Meet Mackay’s Next Generation Of Leaders!

The 12 newly elected Mackay Youth Council members will represent local young people and help shape projects and initiatives across the region over the next 18 months. Photo supplied by Mackay Regional Council‍Fresh ideas, youthful energy and a passion for making a difference have been brought to Mackay Youth Council, with 12 young locals recently elected to represent their peers and help shape the region’s future. Meet the new faces ready to speak up, share ideas and champion issues that matter to young people across our community: Blyss McKenna, Charlotte Hancock, Charlotte Richards, Charlotte Shepperson, Grace O'Neill, Jayden Wong, Katelyn Ranola, Kayden, Logan Ivory, Misha Palod, Ollie Dalglish and Robert Jones. ‍From mental health and the environment to recreation and affordable activities, these are the voices helping put young people's ideas on the local agenda. Congratulations to all our newly elected youth councillors! ‍‍Meet Your Next Mackay Youth Council ‍A group of enthusiastic, dedicated young people have been named for the next term of the Mackay Youth Council. After weeks of workshops and campaigning and a week of polling across the region, the 12 members of the council have been named. Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said it was wonderful to see the commitment of the young candidates and the interest from voters. “Our election teams visited 15 schools and community polling locations with young voters taking the time to find out about the candidates and what they stood for,” Mayor Williamson said. “By working with the Electoral Commission of Queensland, the election provided a valuable opportunity for young people to build their understanding of democracy, leadership and civic participation,” he said. ‍The members of the incoming Mackay Youth Council are: Blyss McKenna Charlotte Hancock Charlotte Richards Charlotte Shepperson Grace O'Neill Jayden Wong Katelyn Ranola Kayden Logan Ivory Misha Palod Ollie Dalglish Robert Jones ‍ “I want to congratulate not only those young people that have been elected, but everyone who nominated. Each of them worked incredibly hard throughout the process and it’s a big thing to put yourself forward in this way. “The candidates have learnt and developed new skills around leadership, communication, building support networks and budgeting – all things that will serve them well in life. ‍“The dedication shown by each of these young people shows that the future of our region is in great hands.” Through the campaign period and at the Meet the Candidates event young people shared their ideas to improve Mackay, with topics ranging from environmental issues, increased recreational opportunities for young people, mental health supports, and reduced costs for activities ‍Executive Director of the Young Mayors program, Tahlia Azaria said she’s excited to see how the next Mackay Youth Council will raise and address issues important to them. "We know young people want to be more involved in the decisions that impact their lives and communities, and the election of the third Youth Council in Mackay is a crucial way for this to happen,” Ms said. ‍“"The Foundation for Young Australians congratulates all the young people who campaigned for election. Their energy and passion for the community were palpable during Election Week, and we can't wait to see what the third Mackay Youth Council deliver in their term in office." It’s expected the 12 elected councillors will attend induction sessions in November, with the official swearing in ceremony being held early next year. ‍The Mackay Youth Council will then work to develop a Priority Agenda to inform their work over the next 18 months where they will deliver projects, events and campaigns to respond to their key issues. It will be the third Youth Council for Mackay, which was the first local government in Australia to run the program through the Foundation for Young Australians. ‍The 12 newly elected Mackay Youth Council members will represent local young people and help shape projects and initiatives across the region over the next 18 months. Photo supplied by Mackay Regional Council ‍‍