An update and increase in signage across Greater Geelong identifying vape and smoke-free zones is among recommendations identified by the City of Greater Geelong’s Youth Council in its third report for 2023.
The Youth Council is an advisory committee of 12 young people, aged 12 to 17, who were elected for a 12-month term to provide the region's official “youth voice”, with three representatives from each Council ward: Bellarine, Brownbill, Kardinia and Windermere.
In the third Youth Council report, participants focused their advice on reducing vape use among young people and considering young people in the delivery of major events in Geelong.
Youth Council participants drew on the City of Melbourne’s approach to combatting smoking and vape use by providing advice regarding the creation of vape and smoke free zones across central Geelong.
Youth Council suggested the introduction of strength-based signage across Geelong that includes contact information from Barwon Health’s ‘Be Smoke Free’ Clinics and services, so people know where they can seek help for their nicotine addiction.
Youth Council also put forward advice that the City consider implementing a ban on tobacco and e-cigarette product sales in City of Greater Geelong-owned or managed sites, along with advocating to the state government for more extensive tobacco and e-cigarette regulations.
Finally, the report also contained advice regarding the need for better engagement of young people in major events across Geelong. The advice provided included that Council develop a policy that ensures young people are considered as a key demographic to attract and attend events across the City.
Youth Council also suggested that when council allocates funds to supporting major events, that they consider allocating a portion of the budget to ensure young people have age-appropriate entertainment at events.
The third Youth Council report for 2023 aligns with the community-led 30-year vision, “Greater Geelong: A Clever and Creative Future” community aspiration: An inclusive, diverse, healthy, and socially connected community.
In recent months, the Youth Council members have participated in The Common Ground Project, met with the Governor General, participated in a round-table discussion with the Federal Minister for Youth, completed advocacy training delivered by the YMCA, taken part in a gender equality forum, and created promotional material to advertise the 2024 Youth Council nominations.
Deputy Junior Mayor Aleena Eftikhari
Youth Council members were grateful to Councillors and other staff for their support in creating such diverse opportunities and experiences.
Youth Council members have really enjoyed speaking to and learning from Councillors about a range of topics relevant to our region.
We hope to see The City of Greater Geelong consider the advice we have provided in our third report and look forward to our final Councillor Connect Mentoring sessions where we will discuss our last pieces of advice with Councillors.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
Council welcomes the 2023 Youth Council’s third report.
I’d like to congratulate the Youth Council on its achievements so far this year; they’re a capable group of young people who represent some diverse perspectives.
As Councillors we’re grateful to see such engaged and committed young members drawing our attention to some of the issues that they feel are most pressing in Greater Geelong.
Councillor Sarah Hathway
The Youth Council provides a valuable advisory role to Council.