Natasha Murcott has been returned as Youth Mayor of Latrobe City Youth Council.
This will be Natasha's second year as Youth Mayor and she will continue to be passionate about improving the lives of young people after being re-elected by her fellow Youth Councillors.
"I am extremely honoured to have this incredible opportunity of being the Youth Mayor again," she said.
"I look forward to the many leadership opportunities that arise as part of being the Youth Mayor and continuing to work alongside my fellow Youth Councillors. Being Youth Mayor last year was such a rewarding experience."
Natasha will continue to work with her fellow Youth Councillors to support positive mental health and good food messaging, as seen in the Fab Food, Marvellous Mood Campaign.
The Youth Councillors hail from across Latrobe City, meeting twice monthly to devise projects that benefit other young people in Latrobe City and also have input into Council policy and planning. While not only contributing to making the municipality a better place for their peers, Youth Council is a way of further developing the leadership skills of young people, and building their connections with the community and one another.
This is the 26th Latrobe City Youth Council, making it one of the longest running youth councils in Australia.
Kaleb and Benika are the newest members, having joined this year. Kaleb hopes to devise a project that increases community engagement and encourages people to be more invested in their health.
"I hope to step out of my comfort zone and leave a legacy that will stick with people in the future," he said.
Youth Council Mayor Natasha sees the group as a way of having a voice in the community, and a chance to improve her social and public speaking skills. "I hope to make a positive difference in our community and make the Latrobe Valley the best place it can possibly be for young people," she said. Poppy joined to get out of her comfort zone and serve the community.
"In the past I had never joined a leadership group outside of school, and was really curious to experience this one due to the amazing opportunities that previous Youth Councillors had undertaken," she said.
"I also wanted to join to meet lots of different people and to make new friends. By participating in Youth Council, I hope to gain a better understanding of the issues facing people in the Latrobe City, particularly young people, and to learn about strategies to overcome these. Additionally, I would like to become more confident in public speaking."
Oliver wanted to learn how decisions that affect his community are made.
"I would like to learn more about the community and achieve the ability to run and achieve projects in the community," he said.
Emerson hopes to create positive changes in the community, while Charlotte wishes to improve her public speaking skills.
Members of the Latrobe City Youth Council are, from left, Oliver Grendon, Charlotte Dorl, Emerson Arthur, Poppy Susa, Harrison Eacott, Youth Mayor Natasha Murcott and Kaleb Kosterman. Absent: Benika Pasziewicz.
