On Wednesday the 6th September, 7 members of the newly named Youth Impact Council delivered a Mock Council Meeting at the George Town Council chambers.

The Youth Council had 7 motions approved with various topics being discussed from lighting at the local jetty, youth arts projects and a dedicated youth space.

Members of the public gallery also had the opportunity to ask questions to the Youth Impact Council. Jo Hart from the Future Impact Group, was the first public gallery member to ask a question which gave the opportunity for each individual to share whether they would prioritise planting 300 new trees or granting 4 weeks free entry to the pool.

“Mayor Button spoke amazingly and facilitated the meeting with poise and dignity.  The Mayor and the Councillors (the youth kind!) gave thoughtful responses to potential future projects that Mayor Keiser, Deputy Mayor Dawson along with other people in the public gallery raised during public question time.  Following the meeting, the youth were very excited with the experience and look forward to continuing to represent the George Town youth.” Jo Hart reported.

Public question time included:

  • If Council have budgeted $10k, what would the Youth Impact Council prioritise between planting 300 trees or free access to the pool for 4 weeks?  The majority stated that a 75% funding priority to plant trees
  • Regarding mitigating vandalism in George Town, where would street art would be best placed?  Cr Lazdauskas responded with suggestions to have a youth street art project in Macquarie St, Regent Square and the alleyway near Woolworths.
  • If George Town was to have a dedicated youth space, where would the youth space be?  Deputy Mayor Sky responded with the Memorial Hall or the old YMCA as a potential venue.

Public Gallery attendees included:

Mayor Greg Keiser

Deputy Mayor Greg Dawson

Councillor Winston Mason

Councillor Tim Harris

Andrew Taylor Liberty Bell Bay

Meagen Bennett Liberty Bell Bay

Cheryl Hyde Acting GM

Jo Hart – FIG

Thelma Demesa Meraz – GTC

Daron Gumley – FIG

Richard Chapman – Star of the Sea Catholic College

Parents of Youth Impact Council members

The Youth Impact Council are eager to seize further opportunities to speak in the Council Chambers in the near future.

Tags: News