By Jessica Micallef
Joel Blanch is looking forward to being a voice for Macedon Ranges young people.
Mr Blanch is one of 13 members of the Macedon Youth Advisory Council that will provide a platform for perspectives and priorities of Macedon Ranges youth.
Mr Blanch said he was proud to be a member of the council.
“It’s a way to ensure that the voice of the youth community is heard,” he said.
The council is made of young people aged between 16 and 21 from eight different towns. The members are graduates or current students from secondary colleges within the area.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said she was looking forward to providing a platform for young people to voice their concerns.
“I was so impressed with the depth of our discussion at our first meeting,” she said.
“We are going to have a very productive time over the course of this program.
“I look forward to empowering the members with the skills and knowledge they need to become better advocates and change-makers in our community.”
The council’s first meeting was held at Riddells Creek Senior Citizens Club in May.
The group will meet five more times in the next 12 month.
Future meetings will take place in Woodend, Kyneton and Daylesford.
