In September of 2025, Year 10 student Nevaeh Huynh was presented with the opportunity to nominate herself for the Geelong Youth Council for 2026. Later, in December of that year, she received a phone call confirming her successful election and position as A Youth Councillor amongst ten other equally passionate young people. As a driven young individual herself, who is a youth leadership advocate and endorser, she writes of her experiences as a Geelong Youth Council member so far:
My journey as a Geelong Youth Council member commenced in early January, where ten other youth council members and I participated in a three-day induction program administered by Geelong’s Youth Development Unit and the Youth Leadership Academy Australia (YLAA). During this introductory program, we participated in various workshop activities that focused on leadership growth, emotional intelligence and the different components that make up the numerous aspects of meaningful leadership and change. Most importantly, we were able to connect with one another, developing friendships, trust and support.
Collaboratively, we brainstormed and shared our individual perspectives of the key issues currently impacting Geelong’s youth.
Areas of concern include:
Our identified priority areas include:
One week later, on 21 January, we participated in our formal induction which took place at the Geelong City Hall, during which nine members including myself took the initiative to deliver individual speeches, nominating themselves for the Junior Mayor position. From each member, I was inspired by their courage, confidence and passion to meaningfully contribute to the wider community and the young people of Geelong. I would like to further highlight their selflessness and consideration of all people through the actions they have already taken and hope to take.
First Official Meeting:
During our first official meeting, which is held once a month, we endorsed our Youth Council Group Agreement for this year. Throughout the year, it will work as a guide that clearly states and influences how we will operate as a team this year.
Our Agreement focuses include:
In addition, the City’s Strategy and Organisational Impact Team conducted a presentation which provided insight into the Council Plan projection for 2025 - 2029 and the Organisation Strategy for 2024 - 2029. From this, we were able to develop our understanding of the factors that influence decision making in local government. We were also presented on the elements of Traditional Country and the importance of Acknowledgement of Country.
Experiences and Impact Made On The Community So Far:
As a team, we have already participated in various opportunities within the community including attending The Nest Youth Hub’s one year anniversary, attending the Vape Prevention Short Film presentation and talk panel, and being involved in Cultura’s annual Pako Festa as survey volunteers. These experiences have inspired us all on what we can strive to achieve and the level of impact we can make as a team on the youth of the wider community.
Personal Reflection:
In relation to being of service to others, being part of the youth council has taught me that true service isn't just simply helping others; it’s about seeing beyond your own needs and seeking to recognise and understand the disparities that others face. It calls us to act with selflessness, carrying out acts of kindness with no expectation of reward or return.
Being part of the Geelong Youth Council has also inspired me to go out into the community to actively be of service, bring light to those in the dark, be the voice for those unheard or silenced and to turn compassion into a beacon for those who feel unseen. Thus, I hope to transform silence into strength and isolation into inclusion, reshaping individual voices into a united force that can instil change.
