Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Youth Council Nominations Now Open

Mackay Regional Council and the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) are searching for people aged 11 to 17 to nominate themselves for Mackay’s Youth Council.

Elected by their peers, together this Youth Council will nominate a Young Mayor, set an agenda for their 12-month Term in Office and work with the Mackay Regional Council on specific issues.

With access to training, mentoring and money to run local projects and campaigns, Youth Councils won’t just have a voice - but a platform to take action on the issues that young people in Mackay truly care about.

“If you’ve ever spotted something that could be done differently in Mackay, or something that needed to change; if you’ve ever wondered how you could make an impact in our community – this is your time,” Mayor Greg Williamson said.

“Nominate yourself as a candidate, cast your vote in the election and help elect this community’s Youth Council.”

The FYA is the pre-eminent national organisation dedicated to backing young people. Established in 2000, FYA has a proud history of collaboration with government, industry, the community sector, and young people themselves on large scale projects designed to back and support young people across the country.

Molly Whelan, executive director, Civic & Cultural Engagement, FYA said candidates who were selected for election would be supported to campaign until the election.

“They will have access to free media training, campaigning workshops, marketing tutorials and more,” Ms Whelan said.

“It’s free for all young people to apply and participate in Young Mayors.”

Youth Council’s vision is that young people have the power to beat injustice and transform the future. In pursuit of this vision, its purpose is to back young people with the trust, resources, skills, and connections to make change.

The Youth Council is run through the Young Mayors program delivered in partnership with the University of Melbourne’s Melbourne Centre for Cities, and is supported by the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation.

Nominations open Monday, January 30, and close Sunday, March 5. To nominate for Young Mayors or find out more information, visit www.fya.org.au/program/young-mayors/

Image: Krystopher Gakowski (left) and Rory McPhail (right) chat with Mayor Greg Williamson

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