According to Vicki James, Community Development Officer with Port Lincoln City Council, enabling young people to establish and determine the procedures of a Youth Council has been the key to its success.
In response to a Needs Analysis survey conducted with local youth, Port Lincoln set up its first Youth Council nine months ago. “Importantly, the process of determining how the Council would be constituted, its terms of reference and how it would make representations to the senior Council, were all decided by young people themselves,” Vicki said.
“They did the lobbying to get the Youth Council up. We merely assisted by giving them the skills they needed to do so.”
The Youth Council comprises 12 members ranging in age from 14 to 21 years. APEX members sometimes sit in on sessions as mentors, and to assist with meeting procedures. The idea that senior Councillors should be represented was rejected as it was felt this would cause young people to ‘lose their voice’.
The Youth Council is an Advisory Committee to Council. It meets every month with its minutes then presented to the senior Council. Sub Committees work on specific areas and activities, and represent youth on other working groups. Members are elected for 12 months, with half the positions declared vacant each year. Retaining half the members ensures the existing skill base is retained.
Chair of the Youth Council, Jamie Verhoeven, agrees with Vicki James that the basis of the Youth Council’s success is that it is run by youth for youth. “We get to see our initiatives being put into place,” he said.
Examples include production of a ‘Where do you get it?’ kit, covering information and how to access youth services; the running of Youth Week; and establishing a new skateboard ramp.
Vicki James said the Youth Councillors have developed a range of skills including the chance to put young people’s views across on radio, in print and at other forums. “The result is that the broader community is gaining a much more positive view of young people and their role in the community,” Vicki James said.
For further information contact Vicki James, telephone (08) 8682 4565
