Last night, Junior Mayor Viggy Ram presented the advisory committee’s second report to Council, detailing the learning and consultation opportunities, events and meetings they’ve attended over the last five months.

The Youth Council has proudly helped to develop the City’s first ever Youth Festa-Fair, a free indoor event focusing on young people aged 12 to 25. Having identified loneliness and social isolation as significant concerns for young people, the initiative is designed to provide a welcoming and low-pressure environment to build connections. Young performers and youth-run stalls will be showcased and there will be a range of activities, free snacks and information about local youth services available.

Members gave targeted feedback to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) as part of the Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula and Bannockburn Bus Network Review. Young people highlighted issues around route coverage, service frequency, safety, accessibility and the need for transport options that better reflect how young people travel. Feedback also emphasised the importance of improved connections in growth areas, safer bus stops and enhanced real-time information.

Three members participated in the City's 2026-27 Budget workshops alongside community members. The sessions provided valuable insight into the competing priorities and financial considerations involved.

Councillor Connect Mentoring Program (CCMP) sessions introduced the Youth Council’s priority areas and allowed members to raise challenges affecting young people locally, such as cost-of-living pressures and pathways to education and employment.

Youth Leadership Academy Australia returned to facilitate a workshop that helped members begin developing their formal advice to Council by identifying key priority areas and potential recommendations.

Cultura's Multicultural Youth Council met with the City’s Youth Council to share its priorities, experiences and the issues affecting young people from multicultural communities.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM 

Members have packed a lot into the last five months, on top of their schooling, family life and social activities.

It’s great to see the young people’s commitment and willingness to learn and share.

Councillors have thoroughly enjoyed the CCMP sessions, having frank and in-depth discussions about young people’s experiences and how projects can be better shaped to include younger residents.

This report is a great example of what Youth Council members get up to - we’re actually looking for 11 passionate residents aged 12-17 for the 2027 Youth Council. 

As you can see, the Youth Council is the official ‘youth voice’ for Greater Geelong, setting priorities and providing advice on matters that impact young people and the wider community.

Nominations are open now, so make sure to put your hand up or encourage a young person in your life. 

Junior Mayor Ram 

Serving as the 2026 Junior Mayor has been an incredibly rewarding experience and one that has significantly strengthened my leadership skills.

One of the highlights of the year has been attending events, participating in workshops and representing Youth Council in public forums.

Another exciting aspect of my role has been contributing to the development of our youth-led project, the Youth Festa-Fair. I am really looking forward to seeing this event come to life and hope it contributes to addressing youth loneliness in our region.

As we move to the second half of the year, I am excited to continue building on the work we have started, strengthen our engagement with the community, and deliver the Youth Festa-Fair. 

I am incredibly thankful to my fellow Youth Council members, Councillors, and the City’s Youth Development staff, for their ongoing support and the opportunities they provide to lead, advocate, and make a genuine impact in our community.