Teens take action
Movers, shakers: South Gippsland Youth Council members Brittany Staples, Lauren Trani, Michael Dixon, Georgina Williamson and Amy Kindellan.
A GROUP of teenagers and young adults are making it happen in South Gippsland Shire.
They are driven, hold activities for other young people and lobby on behalf of youth in the region.
They are the members of South Gippsland Youth Council and are seeking new members.
Member Michael Dixon told South Gippsland Shire Council he has developed friendships and management skills from his term. Others said they enjoyed the opportunity to travel interstate and influence issues affecting youth.
Councillor Bob Newton congratulated the teenagers, saying: “Youth are our future leaders and we have to help them through their journey in life.”
Over the past 12 months, the youth council staged the Raw Vibes Music Festival and Youth Short Film Festival, helped present FReeZa underage gigs and took part in National Youth Week.
The Raw Vibes festival is on hold due to poor attendances this year and the film festival format is also under review.
Youth council has a Facebook page with information about youth programs, competitions and events, and the council has also sponsored leadership awards at secondary and primary schools.
Members have also advised council about transport and recreation issues, and event planning and marketing for other youth groups.
Others members have taken part in youth mental health training to learn how to recognise the symptoms and causes of mental health issues in young people and how to help.
Many members of the current youth council are nearing the end of their time, and the youth council, and council’s community strengthening team, are now promoting the council in a bid to attract new members.
Council allocates $8200 to support the youth council, as well as $4900 for youth leadership activities.
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