A new partnership between Hume City Council and the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) is launching a pilot program in the region that will centre young people in local government decision-making.
The Young Mayors program will support young people aged 12 to 17 get elected to the Hume Youth Council, positioning young people as decision makers on issues that impact their future.
Elected by young people in Hume, the Youth Council will work together to define priority areas, and work with council to implement projects and events.
"Young people bring enormous value to Hume. We know there are outstanding ideas just waiting to be harnessed by the elected Youth Council that will ensure Hume continues to thrive." Mayor Cr. Jarrod Bell said.
"Our council wants to support young people to be actively involved in our community. We're excited to work with FYA to make that happen through the Young Mayors program."
The program will back young people to learn about and participate in the systems that govern their lives, and influence decisions that impact their community.
"Local governments play a huge role in the everyday lives of people in our communities, and that includes young people. But young people are often locked out of power - consulted but never in charge." FYA's Executive Director of Young Mayors Tahlia Azaria said.
"This program puts young people in the driver's seat - ensuring that council policies and programs better reflect the concerns, needs, and desires of local young people."
The Young Mayors program has been designed by FYA and is based on successful UK models. Hume City Council joins Mackay and Cairns (QLD), Hepburn (VIC) and Wollongong (NSW) to pilot the program in Australia, with plans to scale to councils across the country.
The Young Mayors Launch event will be held on the 4 of June 2025 at Craigieburn Global Learning Centre.
