Mayor calls for young people interested in joining Youth Council

Published on 18 June 2021

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Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) wants to hear from local young people who want to have a stronger voice in their community and are interested in being part of the next Youth Council.

Council’s inaugural Youth Council formed in July 2019 and its two-year term is about to expire.

That means Council is looking for a new group of 12 to 25 year olds to represent the region’s youth, this time for an 18-month period.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said Youth Council members would report to Councillors on the views of young people.

She said they would also continue the work of the previous Youth Council in activating The Station, the new home of youth services in Pynsent Street.

“It’s a great opportunity for young people who want a stronger voice in our community to meet others with similar interests and ideas, build their leadership skills and develop their knowledge and abilities to affect change,” Cr Gulline said.

“The young people who get involved will also have the chance to develop knowledge in team work, meeting processes, organising projects, public speaking, advocating for change and consulting with their peers,” she said.

Cr Gulline said Council’s inaugural Youth Council had worked extremely hard over the past two years and had adapted well to the challenges of the pandemic.

“They have been instrumental in helping us shine a light on issues facing young people,” Cr Gulline said.

“It is important that we have a strong voice from the youth in our community so that their views, opinions and ideas are well represented.

“Council and the broader community will benefit greatly from their input. Young people are the future of our community and will be at the forefront of change for many years to come.

“I sincerely thank all our Youth Councillors for their hard work and dedication to helping improve our community,” she said.

Applications are open until 30 June, with Youth Councillors set to be appointed in mid-July.

They will meet the Mayor and Councillors and hold their first meeting before the end of July.

The application form is available online or people can email Louise.Barnett@hrcc.vic.gov.au for more information.

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