The Sunraysia region now has a formal body in place to champion the voice of young people in our community following the first meeting of Mildura Rural City Council's Youth Council last week.
The Youth Council will act as an advisory and advocacy committee, working on behalf of young people throughout our municipality to:
- Provide opportunities for young people to have their say and influence Council policies, plans and strategies.
- Promote young people as valuable citizens who make a positive contribution to the community.
- Provide opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills.
- Provide an opportunity for Councillors to hear and learn from young people.
- Provide opportunities for young people to consult with the wider community.
As part of their role, Youth Council members will provide advice to Mildura Councillors and staff on implementation and review of Council's Youth Engagement Strategy, as well as other policy and strategy development.
Councillor for Community Health and Wellbeing Troy Bailey, who was part of the assessment process for the Youth Council, congratulated all applicants.
"Being part of this process has really highlighted just how much we have to be proud of in the young people of our region," Cr Bailey said.
"From the sheer number of applicants, which shows the drive and ambition of our amazing young people, through to the quality of applicants – it all points to a very bright future for our region, which is fantastic to see.
"I can't wait to see the progress of our first ever Youth Council to make our region an even better place to live for young people."
The announcement of the Youth Council this week follows a comprehensive assessment process which started earlier this year with a call for expressions of interest.
Applicants were then interviewed by Council staff, Mildura Mayor Liam Wood and Cr Bailey as the relevant portfolio Councillor to determine the final nine members of the Youth Council, who have been appointed for a one-year term.
The group will now elect a Youth Mayor and Youth Deputy Mayor before getting to work providing advice to Council on projects, initiatives and events to support other young people in our region.
Members will also undergo leadership and other training to help support their role.
Meet the Youth Council
Emily Ablett
Age: 13
Emily is currently a member of her School Representative Council at Irymple Secondary College and was inspired to join the Youth Council following her older sister's involvement in the Youth Parliament initiative.
Emily says she hopes to foster change and improvement for the community through the role and gain knowledge and experiences that will challenge her to become stronger in her beliefs.
Emily has a passion for music and enjoys playing guitar in her school band and outside of school. She strives to do her best in all she sets out to achieve and believes it's important Council has access to the perspectives of younger people as they have different needs and wants.
Olivia Cirillo
Age: 14
Olivia was born in Adelaide but moved to Mildura to look after her grandparents and pursue a life in the country.
She joined the Youth Council to be more connected to her community and to grow her leadership skills.
Olivia loves playing soccer with Nichols Point and is a trained green shirt referee.
She also volunteers for the Walk Off the War Within initiative and is a member of her school's Council and SRC.
Lily Bell
Age: 16
Lily was born in Darwin and raised in Mildura from a young age.
She is dedicated and interested in her community, particularly issues that affect local youth.
Lily has been involved in both her school and outer communities, participating in Student Representative Councils and leadership positions, travelling around Australia for leadership forums and camps, as well as volunteer work and fundraising events.
She is interested in making a difference and understanding how to help youth, and supporting young people through their issues or worries, ensuring that the youth feel acknowledged and comfortable within our community.
She joined the Youth Council to step out of her comfort zone, be more involved in the community and to play an active role to ensure young people in the community are listened to and understood.
She is very passionate about making a positive change, bringing together the community and giving young people a voice. She aspires to pursue a career in the future where she can make a positive impact and help others.
Jack (Doc) Heinrich
Age: 17
Jack loves interacting with people and aspires to one day be ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church and become a chaplain for the Police Force and/or Royal Australian Naval Reserves.
He said he joined the Youth Council to ensure young people can have their say on issues that matter to them.
Jack is a senior server and training Lay Minister for the Anglican Parish of the Northern Mallee (St Margret's Anglican Church Mildura), and has been volunteering as a server for his local church for 10 years.
He also plays indoor bowls for Coomealla and is an avid ballroom dancer.
Georgia Gentle
Age: 19
Georgia is currently studying a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice and has joined the Youth Council to create a community all ages can feel connected to.
She is a former winner of the Youth Endurance and Persistence Award through Council, and was part of the Mildura Youth Action Group.
Georgia also volunteers with her local sporting clubs, and says she wants to be a voice for those who may not be courageous enough to come forward on their own.
Shyanna Vandermerve
Age: 19
Shyanna is an Indigenous women from the Yuggera nation of Brisbane. However she was born and raised in Mildura.
She values punctuality, respect and sincerity, and is a staunch advocate of her Indigenous culture and promoting Indigenous issues.
Her goal through the Youth Council is to drive conversations towards progressive change, and she believes the Youth Council will give young people an outlet and opportunity to do exactly that.
She has been a proud member of the Kiilalaana Foundation since its opening in 2020, and is now a member of staff.
Paris Ribarits
Age: 21
Paris is very passionate about the voices in our community being heard, especially young voices, and has joined the Youth Council to ensure this happens.
She has a passion for the ways art can be impactful in decision-making.
Paris currently works as a Future Reset Young Creative Lead alongside key youth stakeholders including Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council and Hands Up Mallee, engaging with a wide range of diverse groups of young people while gaining an understanding of what they would like to see done within the community.
Nick Coe
Age: 22
Nick works as an apprentice chef in Ouyen, and joined the Youth Council to work closely with other like-minded young people to help them stand out in the community.
He is an active member of the local lawn tennis club committee, is involved with the Ouyen Football Netball Club and is on the Mallee Root Festival committee.
He is also a registered volunteer for Mallee Track Health and Community Services.
Jackson Mugenzi
Age: 23
Jackson has called Australia home since 2018.
His 'unique perspective' has helped build a passion for helping others. He has been actively engaged with youth from various backgrounds fostering connections and promoting inclusivity.
He has worked as a Multicultural Education Aide at Mildura English Language Centre, a Community Connector at Sunraysia Community Health Services, and is currently a youth worker and Homework Club Coordinator at Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council.
Jackson has joined the Youth Council to make a positive impact in his community.
