Advika Kapoor and Rihanna Soundranayagam have been appointed The Hills Shire's 2025-2026 Youth Ambassadors as part of Council's Sydney Hills Youth Ambassador Program.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne recently announced the new Youth Ambassadors during a ceremony at The Hills Shire Council.
"On behalf of Council, I'd like to congratulate Advika and Rihanna on being selected Youth Ambassadors for The Hills, securing the positions in a competitive process against many other impressive applications," Mayor Byrne said.
"They have both put forward a vision to better engage youth in The Hills Shire and I look forward to working with them to help us achieve that.
"They will take over from our outgoing Youth Ambassadors, Krish and Shivani, who did a terrific job representing young people at Council events and advocating for youth perspectives and opportunities."
As part of their new responsibilities, Advika and Rihanna will work with Council to develop and deliver a project for young people during their one-year term. Other duties include attending Council functions and community events, working with Council's youth volunteer group, The Hills Youth Army, and acting as a voice for young people in The Hills.
For more information about the Youth Ambassador program, visit Council's website, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
About Advika
Advika is a peer support leader, Duke of Edinburgh participant and leader in the Australian Navy Cadets. Advika was also a Top 10 finalist in the Macquarie Ideas Challenge and Pitch for Purpose. She enjoys public speaking and participating in musicals as well as umpiring and playing netball. Advika is an avid writer, working towards publishing her own book and volunteers for Letters of Hope.
Advika's priorities for young people in The Hills include celebrating diversity through youth-led storytelling, amplifying youth voices and addressing mental health in an honest and inviting way for young people.
Pictured: Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne and 2025-26 Hills Shire Youth Ambassador Advika Kapoor at the Youth Ambassador presentation. Please note: Rihanna was unable to attend the Youth Ambassador presentation due to a volunteering commitment.
About Rihanna
Rihanna has volunteered as the Social Media Youth Officer of Hills Youth Army for the past two years. She is also the Director and Social Media and Marketing Manager for Hills Outreach Volunteering.
Rihanna is passionate about creating spaces where all young people feel represented and empowered to speak up. Her priorities for young people in The Hills are increasing youth engagement in volunteering, expanding local activities for young people and fostering inclusivity.
Pictured: Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne with 2025-26 Hills Shire Youth Ambassadors Rihanna Soundranayagam and Advika Kapoor.
