Local youth encouraged to be ambassadors

Fairfield YAC focuses on raising awareness of local youth issues, advocating on behalf of young people and creates opportunities to contribute to the planning of Council’s Youth initiatives and major events, including Bring It On! Festival and Youth Week each April.

Mayor of Fairfield City Frank Carbone said it was a great opportunity for young people to get involved at a local government level and to contribute to the youth community.

“Young people are the future leaders of our City and we need to empower them, utilising a variety of opportunities around education, mentoring, recreation, volunteering and leadership to become the best person they can be,” Mayor Carbone said.

“I encourage local young people to apply to take up this great opportunity to join our Youth Advisory Committee and become ambassadors for their peers while also gaining valuable leadership and practical skills that can help them achieve their future goals.”

YAC members represent Fairfield City’s youth community at forums, conferences and consult with peak bodies, government agencies and community groups.

“Through YAC, local young people have access to training, workshops, mentoring programs and work placement opportunities. YAC members are also an integral part of Council’s huge Youth Week program, including Bring It On! Festival,” Mayor Carbone said.

“Former YAC members have gone on to be youth and community workers, lawyers, police officers, teachers, events professionals and business people.”

Up to 20 new young people are selected in June each year to become YAC members, representing one of NSW’s largest local youth communities.

“18.9% of our City’s population are young people aged 12 to 24, which is higher than NSW overall where only 16.1% of people are in this age bracket,” Mayor Carbone said.

“With this in mind Council proudly continues to invest in our City’s young people by giving them ample opportunity to learn, have fun and connect with the community.”

To apply to become a YAC member, you must be aged between 14 and 24 years and live within the Fairfield Local Government Area. Visit fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/yacapplication before 11.59pm on 4 June.