Manningham Council last night endorsed plans to establish its first Youth Advisory Committee to represent the voice of young people which will inform Council decisions and provide valuable input into Council strategies and policies. 

The committee will be set up in 2021/22 following consultation with young people in Manningham over the coming months. 

Manningham Mayor Andrew Conlon said it’s imperative to consult with young people from the beginning to ensure that this advisory committee is relevant, attractive to young people and ultimately a success. 

“Previously Council has sought the views of young people via youth advisory forums and youth councils, but establishing an advisory committee makes their voice a permanent fixture in the business of Council,” Cr Conlon said 

“With an expected growth of almost one thousand young people aged 12 to 25 in the next nine years we want to ensure young people in Manningham are helping inform Council decisions.” 

“With growing concerns among the young population on issues such as climate change, mental health, cultural representation and more, there is no better time than now for this advisory committee.” 

The Youth Advisory Committee will consider Council’s plans and strategies, as well as seek views on issues affecting young people and feed it back to Council to influence decision making and priority setting. 

Over the next few months Council will run a series of youth-focused groups and forums that will inform Council how the committee will be set-up. 

Young people who have nominated to be part of Council’s Community Panel will also be invited to participate in the group consultations and forums.  

The Terms of Reference and scope of the new Youth Advisory Committee will be determined later this year, following the consultative period with young people and once the Council Plan and Health City Strategy for 2021 to 2025 are in place.