General News
6 March, 2024
Young voices for region
TWELVE Cairns teenagers have been sworn in to represent local young people at Cairns Regional Council for the next 18 months, following the recent success of the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) Young Mayors program.
Delivered as a pilot program from the Foundation for Young Australians, the Young Mayors Program has involved partnerships with local councils in Queensland, New South Wales in Victoria.
Having been the country’s fourth democratically elected youth council, the Cairns Youth Council is also the second to be sworn in in Queensland.
In September and October last year, 24 young people campaigned for 12 youth council seats, with more than 3500 young people aged 12 to 17 casting votes at 17 polling locations across the region.
Youth council representative for the region’s north, Aiden Senaratne, said that he was looking forward to making a positive impact.
“I have the chance to address issues that are (of concern, or) affecting young people, and work towards finding solutions,” he said.
“It’s a chance to represent the interests and concerns of my peers, and advocate for positive change.
“It is also a great way to connect and collaborate with a community of like-minded individuals, who are passionate about making a difference and are willing to share their ideas.”
Central area representative Sofia Hoorn said that she wanted to be a voice for the younger generation.
“I applied for the position on the youth council, because I believe that everyone has a story to tell if we take the time to listen,” she said.
“Campaigning showed me that I was valued within my community, and that people listened to me when I spoke.”
FYA acting civic and cultural engagement executive director Tahlia Azaria said young people wanted to take an active role in the decisions that impacted their lives.
“The Cairns Youth Council has a mandate to represent the young voters who elected them,” she said.
“Now that they’ve been sworn in, they can start their important work.
“With access to a $10,000 youth fund, the Cairns Youth Council will work together and with the council to address their constituents’ priorities.”
Cairns Regional Council chief executive officer Mica Martin said the youth council would provide invaluable advice to the next group of councillors.
“Council is keen to see young people actively contribute to council’s decision-making processes,” she said.
“We’re excited to make this happen through the Cairns Youth Council.”
