By Jessica Micallef
Young people across the Macedon Ranges are being encouraged to take part in a new initiative to help empower them.
The program will involve establishing a new Macedon Youth Advisory Council, comprising 12 young people aged 16 to 26, to explore and share their perspectives and priorities and those of young people across the shire.
The program will also provide opportunities to build understanding of governments, the role and responsibilities of MPs and the different pathways into politics.
The council will meet five times over a 12-month period to discuss local issues and how young people can better participate in decision-making.
A visit to Victoria’s Parliament House in Melbourne will be included as part of the program.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said she was looking forward to hearing from young people from across the Macedon Ranges.
“We are so lucky to have such incredibly talented young people in our community,” she said.
“The Macedon Youth Advisory Council is a chance for our future leaders to bring their ideas directly to me and to build their skills.
“Now more than ever, our young people are crying out to have their voices heard.”
Applications are now open and close on Friday, May 3. To apply: bit.ly/2IlUVAF
