Mildura Youth Parliament team nominations now open

Published on 05 February 2019

Young people in Sunraysia aged 16 to 25 have a unique opportunity to have issues important to them heard at the highest levels of State Government through the YMCA Youth Parliament program.

Expressions of interest are now being sought for six young people to represent Mildura as part of this year’s program.

Councillor for Community Wellbeing and Services Min Poole said that aside from the distinction of representing the Mildura region in this statewide program, the YMCA Youth Parliament initiative offered a raft of opportunities for young people.

“It provides numerous personal development opportunities, yet it’s also a very powerful way for youth in our region to let Victoria’s highest ranking politicians know what is important to them, and our region, in an environment that can really make a difference – the halls of the Victorian Parliament.”

As part of the program participants receive training in public speaking and leadership at residential camps as they research an issue they’re passionate about.

Teams will then develop a Bill based on this research which they’ll debate in the Victorian Parliament over three days in July.

Over the past 29 years, more than 25 pieces of State Legislation have originated in the Youth Parliament. Examples include Roadside Drug Testing for Drivers, Mandatory Wearing of a Bicycle Helmet and Removal of Glass from Identified High-Risk Entertainment Venues.

The program is funded by Mildura Rural City Council and YMCA and is at no cost to successful applicants.

Participants must be aged between 16 and 25 and be willing to commit fully to the program. This includes attending all meetings organised with their mentor (usually two to three meetings throughout the program), and any additional meetings teams organise to work on a Bill or speech.

Expressions of interest are now open and must be submitted by Friday 1 March 2019. More information is available by visiting www.mildura.vic.gov.au/Services/Youth/Youth-Parliament

Media enquiries 
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689 
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au