SUNBURY | MACEDON RANGES
Home » News » The voices of youth

The voices of youth

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.

Digital Editions


  • Hume community grants awarded

    Hume community grants awarded

    Sunbury and Goonawarra neighbourhood houses are among community groups to receive funding as part of the Hume council 2026 Community Grants Program. Hume mayor Carly…

More News

  • No finals for eXtreme

    No finals for eXtreme

    Melbourne eXtreme was unable to win the big moments as it missed out on finals in the Bowls Premier League 23 competition last week. Teams headed to Moama for the…

  • Inquiry into anti-LGBTIQA+ hate crimes

    Inquiry into anti-LGBTIQA+ hate crimes

    The Victorian Parliament’s Legal and Social Issues Committee is moving forward with a formal inquiry into anti-LGBTIQA+ hate crimes. The investigation is designed to analyse the frequency of targeted attacks,…

  • Australia Post ramps up the horse-power for Lunar New Year

    Australia Post ramps up the horse-power for Lunar New Year

    Australia Post is celebrating the Year of the Horse with the release of its Lunar New Year stamp issue, and its first ever ‘DigiStamp’. The traditional Lunar New Year stamp…

  • Australia gears up for its biggest cuppa yet!

    Australia gears up for its biggest cuppa yet!

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 497716 Cancer Council is calling on Aussies to rally their family, friends, and especially their workmates, for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, the nation’s iconic…

  • Police appeal for information on the disappearance of Brendan Breen

    Police appeal for information on the disappearance of Brendan Breen

    Police are appealing for information as part of their investigation into the suspicious disappearance of Brendan Breen 14 years ago. The then 55-year-old was last seen in Melbourne on 12…

  • Crack down on dodgy drivers

    Crack down on dodgy drivers

    New reforms are being introduced to protect Victorian taxi or ride-share passengers from being ripped off. The reforms, which come into effect on Sunday 1 March, will make it easier…

  • Festival’s landmark event

    Festival’s landmark event

    Ballan’s favourite community festival is set to return for its 50th annual event on Sunday 15 March, celebrating local culture, creativity, and community. The Ballan Autumn Festival is one of…

  • Eskimo Joe to headline west festival

    Eskimo Joe to headline west festival

    Australia’s beloved alt-rock power trio Eskimo Joe are sure to have audiences up on their feet when they headline the Lincoln Park Twilight Festival. Held on Saturday 28 February at…

  • The sport of kings in Werribee

    The sport of kings in Werribee

    What many call the sport of kings will be on full display at Werribee Park as the historic Urquhart Cup polo tournament gallops into town on Sunday 1 March. More…

  • Jets’ excited for new challenge

    Jets’ excited for new challenge

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 467506 A couple of late signings have boosted the Sunbury Jets hopes as they head into the Big V men’s championship season. The Jets…