Youth Council

The goals of the Youth Advisory Council are 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

The objectives of the Youth Council are to:

• Represent and promote the voice of young people in the Mildura Rural City Council municipality
• Provide a platform for young people to advocate on priorities that are important to their lives
• Advise Mildura Rural City Council on current and emerging issues affecting young people
• Provide opportunities for young people to influence youth-focused programs and projects
• Provide a mechanism for young people to oversee the implementation of the Youth Strategy
• Identify service gaps and opportunities for improved cooperation, coordination, advice and feedback to young people and partnerships that will improve outcomes for young people
• Build a sense of civic pride about young people in the community
• Provide opportunities for young people to be engaged in civic activities and events
• Include young people from diverse backgrounds in decision-making processes
• Strengthen professional development opportunities for young people
• Develop young people’s confidence and leadership skills

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 the Youth Council, Paris hopes to provide more insight into the challenges and issues that young people face in our community.

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.

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. He is also an active member of the community, contributing to community sport and recreation through involvement in indoor bowls and ballroom dancing.

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 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.

Sune is a Year 12 student at Mildura Senior College.

Sune joined the 2025 Youth Council to meet new people and to interact with the 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.

Marth is passionate about supporting young people, especially those from vulnerable communities, and is dedicated to making a positive impact through advocacy and active participation.

Marth 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.

Marth aspires to support and uplift young people, and was excited to further this commitment through the Youth Council.

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.

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.

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 his time on Youth Council, while gaining a better understanding 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.

1. Applying to consult the Youth Councillors through the expression of interest form does not guarantee a consultation with Youth Councillors.
2. The Youth Councillors will review each application and make a decision to be consulted based on their capacity (the Youth Councillors may be working on other initiatives and/or have other commitments) and if the initiative is relevant to them as Youth Councillors
3. If your expression of interest is approved, you will be contacted by Council’s Youth Engagement Services team, who will then handle all further correspondence
4. All facilitators need to create a youth-friendly presentation to be reviewed by the Youth Engagement Services team.