Taking the lead: City of Whittlesea's Youth Council gets underway

Thirteen passionate young people from across the City of Whittlesea have begun their two-year term as the City of Whittlesea’s first ever Youth Council.

At the group’s first official Youth Council Meeting on Monday 5 February, the group were introduced to the workings of the Youth Council and set out their key areas of focus for the upcoming year, which include health and wellbeing, environment and climate change, employment and education, accessibility and inclusion.  

The City of Whittlesea Youth Council formally replaces the City of Whittlesea’s Youth Advisory Committee.  

Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the Youth Council would provide young people in our community an opportunity to provide valuable advice to Council on matters that affect them. 

“We are very excited to welcome our new Youth Councillors on board and hearing their voices and unique perspectives,” Lydia said.  

“With close to twenty per cent of our population aged 10-24 years, it’s important that our young people are empowered to contribute to the governance of their local municipality.”  

The thirteen members of the Youth Council are representative of our diverse youth population, with a mix of ages, cultures, genders, localities and passions. A Youth Council Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be elected at the March Youth Council Meeting, with the group meeting monthly to discuss matters referred to them.  

“We have a very passionate and eager group of young people ready to take on their role as Youth Councillors, and I hope they embrace their role and the opportunity to get more involved in local government.” 

The Youth Council’s key responsibilities will include: 

For more information on the Youth Council, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/youthcouncil