The 15-year-old introduced this year’s committee to the community at City Hall, with several members watching from the chamber, and gave a rundown of the group’s activities since their election.

Aged between 13 and 17, the group has already taken part in a three-day orientation, led by the City and in partnership with Youth Leadership Academy Australia.

A formal induction in January with councillors, family and friends was held, where nine members ran for the Junior Mayor and Deputy Junior Mayor roles and delivered passionate speeches. Bailey Roberts was elected Deputy Junior Mayor.

During Viggy’s presentation, the community learned that the members attended the Vape Prevention Short Film Screening, Pako Festa and the Women in Community Life Celebration - 11 Years of Impact event. They also went to the Nest Youth Hub Open Day, recognising the facility’s importance as a safe and inclusive space for young people. 

At the Youth Council’s first official meeting last month, the group endorsed an agreement made up of eight principles that will guide how members will act and work together as a team to reach their goals.

Members have named youth health and wellbeing, inclusivity and safety within the community, protecting native land, skies and waterways and economic equality and opportunity as their key priority areas for 2026.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM 

Council is looking forward to working closely with the Youth Council over the year.

We thoroughly enjoyed our first Councillor Connect Mentoring Program session earlier this month where we got to know the members and picked their brains about the issues that matter to them.

It’s clear that the group is off to a flying start and is dedicated and passionate about advocating for young people in Greater Geelong.

Junior Mayor Viggy Ram 

The Youth Council has set its sights on meaningful projects and advocacy. 

I am honoured to have been elected Junior Mayor, alongside Bailey Roberts as Junior Deputy Mayor. We are grateful for the trust placed in us and will lead with integrity and respect to ensure that every member’s voice is valued.

The Youth Council is excited for what the rest of the year holds, including further community engagement, the development of our annual project and the delivery of meaningful advice to Council in our final report. 

We look forward to working collaboratively and creatively to ensure that youth perspectives continue to inform the decisions that shape Greater Geelong.