Young people have outlined their vision for a better community to Council leaders as part of the Blacktown City Council Youth Forum.
More than 90 students from 15 schools worked together on ideas to help community and local government better serve young people at the event in Blacktown in November.
Council's Youth Ambassadors and Youth Advisory Committee members led collaborative discussion which saw teams of students share ideas for programs and facilities.
School leaders also spoke before Mayor Brad Bunting and Councillors on topics such as mental health, multiculturalism, safe spaces and more in a Youth Council Meeting.
Mayor Bunting congratulated the students on taking advantage of the opportunity to share their views.
"It's great to see young people speaking up and putting ideas forward to inspire and help others where they live," he said.
"Forums such as this help Councillors gain a better understanding of the needs of the next generation and help us plan for the future.
"I want to assure everyone who participated your contributions will play a part in how Council provides services and facilities going forward."
Participants enjoyed the activities and interaction of the annual forum.
Hermione from Blacktown Girls High School was among those grateful for the opportunity.
"It was great to meet with people from different schools to get to know each other and share ideas"," she said.
Teacher Arvind Chandra from Plumpton High School also saw benefits.
"The youth forum was well organised and it has a positive impact on schools and students," he said.
Students also heard about opportunities to gain experience and employment at Council.
These opportunities include Youth Ambassador roles for students aged 16 to 18, Youth Advisory Committee positions, and apprenticeships and traineeships. Details are on Council's website.
Feedback from the forum will help inform planning for youth facilities and services.
Schools that participated were: The Australian Islamic College of Sydney, Blacktown Girls High School, Blacktown Youth College, Chifley College Bidwill Campus, Doonside Technology High School, Glenwood High School, Nagle College Blacktown, Patrician Brothers Blacktown, Plumpton High School, The Ponds High School, Rooty Hill High School, Seven Hills High, St John XXIII Catholic College, Tyndale Christian School and Warakirri College.
