They are the first Victorian cohort as part of a Foundation for Young Australians-led Young Mayors program that backs young people to create change through active participation in local government.
Aiden Henderson, Alan Lulu Kuriakose and Ghost Sternberg also nominated for the youth council.
A celebration in Horsham on Thursday recognised the candidates.
Horsham Rural City Council deputy mayor Penny Flynn said the community would support the youth councillors to grow and develop their skills.
“We encourage you to be bold and brave in your thinking and your actions. Take the opportunity with both hands and make the most of everything that this experience has to offer,” she said.
“It does sadden me that there were no female candidates – so we all have some work to do to support and encourage a diverse range of candidates in the future.
“This also means that our youth council will need to think differently, ask questions and seek the views and opinions of those who are missing from this group.
“This will no doubt be a challenge for you, but we have the belief that you will rise to the task.”
FYAs Young Mayors program director Tahlia Azaria said the youth council was mandated to engage with young people beyond those in the room; and this was particularly important for the group, given its limited diversity.
“Issues of diversity are a national issue. A key goal of the pilot across the country will be to trial new approaches to strengthen gender inclusion over the next year and ensure that all young people feel empowered to put their hand up, and make their voices heard,” she said.
A total of 616 votes were lodged in the election on Tuesday and Wednesday last week at polling stations including schools, community spaces and the Western Victorian Careers Expo at Longerenong.
Ms Azaria said Victorian Electoral Commission officials had supported the election, including providing ballot boxes for voting and conducting an official counting process.
“It was truly amazing to see how excited young people were about exercising their democratic right to vote for the very first time, ever, in Victoria,” she said.
Ms Azaria said the youth councillors would participate in a swearing-in ceremony and induction process ahead of their 12-month term.
A bursary of $10,000 and a designated FYA staffer will support their work across the year.
Queensland town Mackay was the first local government area to pilot the program and its youth council work began just weeks ago.
“This is a pilot. It has been created so we can test, observe, reflect and adjust so that we are building a system to engage young people that works best for them to fully participate in the decisions that impact their lives, in their own backyards,” she said.
“It really just starts here – and we will see this youth council address the issues in the community and we’re looking forward to seeing the next youth council, and the youth council after that, so that young people can play a really active role in creating a better region for the community.”
Ms Azaria recognised the work of Horsham Rural City Council’s youth team and her FYA colleagues in their advocacy for young people and bringing the initiative to fruition.
Gunditjmara and Wotjobaluk woman Tanisha Lovett delivered a welcome to country and acknowledged importance of diverse voices in decision-making.
“I love self-determination and this idea is absolutely great,” Ms Lovett said.
The initiative builds on the foundations of the previous youth council.
The entire June 28, 2023 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
The entire June 28, 2023 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!
