Young people vying for a spot on Hume's new Youth Council have introduced themselves to the community at a Meet the Candidates event at Town Hall Broadmeadows on Tuesday 30 September.
The Youth Council initiative forms part of the Young Mayors Program, which offers people aged between 17 – 24 the opportunity to learn about democracy and participate in civic decision-making.
Created in partnership with Hume City Council and the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA), once elected the Youth Council will act as decision makers on issues that impact their future.
Hume currently has 25 young people nominated for a spot on the Youth Council, all of whom had the chance to answer questions from their peers to test their views at the Meet the Candidates event.
The event brought to an end the candidates' campaign for election, which they each had been running since being selected in August, and was the first time they were able to speak on the issues in a public forum.
Guests included Foundation for Young Australians CEO Molly Whelan, as well as Hume City Councillors Naim Kurt and Kate Hamley, who were able to share their experience as elected government representatives with the hopeful candidates.
Following the opportunity to meet with their fellow young community members who they will be representing, candidates now have just one week before their peers head to the polls to cast their vote.
Voting for the Youth Council will begin on Wednesday 8 October, with ballot boxes placed in local schools and community spaces. Online voting options will also be available.
Only people aged 12-17 are eligible to vote, with voting to close on Wednesday 15 October.
