Central Goldfields Youth Council

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Meet the 13 local young people who have been appointed as our Central Goldfields Youth Council.

Our Youth Council will serve a term of 18 months, starting in July 2022 and finishing in December 2023.

As the Youth Council of Central Goldfields, members have a unique opportunity to help build a vibrant youth voice in our community.

Youth Council have developed a Priorities Statement(PDF, 113KB) – which identifies the following areas they will be focusing on during their term:

  • Education and Aspiration
  • Respect, Tolerance, Awareness and Acceptance
  • Climate Change and the Environment
  • More for Youth to Do
  • Youth Hub

The actions Youth Council will undertake to address these areas of priority are outlined in the Priorities Action Plan.(PDF, 179KB)

Since their inception in July 2022 our Youth Council have been working hard and dedicating their efforts to create change for local young people.

Our Youth Council have:

■ Participated in climate action initiatives

■ Hosted a youth concert and ‘Clean Up Central Goldfields’ event

■ Participated in the opening of the Art Gallery and Skate and Scooter Park

■ Participated in the second Triggering Leadership Innovation Transformation workshop

■ Met with Victorian Government and Councillors to advocate for local young people

The establishment of the Youth Council is funded by the Victorian Government through the Engage! program.

 

If you would like to request contact from our Youth Council, please fill in the form below: 

 

Silas Knighton-Weire

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Silas Knighton-Weire

Student, 16

Interests/Hobbies: Video games, computers, archery, film/media

In three words, what do you hope to achieve during your role on Youth Council? Equity for all 

Silas Knighton-Weire is a passionate speaker on big-picture issues. He has held previous leadership positions in smaller circles and was School Captain of Newstead Primary School. Silas hopes to bring a voice to those who wouldn't have a platform otherwise and put some momentum behind a push towards equity for all in the Goldfields Shire. 

 

 

Anakin Hurley

 

 

 

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Anakin Hurley 

Student, 15

Interests/Hobbies: Reading, writing

In three words, what do you hope to achieve during you role on Youth Council? More youth engagement 

 

Hello, I’m Anakin, one of your youth Councillors.

I wanted to do this to give a voice to the youth of Central Goldfields because I understand what it feels like to think you don’t have a voice, but every young person is important, and should feel included in our community. Through this position, I hope to make a positive difference that will benefit everyone.

This is my first opportunity in a leadership role. 

 

 

Safhira Rowe

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Safhira Rowe

Student, 16 

Interests/Hobbies: Most things robotic and STEM based

In three words, what do you hope to achieve during your role on Youth Council? Inclusivity, equality and fair 

Annabelle Verdon-Price

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Annabelle Verdon-Price

Student, 14

Interests/Hobbies: Netball/mathematics

In three words, what do you hope to achieve during your role on Youth Council? Inclusive community involvement. 

 

I was motivated to be a member of the youth Council because I am passionate about being involved in the community and to provide fresh perspectives. I also enjoy being in the community and being involved in community tasks.

 

Benjamin Smith

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Benjamin Smith 

Student, 16 

Interests/hobbies: Football, cricket, agriculture and working with wood

In three words, what do you hope to achieve during your role on Youth Council? Focus for farmers 

 

I have held leadership roles at schools in the past and l have been involved in both football and cricket clubs in the area. My interests are working with wood, football, cricket and agriculture.

I applied to join the Youth Council for the chance to be able to learn how to conduct meetings, gain skills in various facets such as public speaking, and to gain more information on my work CV for future endeavours. I am also hoping to meet civic figures in the local community.

I am passionate about youth in the rural farming towns surrounding Maryborough, and want to achieve more involvement from young people in the rural community. I would like to start up events and information sessions that would contribute to the development of youth in rural areas.

 

 

Ned Cotter

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Ned Cotter

Student, 16

Interests/hobbies: Engineering, computer science

In three words, what do you hope to achieve during your role on Youth Council? Equal educational opportunities

 

I am currently in Year 11 and seated on the Senior Representative Council at Highview College.


With many similarities between my current role and the Youth Council I saw an opportunity to be a part of something bigger in our community.


My key interests are in engineering and computer science and I believe that education should be free to all and my hope is for equal opportunities for all youth no matter where they live.

 

Khoa Do

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Khoa Do

Student, 15

Interests/hobbies: Football, cricket, taekwondo, reading, chess

In three words, what do you hope to achieve during your role on Youth Council? Positive youth engagement

Hello, my name is Khoa and I’m one of your Youth Councillors for 2022.

I wanted to be part of the youth council as it gave me a chance to be a voice for my peers. In the past, I have been SRC president at MEC while also participating in programs such as BlueEdge.

By joining Youth Council, I hope to clean up the rubbish around Maryborough and surroundings, and to also increase aspiration in the town’s youth.  

 

Miller Tranter

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Miller Tranter

Student, 15

Interests/hobbies: Music, art and theatre

In three words, what do you hope to achieve during your role on Youth Council? Enjoyment, opportunities, friends 

Tiago Santos

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Tiago Santos

Student, 14

Interests/hobbies: Cadets

In three words, what do you hope to achieve during your role on Youth Council? More youth activities 

I am Tiago Santos, a Year 9 student at Maryborough Education Centre and was a SRC member in Years 7 and 8. I am also a Leading Cadet (AAFC) at 410 SQN.

My goal as a Youth Councillor is to be a voice for my peers and to help create positive changes for our community; and I look forward to gaining new experiences and meeting new people.

 

 

Elizabeth Lewington

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Elizabeth Lewington

Student, 15

Interests/hobbies: Netball and Girl Guides

In three words, what do you hope to achieve during your role on Youth Council? Enjoyment of youth 

I have been involved in the community so far by being a represent on my Middle School Council at Highview College,

I also participate widely in Girl Guides and the opportunity they give me. I was and still am passionate about having somewhere for youth like myself to come express issues they have within the community, thus the Youth Council.

Being a Youth Councillor I hope to be able to create a place where kids and teens can come and present their issues to a group of people who will understand and listen to them.

 

Talos Adcock