Colac Otway Shire Council's Youth Advisory Group COLOSYL provides an opportunity for young people aged 12 to 25 in the shire to make a difference in their community.
Council's Acting Youth Engagement Project Officer Zephlyn Taylor said being involved with COLOSYL meant young people could be involved in guiding decision making and advocating for issues that affect them in the Colac Otway Shire.
"If you live, work, study or have a strong connection to the Colac Otway region, COLOLSYL is a great way to be involved in decision making for events, activities and programs that have an impact on you and the lives of young people in the local community.
"Being a member of COLOSYL means coming along to monthly meetings delivered flexibly online and in person, giving your feedback on important local initiatives such as headspace, working with other young people as well as the Mayor, Councillors and Council officers.".
With planning for Colac's headspace now reaching some exciting milestones, there is an opportunity for young people in our community to be paid for elements of youth advisory activities that involve headspace.
"headspace is offering $30 per hour to young people willing to get involved in the next phase of planning, so there's an added incentive to sign up to COLOSYL," Ms Taylor said.
"And there are lots of other great ways to be involved and work in a team to help develop and implement youth projects and activities.
"We have a number of exciting projects coming up including funding from the Engage! and FReeZA programs for a Youth Film Project which will provide an opportunity to partake in designing, filming and presenting a film on the themes of youth services and experience.
"Participants in this project will receive support to help storyboard, script, direct and film a short film, which is really exciting and a great opportunity to learn.
"Additional follow-on benefits for COLOSYL members from participating include developing new skills, meeting and working with other young people and adding experiences, such as volunteering, to your resume.
"Benefits you'll experience from being a part of COLOSYL could be great skills that help you get a job, and learning more about Local Government, but most importantly you'll be involved in raising awareness of the needs of and issues of young people."
