More than 80 students have shared their ideas for a better future with each other and community leaders at the 2024 Blacktown City Council Youth Forum.
Students from 16 schools and institutions met their peers, exchanged ideas on important issues and heard from expert speakers at Blacktown City Council offices on Thursday.
Council youth ambassadors, youth advisory committee members and leadership team members spoke with students and answered questions on important current issues.
In a mixed program, former youth ambassador Evan Ademovic, youth mentor Adjoa Assan and Blacktown Police Area Command Detective Superintendent Darren Newman spoke about life opportunities and safety.
In the later part of the day, students worked together to form ideas and solutions on topics such as the environment, cost of living and multiculturalism.
They presented their ideas in the Chamber as part of a youth council meeting.
Council CEO Kerry Robinson OAM spoke with students and was impressed by their enthusiastic contributions.
"The forum is just one of the avenues we provide to make sure our next generation has its say on shaping a brighter future.
"I was pleased to see students from such a diverse range of schools contributing and learning about the opportunities available through participating in their community.
"Our youth are valuable stakeholders in Blacktown City and by continuing our dialogue we can create a community that is better for everyone."
There was overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Chifley College Shalvey Campus Student Leadership Coordinator Jacqui Morrison said: "the Blacktown City Council Youth Forum is such an impactful event that empowers our youth to take their future into their hands and have their say.
"They were awarded the opportunity of community leaders listening to them and this had a profound impact on their outlook for their future."
Warakirri College Youth Support Worker Olivia Lord said: "This year's Blacktown Youth Forum was a great experience for both me and my students.
"What an incredible opportunity for our young people to have their voice be genuinely heard by the decision makers in our community."
Schools and tertiary education providers that participated at the forum were: The Australian Islamic College of Sydney, Blacktown Girls High School, Blacktown Youth College, Chifley College Mount Druitt Campus, Chifley College Shalvey, Glenwood High School, Mitchell High School, Patrician Brothers Blacktown, Plumpton High School, Rooty Hill High School, St Bishoy College, The Ponds High School, St John XXIII Catholic College, TAFE Mount Druitt, Tyndale Christian School and Warakirri College.
