Macedon Ranges council will look to implement a youth council.
The youth council will comprise of nine positions – three from each council ward – and will serve a term of two years, starting in June 2026.
Members will be appointed through an expression of interest process, which will be designed and delivered by a working group of young people.
When moving the motion at the 26 November council meeting, Cr Cassy Borthwick amended it to include council to receive a progress report at the June 2026 council meeting.
Cr Borthwick encouraged young residents to apply.
“Opportunities like this are really valuable to the community and also to the young people in the area,” she said.
“This presents an opportunity to explore interests for youth and have that mentoring program with us.”
She said there are many young people in the community who want to engage with politics, but might not know where to start.
“I think it’s important to understand that in the community, there are young, fresh minds that have an interest in this space, but don’t necessarily understand what it entails,” Cr Borthwick said.
Council is currently accepting expressions of interest for the working group, with residents aged 12 to 17 invited to to join the group to form the youth council.
Council said this is an opportunity for young people who want to contribute to the process of developing the youth council but who can’t commit to being a youth councillor themselves.
Expressions of interest for youth councillors will open next year, where youth from across the Macedon Ranges will have the chance to share ideas and influence decisions that matter to them.
The youth council will be able to provide advice to council, and will help shape ideas and influence decisions that matter most to the youth of the Macedon Ranges.
Council said the working group will shape the youth council from the ground up, but will not be eligible to apply to join the youth council for the 2026 term.
Expressions of interest for the working group are open now, and close on 31 December.
Details: yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/youth-council
