Gender equality, costs of living pressures and youth mental health were just some of the issues our future leaders discussed at Blacktown City Council's third Youth Forum.
This year's Youth Forum was the first held by Council in 2 years and brought together about 80 students and their teachers from 14 high schools across Blacktown City.
Students had the opportunity to workshop issues and to present their solutions and suggestions to Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM and Councillors at a special Youth Council meeting, held in the Blacktown City Council Chamber.
Guest speakers also presented on topics ranging from how to be a youth advocate, how to present to decision-makers and how to become a Blacktown City Youth Ambassador.
Mayor Bleasdale said Council's youth forums were essential for local young people to have their say and play an active role in shaping the future of Blacktown City.
"Blacktown City faces enormous challenges as we experience rapid population growth and development," Mayor Bleasdale said.
"Council's Youth Forum gives our young leaders a voice to Council and a valuable feedback tool for Councillors.
"The Youth Forum also provides young people with a working knowledge of Council and opportunities to make a difference in their community in the future.
"The Youth Council meeting is one of the best experiences for myself as Mayor, and gives students the chance to be the Council and run the show for an afternoon.
"I have no doubt that many of our future Councillors, Members of Parliament, industry leaders, doctors, lawyers and teachers were present at the forum."
Students came together from local schools including Mitchell High school, The Ponds High School, Doonside Technology High School and St John XXIII Catholic College, as well as Mount Druitt TAFE.
The students were divided into 10 groups, with each group workshopping an issue and then presenting their suggestions and solutions to a meeting in the Council chamber with the Mayor and Councillors.
The topics ranged from bullying, to drug and alcohol abuse and racism.
Bridie O'Kelly of Council's Youth Advisory Committee said: "There's a big misconception about youth being disengaged with politics.
"I think the Blacktown City Council Youth Forum is a great way to create open discussions about political affairs and how young people can have their say about matters in their local community.
"Students get to go into the Council chamber, talk to the Mayor and Councillors about issues that concern them and what changes they think need to be implemented.
"They can then have an open dialogue with their fellow students when they go back into their schools."
One student said: "It's really important for Blacktown Council to run these programs as it showcases us as the youth, the future, and what's coming next.
"We have all these ideas that we want to get across but too often we shy away from it. This gives us a chance to speak our mind."
The Youth Forum was organised by Council through its Youth Advisory Committee.
Picture: Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM and Councillors with local students at Council's Youth Forum.
