We’ve had certain priority areas that we have focused on including issues relating to climate, tolerance and education.
“It has been nice to have a sense of pride in the community and also be able to represent our rural youth. I think people should definitely give it a shot because it’ll help them build skills that can be transferred to other aspects of life and it is also a great avenue to meet new people.”
According to council’s youth worker Gemma Simpson, the Youth Council was important for the future of the region, and a great opportunity for those who decide to take part.
“Even the process of going through the application can be a helpful experience for young people. Practicing interviewing skills, meeting elected representatives, plus connecting with other emerging leaders outside their immediate area has huge benefits,” Ms Simpson said.
“These are skills that can help them get a job, apply for scholarships, or learn how to express themselves and communicate in professional settings.
“You never know — we could be helping to build future councillors, members of parliaments, or even a future prime minister.”
Central Goldfields Shire Youth Council applications will close on February 15 at 5 pm.
To apply visit www.engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au/youthcouncil