The City of Greater Bendigo is looking for up to 18 young people aged between 14 and 24 who want to have a stronger voice in their community and are interested in being part of the City of Greater Bendigo Youth Council for the next two years.
The Youth Council represents the views of young people on City plans and programs that impact them, provides feedback to City of Greater Bendigo Mayor and Councillors and represents young people at civic events and activities.
Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the City is looking for local young people who want to represent young people and their views on a range of matters.
"The Youth Council is an initiative to engage with local young people in the decision-making process for the future. It also fulfils a key goal of the City's Council Plan 2021-2025 to ensure young people are supported to explore, engage and be empowered to shape the world they live in," Cr Metcalf said.
"The first four years of the Youth Council have been very successful with Youth Councillors providing input into over 40 City plans, strategies, policies and projects, including the Council Plan 2021-2025, Healthy Greater Bendigo 2021-2025 plan, the Kangaroo Flat Skate Park project, the Social Justice Framework 2022-2032, the Healthy Facilities policy, the Progress Pride Flag mural project and are currently providing direction on the development of the City's next Youth Action Plan.
"They have also represented young people on over ten advisory and steering committees including the Creative City of Gastronomy Advisory Committee, the Bendigo Safe Community Forum, Farming and Agribusiness Advisory Committee, Greater Bendigo Climate Collaboration Committee and the City's Economic Development Strategy Committee.
Youth Mayor for 2022, Victoria Tangey said it has been a rewarding experience providing advice on City policies, plans, strategies and projects and advocating for issues that are important to young people.
"Anyone aged 14-24 who has an interest in leadership, governance or youth affairs should apply, because contributing to community on a strategic level allows you to create real change and make Greater Bendigo a better place for young people.
"Young people are not the leaders of tomorrow, we have the skills and abilities to be leaders today. So why wait until you are older to make change? If you are passionate about making Greater Bendigo a better place, apply to be a City of Greater Bendigo Youth Councillor today.
"Youth Council as a collective have the power to influence City policy and strategies, we are a valued part of the City's community consultation, and we create positive outcomes for the young people of Greater Bendigo.
"It's also a great opportunity for young people to meet others with similar interests and ideas, build our leadership skills, develop the knowledge and abilities to influence change.
"I encourage young people to apply as they will learn so much and have the opportunity to be involved in some really great projects."
