Nominations for the 2021 Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council are now open.

Youth aged between 12 and 25 years who live, work or attend school within the Hindmarsh Shire municipality and genuinely want to change young peoples’ experiences within the community are encouraged to apply. Nominations are open from Monday 26 October 2020 and close at 5pm on Monday 16 November 2020.

Hindmarsh Shire Chief Executive Officer, Greg Wood opened the call for nominations by inviting all young people within the Shire to play an active part in their community and gain life skills at the same time.

“It’s a great opportunity for young people to be involved in youth issues, initiate projects, gain experience in event organisation, and learn leadership skills that will make a difference to our communities.”

During 2020 Hindmarsh Shire Youth Councillors attended meetings online.

“This year our Youth Councillors faced an unexpected, unique and difficult situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and despite the restrictions kept a good attitude, adapted to online meetings, having discussions on issues that affected their communities and looked for alternatives such as online events”.

Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council held online events throughout 2020 supporting a range of different topics and interests, including a live streamed concert held in conjunction Yarriambiack Youth Action Council; online entrepreneurship talks, music creation workshops, grant application writing workshops, resilience workshops, mental health talks, an astronomy night, electoral process session for CALD youth, and regional meetings with neighbouring youth councils using online platforms.

Hindmarsh Shire youth were invited to take part in two focus groups run by the Victorian Commission for Children and Young People transmitting thoughts and feelings that young people experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lani Elliott, West Ward Youth Councillor (2019 and 2020) said being part of the Youth Council has changed her life. “Joining Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

“I truly think this is a wonderful opportunity for youth to be part of.”

Lani explained that the Youth Council gave her the chance to talk about what is important to her and give her the courage to face challenges and overcome obstacles with the support of good friends.

Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council was established in May 2015 and has four representatives of each ward (East, West, and North), plus the Youth of the Year recipient.

Youth Council aspirants must live, work or attend school within the Hindmarsh Shire municipality.

Additional information can be found on the Council’s website.