2025 Youth Council to provide voice for young people

Published on 05 February 2025

Mildura Rural City Council has welcomed its 2025 Youth Council this week, following a special swearing-in ceremony at Council’s Deakin Avenue offices.

Nine young people were selected to represent the region’s youth following an expression of interest process.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Youth Councillors then elected a Youth Mayor and Youth Deputy Mayor, with Paris Ribarits and Olivia Cirillo elected respectively.

Jack 'Doc' Heinrich was elected Youth Council Secretary.

The Youth Council acts as an advisory and advocacy committee, working on behalf of young people throughout our municipality to:

Provide opportunities for young people to have their say and influence Council policies, plans and strategies
Promote young people as valuable citizens who make a positive contribution to the community
Provide opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills
Provide the opportunity for Councillors to meet, hear and learn from young people
Provide opportunities for young people to consult with the wider community

Councillor for Community Health and Wellbeing Troy Bailey congratulated all selected applicants.

“We have much to be proud of when it comes to the young people in our region,” Cr Bailey said.

“Our first Youth Council in 2024 was an amazing success, with the group playing a key role in the development of our new five-year Youth Engagement Strategy, while providing a powerful insight into the challenges facing our region’s youth.

“This year’s group features some returned Youth Councillors serving a second year, alongside some new faces.”

“Each Youth Councillor brings a unique background and passion to the role, I’m looking forward to working alongside them to continue making our region a better place to live for young people.”

Meet the Youth Council

Sune Cronje
Sune is a Year 12 student at Mildura Senior College, who joined the 2025 Youth Council to meet new people and to interact with the community.
Sune said the Youth Council provided the opportunity to “try something new”, while learning more about what is happening in the youth community.
Sune’s focus is on making positive things happen for the region’s youth, while completing schooling and fulfilling career aspirations to become a flight attendant.
Sune enjoys seeing new places, interacting with friends and family, listening to music and playing guitar.

Riley Ridgwell
Riley is a Year 9 student at Irymple Secondary College, who enjoys playing footy, playing guitar and hanging out with friends.
Riley is hoping to engage with the community more through the Youth Council, while gaining a better understanding of local government.
Riley wants to make the community a better place by bringing ideas to the table, while taking every opportunity to make positive changes in the community.

Olivia Cirillo
Olivia is a Year 11 student at Mildura Senior College, who enjoys reading, journaling, being around friends and listening to music.
Olivia is serving a second consecutive year on Youth Council, and said it was “a no-brainer to re-apply.”
Olivia said Youth Council provides the opportunity to have a say, while developing communication and leadership.
Olivia also aspires to become a dermatologist.

Ollie Edens
Ollie is a Year 11 student at Mildura Senior College, who is passionate and motivated about the community.
Ollie joins Youth Council after previously participating in the Youth Radio Program, which helped shed light on youth topics and community issues, while promoting current events.
Ollie is looking forward to being more involved in the community through the Youth Council.

Martha Ebora
Martha is currently studying at Indie College after arriving from the Philippines.
Martha is passionate about supporting young people, especially those from vulnerable communities, and is dedicated to making a positive impact through advocacy and active participation.
Martha said the Youth Council provided an opportunity to contribute to policies that directly affect youth, while making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
Martha aspires to support and uplift young people and was excited to further this commitment through the Youth Council.

Joshua Maloney
Josh is a 22-year-old political activist who is driven by a love of art and a passion for the community.
Josh is looking forward to participating in community growth through the 2025 Youth Council term.

Jack ‘Doc’ Heinrich
Jack, 19, is a recent graduate of the Mildura Senior College, and a returning Youth Councillor.
Jack joined the Youth Council to help involve youth in decision-making, while providing a voice for young people to ensure their needs are met.
Jack aspires to become an Anglican Priest, and a Chaplain for the Royal Australian Naval Reserves.
Jack is currently a lay minister within the Anglican Church of Australia and has been serving Mildura’s St Margrets Anglican Church for the past 12 years.
Jack is also an active member of the community, contributing to community sport and recreation through involvement in indoor bowls and ballroom dancing.

Paris Ribarits
Paris, 23, is passionate about providing a platform for the youth in the region, ensuring they can be heard.
With a background in the performing arts and event management, Paris has a passion for utilising these outlets to give voices to young people in the community.
Through Youth Council, Paris hopes to provide more insight into the challenges and issues that young people face in our community.

Emily Ablett
Emily Ablett is a Year 9 student at Irymple Secondary College and is returning for a second year on the Youth Council.
Emily is excited to further improve the community by bringing ideas, perspectives and concerns of young people to the forefront, advocating for change that reflects the diverse needs of our youth.
Emily is also aiming to grow as a leader, develop skills that will help better serve peers and the wider community.
Emily is also passionate about addressing inequality and challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community and women in the region, hoping to raise awareness about the struggles these groups face while working towards creating a more inclusive, supportive, and equal society for everyone.

ENDS