By Bonny Burrows
Young people who are passionate about their community are encouraged to apply for the inaugural Cardinia Shire Youth Council, which is launching in 2018.
The youth council will provide young people aged 13 to 21 with the opportunity to collaborate with the council on issues that directly impact their lives.
Run similarly to that of Cardinia Shire Council, the youth leadership program will comprise of a mayor, deputy mayor and have regular council meetings to discuss the latest in youth issues.
The finer details will be decided by those chosen to take part, but the group of about nine youths will drive the project, with the support of councillors and the council’s youth team.
Cardinia Shire Young Citizen of the Year Emily Bloxidge will be involved in the youth council in some yet to be decided capacity.
She said she was excited to see young people have a greater voice in the shire’s growth and development.
“It allows young people to have their say in what they want and lets them see how people can actually engage in the community as well,” Emily said.
“I’m very excited, it’s going to be awesome.”
Cardinia’s youngest councillor, Michael Schilling, has been working on getting the youth council up and running to give aspiring young leaders their first taste of politics.
He told the Gazette in May that the program would provide young people with a platform to have their voices heard.
“As a young person myself, who has always been involved in leadership programs, I believe it’s important to have young people in leadership roles and have a voice on issues that are important to them,” he said.
Cardinia Mayor Brett Owen said he “totally supported” Cr Shilling’s idea, as did all councillors.
“It’s exciting times. It’s one way our young people can get fully engaged with council, they can assist council make their decisions, and particularly those that affect young people,” Cr Owen said.
“It’s really important to have their voice into the everyday running of council.”
Applications for the program are now open.
Interested young people can apply at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/youthcouncil.
