Nominations are now open for the 2022 Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council with young people across the district encouraged to apply.

The Youth Council works to run events through FreeZA including live music, movie nights, pool parties, skate competitions, and training opportunities, as well as working on other projects within the Hindmarsh community.

Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council was established in May 2015 and comprises of 12 members with four 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. The 2022 Hindmarsh Shire Council Youth of the Year recipient will automatically be given the opportunity to become a part of the Youth Council.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor Ron Ismay is encouraging young people to apply, particularly with society looking to opening up further following a difficult couple of years.

“It’s time for our young people to get back into the community, and to enjoy spending time together planning social and practical events.

“The previous two years have looked a little different for everyone due to COVID-19, but with our community vaccination rates high, now is the perfect time for enthusiastic young people to step up and work towards reconnection. We are pleased to extend this opportunity to young people aged between 12 and 25 years who are ready to build confidence and practice their leadership skills.

“Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council is committed to being inclusive and representative of our diverse young people. It’s a great place to connect with young people from other towns, and with different experiences and backgrounds,” Mayor Ismay said.

“Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council is an excellent opportunity for young people to be involved in identifying and responding to youth issues and to take ownership over the projects and ideas that they are passionate about.”

Applications for the 2022 Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council close at 5pm on Friday 5 November 2021.

A selection panel of Hindmarsh Shire Councillors from each ward will assess and shortlist applications before conducting interviews.

Hindmarsh Shire Youth Councillors will be presented with their certificates and badges in early 2022, and will attend a Leadership Retreat on the weekend of 11th to 13th February 2022.

Application forms, information brochures and consent forms can be downloaded from Council’s website at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/our-youth-councillors.

The Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council is currently supported by funding from Hindmarsh Shire Council and the State Government’s FReeZA funding which encourages youth to engage with art, culture and music, as well as developing leadership and practical skills.