Elly's Whittlesea Council role

Year 11 student Elly joined the Whittlesea Youth Council at the beginning of June this year.

The council's primary mission is to amplify the voices of young people aged 12 to 22 who live, work, study, or have meaningful connections to the City of Whittlesea. It serves as a platform for raising local concerns and addressing issues pertinent to youth.

In her role, Elly actively participates in decision-making processes, where she can propose ideas and voice concerns related to youth issues. As a representative of the Youth Council, she provides valuable insights to the council on matters affecting young people, advocates for key priorities, and offers guidance on current trends and their implications for the local service sector. Additionally, she works to enhance opportunities for youth engagement in citizenship, leadership, and civic participation, while also advising on council programs and the development of spaces utilised by young people.

A position on the Youth Council lasts for 24 months and is open to 10-13 individuals aged 12 to 22. Meetings are held monthly to discuss ongoing initiatives.

As youth council members, they are tasked with representing local young people by staying informed about current issues and emerging themes relevant to the community. Their responsibilities include preparing for and participating in regular meetings, engaging with fellow young people to gather feedback on discussed topics, and sharing their personal experiences with the council.

Ongoing training relevant to their roles is also part of their commitment as youth council members. They report to and meet with the Council biannually to discuss identified issues or priorities, share updates on projects and portfolio work, and engage in dialogue with council leaders regarding significant matters affecting young people.

We are incredibly proud of Elly’s achievements and look forward to seeing her continue to make a positive impact through her work on the Whittlesea Youth Council.