Wollongong residents will head to the polls in September, but the city's younger future leaders are eyeing an election of their own, with nominations for Wollongong City Council's Youth Forum now open.
Now in its second year, Youth Forum is open to residents aged 12-17 seeking a one-year term working with Council on various issues affecting them and their community.
Run in partnership with the Foundation for Young Australians' (FYA), the Youth Forum is part of the Young Mayors Program, a concept based on successful youth leadership models in the United Kingdom.
Campaigning opens on 24 September, with campaign workshops and free media training held in early October ahead of a week-long election period in November.
Nominees will also have access to marketing tutorials, free campaign t-shirts and a $100 budget for campaign materials ahead of a Meet the Candidates community forum giving campaigners the chance to hear from and speak with constituents.
Elected members will enjoy 12-month tenure beginning in December, and the opportunity to offer a fresh, youthful perspective on local government issues.
It's an opportunity current Forum member Phoenix Horton has taken to with relish throughout their term having been elected to the inaugural Youth Forum last year.
"I ran for the forum as it was an amazing opportunity to be able to help people within the Wollongong area so I could really make a difference," Phoenix said.
"The campaign process was really fun as I got to bond with the other nominees, allowing me to make friends instead of feeling like they were my competitors.
"I would definitely recommend other young people to run as it allows your voice to be heard and you can express what you want to fix within the community."
More than 1400 young people voted in last year's poll, the first of its kind for underage voters in NSW.
Having witnessed valuable insights this year's elected members have provided to Council, Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM encouraged the next class of young leaders to get involved.
"While young people are our future, they are also a huge part of our present," Cr Bradbery said.
"The Youth Forum provides an opportunity for young people to provide valuable input and new perspectives to Council and gain an insight into the workings of local government.
"With access to training and funds to launch and run campaigns, young people can make a positive contribution to our community and lay the groundwork as our leaders of the future.
"Whether you're interested in standing as a candidate, or in voting for someone you feel has a bright future representing you, now is the time to get involved."
