Young people encouraged to nominate for Young Mayors Program

Published on 27 March 2024

Hepburn Shire Council and the Foundation for Young Australians is excited to launch the Young Mayors Program (YMP) in Hepburn Shire.

The YMP invites young people of Hepburn Shire to actively participate in shaping the community through leadership and decision-making roles.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood said that the Young Mayors Program allows young people to nominate themselves as candidates, to campaign and be elected to a Youth Council.

“Young people will be elected through a democratic voting process by their peers and will have an opportunity to lead, inspire and make a significant impact on the community. Whether your passion lies in social equity, advocacy, environmental sustainability or your community’s specific needs, your voice can help shape the future of Hepburn Shire,” said Cr Hood.

Hepburn Shire is one of very few councils in Australia selected to participate in the program, which delivers on an action contained in the Council Plan and Youth ‘ACE’ Strategy to investigate the formation of a Youth Council or Youth Advisory Committee.

Nominations are open between 8 April 2024 and 5 May 2024.  Elections will be held 25 -27 June 2024.

Council and the Foundation for Young Australians will be hosting a Young Mayors Launch event on Friday 19 April 2024 at The ARC in Daylesford from 3.30pm to 5.00pm.

“We are encouraging our Shire’s young people to attend the launch event for an opportunity to meet the program’s facilitators, ask questions and understand the benefits of being involved,” said Cr Hood.

Eligible candidates must be aged between 11 and 17 years and live, work, or study in Hepburn Shire. The program is completely free, and young people will be compensated for their time in the program. The program seeks to engage young people who are:

• Passionate about voicing their opinions and effecting positive change in their community.
• Interested in addressing specific social issues.
• Eager to develop skills and receive training which may benefit their future careers.
• To be recognised for their contributions to the community.

For more details on the nomination process, eligibility and the Young Mayors Launch event, please contact Young Mayors Program Manager, Mehak Sheikh, from Foundation for Young Australians at Mehak.sheikh@fya.org.au.  More on the program at www.fya.org.au.