Shoalhaven school students walk in the footsteps of their local leaders for a day
Shelley Hancock – Minister for Local Government
Monday, 10 August 2020
Ten high school students from across the Shoalhaven walked in the shoes of their local councillors for a day at a special Youth Council Event at Nowra on Saturday as part of Local Government Week (August 3-9) celebrations.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock hosted the event at Shoalhaven City Council chambers to increase young people’s understanding of the pivotal role councils play in the community and encourage them to enter the local government sector.
“Local government produces tomorrow’s leaders and this event gave students aged between 14 and 18 a taste of what it’s like to walk in the shoes of their local leaders,” Mrs Hancock said.
“With just four per cent of the State’s 1,293 councillors aged under 30 years old, we must do all we can to encourage more young people to enter the level of government closest to the community.”
Participants experienced a mock council meeting in the chambers, received advocacy training, delivered speeches on local issues they are passionate about and learnt more about a day in the life of a council with an information session on how local government works.
“Council meetings are the heart of democracy at a local level where councillors debate and deliberate on important community issues and it was great for these students to experience it first-hand,” Mrs Hancock said.
“After spending more than 17 years as a Shoalhaven councillor myself, I know all too well the challenges and opportunities of serving your community and I am delighted to have provided these enthusiastic young people with a valuable insight into life in local government.”
The Youth Council Event was organised by the Minister for Local Government in conjunction with the Advocate for Children and Young People, Office of Local Government and Shoalhaven City Council in accordance with strict COVID Safe guidelines. Participants were selected via an expression of interest process co-ordinated by Shoalhaven City Council.
MEDIA: Nicholas Story | 0438 255 020
| PDF Version | Ministerial Media Release- 10 August 2020 |