THIRTEEN passionate young people from across the City of Whittlesea have officially begun their two-year term as the municipality’s 2026 Youth Council, taking over from the inaugural youth council.
The Youth Council reflects the diversity of City of Whittlesea’s young population, bringing together a mix of ages, cultures, genders, localities and interests. At the March meeting, Emma Fasciani and Gabrielle Charman were elected to lead the City of Whittlesea’s Youth Council for the next 12 months as Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor. The group will meet monthly to discuss matters referred to them by Council.
The Youth Council empowers young people to have a voice in local decision-making and actively shape initiatives that impact their community by advising Council on issues, policies and initiatives that impact young people across the municipality, championing youth voice by creating meaningful opportunities for young people to be heard and involved in civic life, advocating for the needs and aspirations of young people in City of Whittlesea, highlighting the opportunities and challenges they experience and providing insight and feedback on Council projects, strategies and decisions that affect young people.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Lawrie Cox said he was excited for the new council.
“I’m thrilled to welcome the 2026 Youth Council and look forward to seeing how their passion, creativity, and ideas will help shape our community. Their voices are vital in ensuring Council decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of young people across the City of Whittlesea,” he said.
“This Youth Council brings together a diverse group of young people ready to make a difference. I am excited to see them advocate for their peers, share fresh perspectives, and play an active role in shaping programs and policies that matter to the next generation.”
Youth Mayor, Cr Fasciani, said she was ‘grateful’.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve as Youth Mayor in 2026. I am committed to ensuring all voices within our community are heard and look forward to working alongside the other Youth Council members. I am excited to work towards creating positive and meaningful change,” she said.