Hindmarsh Shire Council is excited to announce nominations for the 2019 Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council are now open.
Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr. Ron Ismay said “Council is very proud of the achievements of all of its Youth Councillors both past and present and would like to invite other young people aged between 12 and 25 years to nominate.
“The Youth Council is ideal for young people who genuinely want to make a difference and change the experience of young people within their community. The Youth Council provides a practical forum for young people to be involved in youth issues, undertake their own projects for initiatives they are passionate about, gain leadership skills, work as a team, and make a difference to their community," Cr. Ismay continued.
Some of the projects that have already been initiated and are set to be delivered over the next 12 months include summer pool parties; a grand opening event for the new Nhill Skatepark (date TBC); Skatepark League Competitions in Rainbow and Dimboola in partnership with YMCA and Skate Australia; the inaugural Hindmarsh Youth Making a Difference Youth Awards Night; school holiday programs, a 6 kilometre Family Fun Run / Walk (raising awareness for improved access to clean drinking water in partnership with World Vision), community Freeza events and more.
"Hindmarsh Shire Council is committed to helping young people have a greater say in our community, giving them a chance to be part of Council’s decision making processes," Cr. Ismay explained. “We are proud of the projects that the Youth Council have undertaken to date. This year we acknowledge their efforts in support of the official openings of the Dimboola and Rainbow Skateparks; the provision of mental health information evenings and mental health first aid education for the wider community; the activity laden school holiday program; the launch of the family focused Hindmarsh Shire tourism brochure; their environmental awareness campaign, and ongoing individual and community leadership development opportunities.
“Now it is time for our young people to step forward and apply for the 2019 Youth Council to help identify new projects that they can proudly look back on in 12 months’ time” Cr. Ismay said adding, "We would like to encourage young people from different backgrounds, with different interests and ideas to consider nominating for this exciting opportunity,"
Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council was established in May 2015 and comprises of 12 members with 4 from each Council ward, plus the recipient of Hindmarsh Shire Council’s Youth of the Year. All Youth Council applicants must live, work or attend school within the Hindmarsh Shire municipality.
Applications close 5:00 pm Wednesday 12 December 2018 and a selection panel of Hindmarsh Shire Councillors from each ward will assess and shortlist applications before conducting interviews during between the period Thursday 13 December and Tuesday 18 December 2018.
The 2019 Hindmarsh Shire Council Youth of the Year recipient will automatically be given the opportunity to become a part of the Youth Council.
If you are interested in nominating for the Youth Council, contact the Hindmarsh Shire Council Youth and Early Years Officer, Meg Hall on 5391 4444 or email youth@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au
The Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council is currently supported by funding from Hindmarsh Shire Council and the State Government Freeza funding which encourages youth to engage with art, culture and music, as well as socially networking and developing leadership skills.
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