YOUTH COUNCIL NOMINATIONS Bega Valley
May 14, 2008
Bega Valley Shire Council has settled on a novel way to attract young people to nominate for the next Youth Council which will serve from July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009.
Youth Councillors (from left) Alysha Barnes, Sigrid Helland, Debbie Jardine, Michael Plum, Emily Criticos, Phoebe O’Carrigan, Cara Hay with Nick Wallis of Power FM (rear) during the Boom Box Battle of the Bands during Youth Week in April.
Prospective Youth Councillors are invited to an open day with barefoot bowls and lunch at the Bega Bowling Club lower green on Saturday, May 24, from 11am to 2pm.
This will provide an opportunity for interested young people aged between 15 and 25 years to meet the current Youth Councilors and chat about getting involved - or they can just go along for a fun day of barefoot bowls.
The Youth Council’s Disposable Art photographic exhibition will be open in the Annex next to the bowling green at the same time.
Community Development Officer Emma Benton says the Youth Council has grown in stature since its inception five years ago.
“Members not only gain key skills in leadership, but they have also been responsible for a number of successful youth programs being implemented across the shire,” she said.
“The Youth Council’s projects during the past 12 months have included the successful Summer Bus and Transport Voucher Project, Boom Box Battle of the Bands, and the Disposable Art Project organised to celebrate Youth Week.
“Apart from initiating youth projects the Youth Council also acts as a key advisory body to Council commenting on matters relating to young people.
“Youth Councillors have represented the young people of the shire at regional youth meetings, civic events and leadership days both locally and across the state during the last term.
“They have developed skills in a range of different areas including leadership, public speaking, meeting procedures, project management, budgeting, media techniques, grant applications and report writing this year.
“The 11 young people who form the Youth Council come from diverse backgrounds and stages of life which ensures that the Youth Council represents a cross section of the young people in the Bega Valley Shire.
“I would encourage any young person who is interested in local youth issues and wants to do something about them to apply for the 2008-2009 Youth Council.
The Youth Councillors’ dedication over the past five years has had a positive impact on the public image of young people in the shire,” Ms Benton said.
Youth Council chair Emily Criticos said she had found over the last 12 months that dealing with 11 young people with diverse views and ideas had been interesting and great learning experience.
Anyone aged between 15 and 25 years who wants to have a say about local youth issues and would like more information about the Youth Council’s activities or the nomination process should phone Emma Benton at Bega Valley Shire Council on 6499 2317or e-mail ebenton@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
Nominations will be accepted until the close of business on Monday, June 2, 2008.
Application forms are available on the council website www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au or phone 6499 2317.
