THE next generation of Mitchell Shire leaders was sworn in as members of Mitchell Youth Council last week.
Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Bill Chisholm inducted nine youth councillors, including new youth mayor Georgia Fletcher and youth deputy mayor Cooper Price, for 2022-23 during Monday night’s council meeting.
Both Georgia and Cooper are previous youth council members, with Paris Ingham and Joshua Dixon also returning alongside fresh faces Gypsy, Hannah, Max, Nic and Bailey.
Mitchell Youth Council is a representative body allowing young people aged 12 to 24 to have their say on issues that affect them and advocate for all young people in the shire.
Cr Chisholm described the youth council as ‘a really great initiative’.
“Youth council are an important voice for youth in our shire. As senior councillors, the information we get about the services and facilities needed by young people is invaluable,” he said.
“I look forward to working with youth council and understanding what senior councillors can do to improve the lives of Mitchell Shire’s youth now and in the future.
“I congratulate these nine young leaders for stepping up and working to improve their communities.”
Georgia, who is in her third year on the youth council, said she was excited to serve as youth mayor for the first time and looked forward to seeing what the group could accomplish in the next 12 months.
Cr Chisholm said the youth council would help shape the future of the shire as its population grew.
“I truly believe this youth council before us will have a strong role to play as a unified voice that will provide us with the ability to understand our municipality’s younger population and their needs,” he said.
“Our youth council have been instrumental in advocating for services and support for young people in our shire.”
