A group of seven new young leaders from across the state are joining 13 diverse and passionate returning members of the Allan Labor Government's Victorian Youth Congress.
Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman inducted the new members of the Victorian Youth Congress at a ceremony in Melbourne last night, ensuring the voices of young Victorians continue to be heard.
The Victorian Youth Congress is an advisory body made up of young people across metropolitan and regional Victoria aged from 12 to 25, who want to share their views and experiences to create meaningful change.
This highly successful program sees members appointed for a one-year term before having the option to extend for a second year.
During their time in Congress, members have the opportunity to learn how government works and engage with the Minister for Youth and other Members of Parliament.
In previous years, members worked on the design of the whole of government Victorian Youth Strategy, facilitating online forums and providing recommendations for inclusion in the strategy.
The 2024 Victorian Youth Congress will continue to drive implementation of initiatives under the Labor Governnment's five-year Youth Strategy - Our promise, Your future. The strategy aims to improve the health, wellbeing and future of all young Victorians.
As stated by Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman
"Young people are the future of this state, and it's essential that they have a voice in policies and programs that will continue to impact their lives into the future."
"I look forward to working with the new and returning members of the Victorian Youth Congress during their 2024 term."
As stated by Youth Congress Member Praneel Kumar
"During my time with the Congress, I hope to discuss the issue of discrimination and advocate for equality and recognition, and to implement change in these areas."
As stated by Youth Congress Member Rose Russell
"As a returning Member of Youth Congress, I'm excited to listen to, learn from and uplift the many voices, lived experiences and ideas of Victoria's young people."
As stated by Youth Congress Member Isabella (Bell) Fantasia
"I want to continue advocating for accessibility and inclusion of young people with disabilities and know I can share my lived experience of having hidden disabilities to create awareness about key issues affecting our communities."
