Mildura’s Youth Parliament team set to tackle the big issues
Published on 08 May 2017
The six young people who will represent Mildura at this year’s YMCA Youth Parliament have been revealed.
Emma Ash, Emma Golding, Raihana Hashimi, Hadisa Hussaini, Bethany Simpson and Phoebe Wilson will make up Mildura’s Youth Parliament team that will travel to Melbourne to participate in this year’s program.
The YMCA Youth Parliament initiative is designed to give young people aged 16 to 25 a chance to be heard at the highest levels of State Government.
The six Sunraysia representatives were chosen from a large field of nominations following an overwhelming response to this year’s program.
Mildura Rural City Councillor for Community Wellbeing and Services Ali Cupper said it was encouraging to see such a strong reaction from the region’s younger residents.
“The enthusiastic response from our young people shows they really do care and think about issues that are important to our region,” Cr Cupper said.
“And by nominating for this year’s program, it also shows they’re willing to stand up and do something about the issues they’re passionate about.
“I congratulate everyone who nominated, and wish our team the very best when they represent us in the Victorian Parliament.”
The YMCA Youth Parliament program will see the Mildura team research and develop a Bill, which they’ll debate in the Victorian Parliament over three days in July.
However Mildura team members’ journey will begin later this month when they receive training in public speaking and leadership at two residential camps at the YMCA’s Lake Dewar Lodge at Myrniong, near Bacchus Marsh, as they research issues they’re passionate about.
The first camp will be held on 26 – 28 May and include training in parliamentary etiquette and public speaking, as well as allowing team members to get to know each other ahead of their time in parliament.
The program will culminate in a week of activities on 4 – 7 July, including a second camp at Lake Dewar Lodge ahead of the Mildura team’s three days in the Legislative Chambers of Parliament House.
The YMCA Victorian Youth Parliament program is funded by Mildura Rural City Council and the YMCA. Participation is free to successful applicants.
Media enquiries
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au