Call for young people to join Youth Council

Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) wants to hear from local young people who want to have a stronger voice in their community and are interested in being part of a new Youth Council. Mayor Mark Radford said the formation of a Youth Council was an initiative of the current Council to engage with local young people in the decision making process for the future. It is also a key action in the city’s Youth Strategy launched last year. “Young people are the future of our community and the formation of a Youth Council will provide them with the opportunity to learn about local government and to voice their opinions to create change,” Cr Radford said. “It’s very important for us to connect with, and listen to our young people about their priority issues and empower them to be involved in the decision making that impacts on their lives.” The Youth Council will be representative of young people and will have diversity in membership. It will report to the Mayor and Councillors on the views of young people about HRCC’S plans and program that impact on them and the Mayor and Councillors will provide members of the Youth Council with mentoring and support. Cr Radford said Youth Council members would also represent young people at civic events and activities. “This is a new initiative and we are looking for up to 10 people aged from 12 to 25 to participate,” Cr Radford said. “It’s a great opportunity for young people who want a stronger voice in our community to meet others with similar interests and ideas, build their leadership skills and develop their knowledge and abilities to affect change. “The young people who get involved will also have the chance to develop knowledge in team work, meeting processes, organising projects, public speaking, advocating for change and consulting with their peers,” he said. Applications are open until 30 June, with Youth Councillors set to be appointed in mid-july. The Youth Councillors will meet the Mayor and Councillors and hold their first meeting before the end of July.

People can easily apply online at hrcc.vic.gov.au or contact the HRCC Youth & Early Years Team on (03) 5382 522.