The City of Greater Bendigo is looking for up to 18 young people aged between 14 and 24 who want to have a stronger voice in their community and are interested in being part of the City of Greater Bendigo Youth Council for the next two years.
Expressions of Interest for positions on the City of Greater Bendigo Youth Council for 2025-2026 are now open and will close on Tuesday November 19, 2024.
City of Greater Bendigo CEO Andrew Cooney said the Youth Council is an initiative to engage with local young people in the City's decision-making process for the future.
"The Youth Council represents the views of young people on City plans and programs that impact them and represents young people at civic and other events and activities," Mr Cooney said.
"It also fulfils a key goal of the City's Council Plan 2021-2025 to ensure young people are supported to explore, engage and be empowered to shape the world they live in.
"I encourage young people from all backgrounds and walks of life to consider applying for Youth Council so that the voices of all young people can be reflected and heard."
2024 Youth Mayor Lilly Correll said the Youth Council is an amazing opportunity for all young people to enhance their skills and give back to the community.
"Not only do you meet likeminded individuals, you also gain a real insight into the benefits of volunteering, including learning new skills and networking opportunities," Ms Correll said.
"Youth Councillors attend and MC events, write letters to Council, and sit on advisory committees and on non-for-profit boards, it's a great opportunity for local young people to have their voice heard and an incredible once in a lifetime opportunity to make a change."
In the six years of the Youth Council, Youth Councillors have providing input into over 50 City plans, strategies, policies, and projects, including the Council Plan 2021-2025, the Zero Emissions Roadmap, the Biodiversity Strategy, the LGBTIQA+ Action Plan, the Fair Access Action Plan, the E-scooter trial, and the Managed Growth Strategy.
They have also co-designed and overseen the development of the City's Youth Action Plan 2023-2024 and have represented young people on several advisory committees including the Farming and Agribusiness Advisory Committee, the Greater Bendigo Climate Collaboration, the Arts and Creative Industries Advisory Committee, and the Bendigo Regional Manufacturing Group.
The new Youth Councillors will undertake induction and training in January 2025 and attend their first meeting in February 2025.
