A youth forum organised by the Victorian Parliament will be held in Shepparton this month for the first time.
State Member for Shepparton Kim O'Keeffe has welcomed an announcement that the upcoming youth forum will be held at the Shepparton Art Museum on Tuesday, April 16.
The event is organised by the Parliament of Victoria in partnership with Youthrive Victoria, an organisation that provides opportunities for young rural Victorians to build knowledge, skills, leadership capacity and aspirations.
The event aims to provide a platform for participants, aged 16 to 30, to engage in meaningful discussions about issues that are important to them.
The event aims to offer a structured environment where young people can share their views, concerns and aspirations directly with members of parliament and local decision-makers.
“It is fantastic to have this forum here in Shepparton,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
"The youth forum represents a significant opportunity for our young residents to make their voices heard.
"It is essential that we listen to and understand the perspectives of the younger generation, as they are instrumental in shaping the future of our communities."
Ms O’Keeffe said the youth forum would also be an opportunity for participants to gain a deeper understanding of the role their local political leaders play in community development and decision-making processes.
By interacting directly with members of the parliament and other local officials, participants will be able to learn first-hand about the intricacies of governance and policy-making and the various ways they can engage with and influence politics.
"I am looking forward to engaging with them, hearing their thoughts, and discussing how we can work together," Ms O’Keeffe said.
The day's schedule includes a Q&A panel featuring local MPs, round-table discussions on various topics of interest, and a final presentation where attendees will have the opportunity to present their discussions and recommendations to MPs and other key stakeholders.
"This is an opportunity to empower the youth and include them in conversations that affect their lives and communities,” Ms O’Keeffe said.