Local students, teachers and supporters gathered for today's final showcase event, 'Students Take the Mic'.
They were joined alongside Deputy Mayor for Yarra Cr Sarah McKenzie, Federal Member for Melbourne Sarah Witty and State Member for Richmond Gabrielle De Vietri at Richmond's Jack Dyer Community Room.
Students were given the opportunity to deliver presentations on an environment or climate related topic they are concerned about and share their ideas.
It was a chance to encourage change and to keep listening to the voices of young people in Yarra.
Sarah McKenzie, Deputy Mayor of Yarra City Council said these programs are an incredibly important way for us to spotlight the voice of our young people.
"Connecting with students has changed the way I make decisions – young people's voices are far too often left out of the conversation."
"We can't miss out on the important voices of our young people in our decision making. I feel really motivated that Yarra's future is in really good hands – clever hands."
Students spoke about a variety of opportunities and ideas including:
- The importance of soft plastic recycling and the challenge for our community to keep going in spite of obstacles.
- Active recycling - moving from good intentions to actions.
- Why community gardens create safe spaces of togetherness and improve our biodiversity.
- The hidden dangers of artificial light pollution on our eco system.
- Global warming and the rise of urban heat on our community.
- Increasing incentives for companies to switch to reusable packaging.
- Investing in outdoor spaces for young people to encourage exercise and outdoor activity.
- How to tackle litter pollution, especially around our waterways.
- Requests for more native plantings around the Yarra River to protect local wildlife.
Today's session was the culmination of a youth-focused program called 'Yarra Youth: Can't Vote, Can Campaign' that was developed based on feedback gathered from young people as part of the Yarra Climate Emergency Plan consultation.
The program involved a series of 3 workshops run with year 9 students to discuss democracy, civic engagement on environmental issues, the importance of youth voice and the power of collective action.
The sessions have been run in partnership with Australian Youth Climate Coalition and Raise Our Voice Australia, and this year have been delivered in 3 participating high schools – Bindjaroo Yaluk, Melbourne Girls College and Fitzroy High.
