Nillumbik's youth have a new voice with the appointment of the first Nillumbik Youth Council.
The 15 members of the Youth Council were announced at the Nillumbik Shire Council meeting on 23 March and will be appointed for two years.
The new Youth Councillors are Taj Andreetta, Joseph Bowman, Cavan Cartwright, Bailey Cumming, Orianna Edmonds, Kirra Imbriano, Imogen Jaques, Brianne Keogh, Maali Kerta-Rice, Maverick Knight, Jack Linehan, Katie O'Brien, Indiana Sandwell, Fieke van der Kamp, and Lachlan Wadsworth.
Aged 15 to 25 years, the Youth Councillors are passionate about their community and will represent the views, ideas and needs of young people.
Mayor Peter Perkins congratulated the inaugural members on their appointment.
"I'm really pleased we now a Youth Council which will advocate on behalf of the young people of Nillumbik," Cr Perkins said.
"I look forward to working with you all and hearing your ideas on how we can best support our youth."
Cr Ben Ramcharan, who is the Councillor representative on the committee, said he was excited to appoint a Youth Council.
"I'm 25 years old, I was 24 when elected. As a young person, I know that young people today have a lot to worry about from rising house prices to the issue of climate change," Cr Ramcharan said.
"It's critical we listen to young people and give them a voice.
"I would like to thank everyone who nominated, we could only accept 15, but the unsuccessful applicants will have other opportunities to be involved with Council."
The first formal meeting of the Youth Council will be on Monday 12 April, when a Youth Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be elected. The Council will then meet every two months.
A key role of the Council will be to develop Nillumbik's first youth-led Youth Strategy and Action Plan.
Youth Councillors will also help design and deliver local initiatives and projects for young people.
