Wollongong City Council / Foundation for Young Australians release: 19 September 2023
The results are in: 1,476 young people aged 12 to 17 in Wollongong have voted in NSW’s first ever democratically elected Youth Forum
Eight young people under 17 have been announced as the successful candidates who will represent the interests of young people in Wollongong to their local council.
The announcement is the culmination of a month-long election campaign as part of Young Mayors, a program backing young people to make change through active participation in local government.
Votes were cast by young people for 11 candidates across 16 polling stations in schools and community spaces last week.
Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP said direct input from diverse young voices will transform how Wollongong City Council prioritises its projects and delivers its services.
“You can’t underestimate the value that comes from listening to the unique perspectives of our young people. I’m confident the Wollongong Youth Forum will make a huge impact in this region, and I thank both the Foundation for Young Australians and Wollongong City Council for making this exciting program happen,” Minister McBain said.
Wollongong City Council Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery AM said the Council had a long history of seeking the input of young people from the community and ensuring their voices were heard and respected.
“Young people play a significant role in Wollongong and we believe it’s essential they’re part of the consultation process on matters that affect them either now or into the future. Through this program, young people in our region will have another way to engage in the work Council does on behalf of the community, and a new channel to provide their thoughts and feedback to Council on issues that they care most about,” Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said.
The Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) Acting Director of Civic and Cultural Engagement, Tahlia Azaria, said the elections were just the beginning.
“This newly elected Youth Forum will champion the needs and views of all young people in Wollongong. They will ensure young people they serve have a voice in the community in improving services, and positively influencing key decisions on local issues,” Azaria said.
The 8 members of the 2023 Wollongong Youth Forum are:
● Jayden Atherton
● Oskar Alefaio
● Christelle Morla
● Phoenix Horton
● Matilda Miles
● Sophie O’Dwyer
● Abigail Stewart
● Emma Mattison
The Young Mayors program was designed by FYA and is based on successful UK models. Wollongong City Council is the first to pilot the program in New South Wales, with other councils piloting in Queensland and Victoria across 2023 and 2024. To learn more visit https://www.fya.org.au/program/young-mayors/
