- 12 Youth Councillors sworn in for an 18-month term representing young people across Cairns.
- As part of the national Young Mayors Program, the youth Council was elected by more than 2,200 voters
- The Youth Council will advise Council on relevant local youth priorities and deliver projects with a dedicated budget.
The second Cairns Youth Council has officially been sworn in, marking the start of an 18-month term representing young people across the Cairns Local Government Area.
A swearing-in ceremony was held at Cairns Regional Council Chambers yesterday to welcome the 12 newly elected Youth Councillors, who will serve from 1 February 2026 to 20 June 2027.
The Cairns Youth Council is part of the national Young Mayors Program pilot, delivered locally through a partnership between Cairns Regional Council and the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA).
The program empowers young people aged 13–17 to engage in civic leadership, contribute to local decision-making and advise Cairns Regional Council on issues that impact their generation.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the Youth Council is one of Council's most important and valued partnerships.
"The inaugural Youth Council showed just how valuable youth perspectives are in shaping our future. This new group of councillors will continue that important work, bringing fresh ideas, leadership and lived experience to Council discussions."
"Our young people care deeply about Cairns, and this program ensures their voices are heard in a meaningful and lasting way."
"We are proud to officially welcome the second term of the Cairns Youth Council," Cr Eden said.
The Youth Councillors were elected in October 2025 through a democratic process led by young people, with more than 2,200 votes cast in schools and community hubs.
FYA's Executive Director of Young Mayors, Tahlia Azaria, said the Cairns Youth Council had an opportunity to ensure local government decisions consider the needs and aspirations of young people.
"Local governments play a huge role in the everyday lives of people in our communities, and that includes young people. Now sworn into office, the real work starts for the Cairns Youth Council and we can't wait to see where they take it," Ms Azaria said.
Youth Councillor Noah Solomon said he joined the Youth Council to create meaningful change in the community and ensure young voices are heard.
"I'm passionate about taking action, not just talking about what needs to be done," Mr Solomon said.
Youth Councillor Claudia Kurowski, this year's Young Citizen of the Year, said she looks forward to strengthening young women's presence in leadership.
"I aim to ensure that young people are not merely consulted, but meaningfully represented in the decisions that shape our community," Ms Kurowski said.
Youth Councillor Parker Scott said that he is passionate about creating more sporting opportunities for young athletes in our region.
"My goal is to level the playing field between regional and metropolitan youth sport, so every young athlete has equal opportunity to succeed," Mr Scott said.
During their term, the Youth Council will identify priority issues for young people across the region and deliver initiatives using their dedicated Youth Council project budget.
The members of the second Cairns Youth Council are:
- Anja Dimitrijevic (aged 16)
- Ari Kohn (17)
- Aryan Jain (13)
- Chad Rutten (15)
- Claudia Kurowski (17)
- Dean Coombs (15)
- Hamish Mead (14)
- Noah Solomon (15)
- Paker Scott (14)
- Poppy Pacey (15)
- Samuel Chesters (16)
- Tara Tamang (15)
