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Twenty-one young candidates are vying for 12 positions on Mackay’s third Youth Council, giving local young people a voice in shaping the region’s future. Photo supplied by Mackay Regional Council
Mackay’s next generation of community leaders had the chance to make their voices heard this week, as local young people headed to the polls to help shape the future of the city.
A total of 21 candidates are vying for a place on the third Mackay Youth Council, with 12 young representatives set to be elected following this week’s voting.
Young people aged between 11 and 17 can cast their vote at designated polling stations across local schools, Headspace at Caneland Central and other community venues.
Mayor Greg Williamson said Mackay had led the nation in creating opportunities for young people to become involved in civic life.
“Mackay Regional Council was the first local government in Australia to have an elected youth council as part of the Foundation for Young Australians' (FYA) Young Mayors program,” he said.
“It’s been really encouraging to see the level of engagement and commitment by all the candidates to have their voices heard on how they see the future of our region,” he said.
“The previous two youth councils have developed strong policy positions and projects around mental health, recreation, opportunities and wellbeing and I’m sure this next council will continue this fantastic work.”
Approximately 1400 young people voted in the first Youth Council election in 2023, with now more than 2500 votes for the last term.
FYA Director of Young Mayors Lachlan Preston said having an elected youth council helped ensure young people's perspectives and priorities were considered in local government decision-making.
“Local governments play a huge role in the day-to-day lives of all people in our communities, but the voices of young people are often missing from decision-making processes,” he said.
“The Young Mayors program enables young people, elected by their peers to the Youth Council, to have real influence – ensuring that council policies and programs respond to and reflect the concerns, needs and desires of local young people.”
Voting was held between October 19th and October 23rd, with votes starting to be counted on Saturday 24th October.
It’s anticipated that the 12 successful candidates will be sworn in for their 18-month term in early 2027.
For more information about the election process and the candidates visit www.fya.org.au/young-mayors-mackay/
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