The Leeton Shire Youth Council held its first meeting for 2026 on March 16th, welcoming 14 new Youth Councillors to represent the voices of young people across the Shire.
The newly appointed Youth Councillors are:
Anna Woodlands, Ibraheem Ali, Logan Doig, Marley Rook, Willis Beaumont, Charlotte Mallamace, Abbey Martin, Braithe Ingram, Abdullah Ahmed, Josephine Furore, Annabelle Ritchie, Bella Maloney, Isabelle Boldiston and Lily Ritchie.
The Youth Council is an important mechanism for consultation with young people and provides a platform for youth perspectives to be shared with Councillors and Council staff. The program aims to promote young people as valued citizens who make a positive contribution to the community, provide opportunities to develop leadership skills, and create opportunities for young people to engage with and consult the wider community.
The first meeting was well attended, with General Manager Jackie Kruger joining the session to share her background in local government and provide an overview of the role Council plays in serving the Leeton Shire community. Mayor George Weston, along with Councillors Sandra Nardi and Krystal Maytom, were also in attendance to support and engage with the Youth Councillors.
Six Youth Councillors were nominated for the position of Youth Mayor, with each nominee given one minute to share why they believed they were the best candidate for the role in 2026. Highlights included ensuring young people are heard, addressing mental health concerns, working collaboratively as a team, and strengthening partnerships with Council.
Following the nominations and voting process, Anna Woodlands was elected as Youth Mayor, with Isabelle Boldiston elected as Deputy Youth Mayor for 2026.
After the elections, the Youth Councillors took part in general business discussions around communication methods and ideas for the proposed replacement location for the Leeton Dog Park. These discussions will continue in the second meeting, which will be held on 28 April 2026, along with upcoming agenda items focused on e-bikes and public safety in Leeton Shire.
Mayor Cr George Weston said he was very pleased with the diversity, enthusiasm, and confidence shown by this year's Youth Council.
"The group has already demonstrated a strong willingness to speak up, listen respectfully, and contribute thoughtfully to issues that matter to young people and the wider community.
"Young people play an important role in shaping the future, and these 14 young Leetonians will continue to contribute as valued voices in the community," said Mayor Weston.
