Thirteen emerging leaders were sworn in at an official ceremony at the Mitchell Shire Council Chambers in Broadford on Monday, July 17.
The 12-to-24-year-olds have taken on the challenge to advocate for young people, like themselves.
Bailey White
Broadford Secondary College student and Youth Council Mayor Bailey White will return for his second year and continue to represent the Central Ward. He has honed his leadership skills through positions on the Junior School Council, as School Captain, and on the Student Representative Council.
Mitchell Youth Council Mayor Bailey White said he joined Youth Council because he had a passion for helping others in the community and wanted to contribute ideas on behalf of those in his age group.
“Youth council provides a lot of opportunities. Last year we did emotional intelligence training with the Australian School of Entrepreneurship and learnt about the many different aspects of a person’s feelings and emotions,” he said.
“There are a few current projects I’d like to continue working on such as the No Quarry campaign and organising barista training workshops.
“There are many future projects I’d like to put forward on behalf of the community including multiple skill workshops, competitions, fundraisers and awareness raising campaigns.”
Danielle Spratling
Youth Council Deputy Mayor, Danielle Spratling stands as the representative for the Central Ward. As college captain at Broadford Secondary College, she has proven her exceptional leadership skills through her contributions to school initiatives.
Danielle has also spearheaded numerous community projects, including the 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence, fundraising, and volunteering as a member of the CFA.
Danielle said the Youth Council sounded like a perfect opportunity to get involved in local government and make a difference for young people in Mitchell Shire.
“I want to make sure young people are being represented, factored into important conversations and their struggles are being appropriately addressed,” she said.
“I want to focus on youth health, especially physical health and health literacy following the pandemic and the prevalence of family violence in Mitchell Shire and its impact on our youth.
“I’m also passionate about local sporting clubs ... They have many physical and mental health benefits, but also help to foster a sense of community.”
Ayla Davis
It will be Youth Council secretary Ayla Davis’s first year on the Youth Council as a representative for the North Ward.
A Year 11 at GOTAFE in Seymour, Ayla volunteers at greyhound adoption.
Evie Birks
Evie will represent the North Ward. It is her first year on the Youth Council.
She has leadership experience as a member of the Student Representative Council and as a patrol leader for the Scouts. Evie is passionate about opportunities that encourage young people to make meaningful connections within their community.
Hannah Handford
Hannah Handford will represent the North Ward for her second year.
A student at St Mary’s College in Seymour, Hannah combines her love for art with her academic pursuits.
Cena Marshall
Cena Marshall will represent the North Ward for her first year on the Youth Council.
A Year 9 student at Seymour College, Cena participates in Seymour Youth Room activities.
Passionate about community service, Cena believes in the power of helping others.
Taylah Macdonald
Taylah Macdonald, representing the North Ward, makes her debut on the Youth Council this year.
Taylah volunteered during Seymour’s recent floods, and was an integral part of the relief efforts at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Heidi Banks
Heidi Banks is representing the North Ward for her first year on the council.
Currently in Year 6 at Seymour College, Heidi has shown a commitment to environmental issues, participating in Clean Up Australia Day events.
Eco-conscious, she will bring a fresh perspective to the Youth Council.
Nic Houghton
Embarking on his second tenure, Nic Houghton will represent the North Ward.
A student at St Mary’s College in Seymour, Nick has previously held the role of secretary of the Youth Council.
Jeremy Stute
Jeremy Stute will represent the Central Ward. In his first year on the council, he has a focus on inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community and hopes to broaden the council’s approach to diversity.
A student at Broadford Secondary School, Jeremy is a valued member of OAC (Of All Colours), where he contributed to the organisation of a Pride Day for students.
Elena Skala
Elena Skala is embarking on her first year on Youth Council, representing the Central Ward.
A Year 7 student at Broadford Secondary College she holds a role on the Junior School Council.
Cooper Price
Cooper Price will represent the South Ward for his third year.
A student at Wallan Secondary College, Cooper has been a strong voice for issues of equality, safety, and community connection.
He is an advocate for the No Quarry campaign and a mentor for the younger members on the Youth Council.
Jack Jones
Jack Jones will represent the South Ward for his first year on the council.
Jack is in Year 9 at Wallan Secondary College and volunteers for Aussie Hoops, teaching basketball skills to children aged 4 to10.