Young people across Greater Geelong who are passionate about making a difference in the community are encouraged to nominate for the 2024 City of Greater Geelong Youth Council.
Youth Council is made up of 12 young people aged between 12 and 17 years old who act as an official advisory committee to 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 to represent the group.
Youth Council members meet monthly and advise Council on important issues such as mental health, climate change, diversity, and inclusion.
Youth Council members are also actively involved in training and development, invited to Council events, and participate in 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 20 October 2023 and can be made by visiting our Youth Council page.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
I encourage community-minded young people across the region to put their hand up for nomination.
Youth Councillors are the official ‘youth voice’ from within our community to assist Council in understanding what the priorities are for the region’s youth.
Being a part of Youth Council also help our region’s young people to learn more about local government while informing and influencing Council decisions.
We want a diverse Youth Council that’s representative of the entire Greater Geelong community, so we encourage everyone to consider nominating, regardless of previous leadership experience.
Our youth councillors will be supported by our Youth Development team and have the chance to develop their skills through a range of different learning opportunities.
Junior Mayor Irene Mulilo
The 2023 Youth Councillors have found the experience highly valuable.
I’ve certainly enjoyed the opportunity to have my voice heard, along with learning more about processes at a local government level.
It’s important that Council understands what matters to young people within our community and becoming a part of Youth Council is a practical way to achieve that.
Every member of Youth Council joins from a different background and with different ideas and priorities for the future, so I encourage all young people to consider becoming a part of this exciting opportunity.