Blacktown City Council is proud to announce that Ebony O'Connor from St Andrews College and Evan Ademovic from Rooty Hill High School have been appointed Youth Ambassadors for 2019/20.
"I congratulate Ebony and Evan for being selected as Blacktown City's 2019 Youth Ambassadors," said Blacktown Mayor, Stephen Bali MP.
"This year we had a record field of applicants and the quality of candidates was extremely high, presenting Council with a tough but exciting challenge.
"It's wonderful to see so many young people wanting to be actively involved as leaders in our community.
"I am looking forward to working with Ebony and Evan for the next 12 months as they represent our youth and, like their predecessors, make an active contribution to Council's decision making process."
Currently completing year 12, Ebony, is excited about being provided with a platform to make a change within the community.
"I feel like young people are perceived as a group that can't instigate real change and this is an opportunity to actually make a difference in the community," Ebony said.
"Being chosen as a youth ambassador was very humbling and an honour.
"I'm very excited about being part of the Sister Cities program. Being able to create links with international cities, being able to connect with people on the other side of the world is amazing."
Evan, who is currently completing year 11, is also eager to work alongside Blacktown's youth.
"It's a great privilege to be able to represent such a large group of people," Evan said.
"I plan to use this opportunity to get the best outcomes for young people by working with Council."
Mayor Bali also thanked the outgoing 2019 Youth Ambassadors Emily Potloka, from Oakhurst, and Akano Amuda, from Mount Druitt, for representing the young people of Blacktown City during their term.
Blacktown City Council's Youth Ambassador Program has been running since 1982 and is a chance for young people to represent the youth of Blacktown City at public events such as civic receptions and ceremonies, as well as taking part in various Council meetings.
"Year after year, the program continues to have a positive effect on the young people of Blacktown City – helping to develop their leadership, public speaking and interpersonal skills," Mayor Bali said.
"In turn, our excellent ambassadors have all left a positive legacy for the City – and I am confident Ebony and Evan will do the same as they represent local youth over the next 12 months.
"Blacktown City Council sends sincere thanks to all the applicants and to the 2018 Youth Ambassadors, Emily and Akano, who have done a fantastic job serving as the face and voice of young people in Blacktown City over the past year."
