Nominations for the 2023 City of Greater Geelong Youth Council are now open. 

Youth Council is made up of young people aged between 12 and 17 years old who act as an official advisory committee to Council.

Young people in that age range who are passionate about making a difference in their community are encouraged to put their hand up and nominate to join next year’s Youth Council.

Nominees will be voted on by members of youth advisory groups, with three youth representatives to be selected for each of the four Council wards: Bellarine, Brownbill, Kardinia and Windermere.

The 12 successful candidates will then elect the Junior Mayor and Junior Deputy Mayor.

Youth Council members meet monthly and advise Council on important issues such as mental health, climate change, diversity and inclusion.

They are also actively involved in training and development, invited to Council events, and to participate in and the Councillor Connect Mentoring program.

The first Youth Council for the City of Greater Geelong was elected in 2019, following the recommendations of the Citizen’s Jury.

Nominations are open until Monday 7 November 2022. Find out more and access the nomination form.

Mayor Peter Murrihy

Youth Council is the official ‘youth voice’ of Geelong and plays a vital role in helping Council understand what the region’s youth are thinking and feeling.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people in our region to learn more about the process of local government while informing and actually influencing Council decisions.

We want a diverse Youth Council that’s representative of the entire Greater Geelong community, so we encourage everyone to nominate, regardless of previous experience – you’ll be well-supported by our Youth Development team and via our Councillor Connect Mentoring program.

Current Junior Deputy Mayor Angelle Mackay

It’s important Council knows what issues young people are actually facing, and serving on Youth Council is a great way to make a tangible difference in your community.

I would encourage anyone thinking of applying for Youth Council to go ahead and do it because when you have different backgrounds and ideas, it makes for a much more dynamic group.

I have found Youth Council to be a really supportive program that helps our voices to be developed, amplified, and heard and believe that the advice that we provide is used by Council to help Geelong to be a Clever and Creative and youth-enabling community.