Meet our Youth Council

Our Youth Council is made up of 13 passionate young people who help shape our work and represent youth voices. 

Learn more about each member by exploring the tabs below.

Ahmed Abumeis

Youth Councillor Ahmed Abumeis

My name is Ahmed and I am 20 years old. I joined the Youth Council to advocate for the needs and voices of young people in our community. I’m passionate about youth empowerment, inclusion, and creating opportunities that help young people thrive.

I care about ensuring underrepresented voices are heard and that all young people feel supported and valued. Through the Youth Council, I hope to contribute to meaningful change, strengthen community engagement, and represent the diverse perspectives of our youth.

Alana Luscombe

Youth Councillor Alana LuscombeMy name is Alana, and I am 16 years old. My passion for social justice and overall equality has carried on throughout my formative years, and my devotion to equal rights for all has never once wavered.
 
see Youth Council as an ability to partake in bettering the community in a wider capacity, beyond my educational and professional bounds, as well as further developing my skills in leadership, communication, and conflict resolution. I wish to advocate and speak out for those who are silenced within our community.

Charlize Pommier

Youth Councillor Charlize Pommier

My name is Charlize, and I am 15 years old. I joined the Whittlesea Youth Council because I believe that it is very important to advocate for the needs of our community, representing those who are unable to do so themselves.

I am very passionate about youth and disabled rights advocacy, environmental awareness, and public safety. I am active in the community through Scouting and sports. I enjoy public speaking and debating and am very much looking forward to expanding these skills by working with the council. I am keen to create valuable networks and of course, bring youth issues to the table to work alongside my fellow Youth Council members to come up with solutions. I couldn't be more excited to start working with our fantastic community.

Clare Joseph

Youth Councillor Clare Joseph

My name is Clare and I am 16 years old. I joined the City of Whittlesea Youth Council as it stems from my gravitation towards bettering my community. I am deeply passionate in seeking social justice and environmental change through representing voices, particularly those of disadvantaged backgrounds in local decision-making.

Through active involvement in the community, I aspire to engage with local youth, working to amplify their voices and responding to their growing concerns of our wider community. I am enthusiastic to share this responsibility with other spirited young individuals that strive to establish a supportive and inclusive environment for all youth to flourish and enjoy.

Dhyani Bhavsar

Youth Councillor Dhyani Bhavsar

My name is Dhyani and I am 17 years old. Community and leadership are two very important stakeholders in my life, and I am a firm believer that human progress only happens when we work with each other, for each other.

I plan to do this by listening to everyone in our community and working alongside the other councillors to bring forth a safe, happy, and healthy community, especially for the youth.

Emma Fasciani

Youth Councillor Emma Fasciani

My name is Emma, and I am 18 years old. I am passionate about ensuring that all voices in our community are heard and respected, and I care deeply about strengthening communication between everyone involved.

Through my experience in school leadership and my ongoing commitment to supporting others, I’ve developed a strong interest in youth empowerment and safety. I hope to use these skills and passions to help create a more inclusive, open, and supportive environment for young people. I aim to ensure that change is not just discussed but also put into action to improve the livelihoods of others.

Ethan Kosumo

Youth Councillor Ethan Kosumo

My name is Ethan, and I am 17 years old. I am a young individual who is passionate about leadership, collaboration, and making a positive impact in the community. I find purpose in advocating for young people and always challenging myself to grow into the best version of who I can be.

Joining the City of Whittlesea Youth Council gives me a great opportunity to shape a community where young people feel supported and included. I hope to use my leadership skills to help strengthen community connection and youth wellbeing. I look forward to bringing new ideas to the Youth Council and addressing the challenges that young people are facing today.

Gabrielle Charman

Youth Councillor Gabrielle Charman

My name is Gabby, and I am 17 years old. I joined the Youth Council in hopes of making a positive impact within the Whittlesea municipality and contributing to realistic change for myself and my peers. With a passion for social justice and community development, I want to give back where it matters most - most passionately, it's advocating for mental health and disability awareness.

Being part of this council allows me to meet new people and use my voice to collaborate with other young leaders and create initiatives that address the issues we face today. I hope to use the joy I find in making change to make my community a better place, and I believe the opportunity of being on Youth Council is just the beginning.

Hemal Sharma

Youth Councillor Hemal Sharma

Hi, my name is Hemal and I'm 17 years old. Ultimately, I joined The Youth Council to be able to advocate for problems I saw on a constant basis for young people that weren't being brought forward to a bigger stage. However, now on top of that I wish to understand the perspectives of people better, in a way in which I can use my fullest potential to help those around me.

I still have a lot to learn about my ways and leadership and although leadership is an ongoing journey, more than a state of perfection, I am dedicated to doing my best to grow as well as upholding its standards.

Mannat Sooch

Youth Councillor Mannat Sooch

I’m Mannat and I’m honoured to be part of the 2026–2027 Youth Council. I’m passionate about supporting young people and creating spaces where everyone feels included and valued. I’m particularly interested in youth programs, community events, and projects that encourage creativity and connection.

As a Youth Councillor, I hope to listen, learn, and contribute to meaningful change. I’m excited to work alongside other young leaders and help shape a future that reflects the ideas and strengths of our community.

Osama Akkad

Youth Councillor Osama Akkad

My name is Osama and I’m 19 years old. I joined the Youth Council as I believe young people deserve a say in decisions that affect our lives and futures. I'm passionate about social justice, inclusion, and ensuring that all voices, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds are heard and valued.

As someone who has experienced the power of community firsthand, I want to help create spaces where young people feel supported, empowered, and connected. Through this role, I hope to advocate for greater opportunities in youth leadership, promote and celebrate cultural diversity, and ensure that young people are at the forefront of community development through their voices and actions. By working with other young leaders and the broader council, I aim to help shape a more inclusive, responsive, and youth-driven City of Whittlesea. I want to see the opinions and suggestions of young people and community members not just heard but genuinely taken into account to shape policy and drive meaningful change.

Suad Issa

Youth Councillor Suad Issa

My name is Suad, and I am 19 years old. I am very passionate about youth and about helping them discover their strengths and potential. I am convinced that all young people should be made to feel heard and valued within their community.

I’d be honoured to give voice to the youth and be part of a community that is united and supportive and gives all members a sense of belonging. I am passionate about building youth connectivity and support and hope to be part of a community that nurtures youth.

Theresa Yan

Youth Councillor Theresa Yan

My name is Theresa, and I am 15 years old. My decision to join the Youth Council is rooted in the belief that true representation begins with intentional and empathetic listening.

My experience of moving between cultures has deepened my commitment to seeking out a wide range of perspectives and to the collaborative leadership this requires. I am dedicated to ensuring the council's work reflects the diverse needs of our community. I look forward to contributing to a more inclusive, vibrant, and responsive Whittlesea for all young people.