Two ambitious students eager to be voices for their generation have been named Blacktown City Youth Ambassadors for 2025.
Caiden Bond of Mount Druitt and Jiyaa Sahdev of The Ponds were chosen from a field of more than 90 applicants to represent Blacktown City at events including citizenship ceremonies and civic receptions. They will also take part in Blacktown City Council's Youth Advisory Committee.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting congratulated the pair after they were selected from 7 shortlisted candidates at The Colebee at Nurragingy Reserve last week.
"Caiden and Jiyaa are great communicators and have demonstrated they are keen to make a difference to our community," he said.
"I am sure they will be fine representatives for our city and I look forward to seeing their progress."
Caiden, 17, attends Plumpton High School. He is on the student council and has been part of school debating teams.
Jiyaa, 15, attends Castle Hill High School. She is on the student council and is a corporal in the Australian Air Force Cadets.
Caiden and Jiyaa have both achieved the bronze award in the Duke of Edinburgh program.
Both are looking forward to their 12-month term.
Caiden said: "I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Youth Ambassador. I look forward to making a meaningful impact in the greater Blacktown community."
Jiyaa said: "Being a voice for young people is a goal of mine and I am excited to share their hopes and dreams with Council."
Mayor Bunting thanked outgoing Youth Ambassadors Jamison Dustin and Annacemone Nashid for their service.
"Jamison and Annacemone have been excellent ambassadors and have developed wider knowledge and skills that will serve them well in future endeavours," he said.
The Blacktown City Youth Ambassadors program has been running since 1983.
