Young people take charge of Council

Published on 08 February 2019

Blacktown City Council is giving local youth the chance to run the Council Chambers for a day as they map out ideas for the City’s future.

The Youth Forum on Thursday 21 February enables high school students to come together and work on ideas, explore challenges and provide suggestions for the future of rapidly growing Blacktown City.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali embraced the event: “this is a chance for the youth to take the lead and tell us what they want. Those who attend will not only take part in workshops, but will also have a chance to sit in the Council Chambers and be part of a ‘Junior Council’ as the future leaders of this City,” Mayor Bali said.

Students will have the opportunity in Blacktown City to engage directly with the Mayor, Councillors and Council Executive staff.

The forum will include keynote speeches by Council’s Youth Ambassador Akano Amuda 2018 and Blacktown City’s 2019 Young Citizen of the Year, Patrick Gleeson.

The Youth Forum 2019 is open to all high school students aged 14 – 18 years from schools in the Blacktown City area.

Students interested in attending should contact their school or visit Council’s website for further details.

 “We are all are looking forward to the innovation and enthusiasm the young people of our City will bring to the forum,” Mayor Bali said.

“Young people have consistently said they want to tell us what they think rather than being told what is happening in the City. We heard them and we want them to take the lead at the ‘Your Say’ Forum,” Mayor Bali said.

 “We want to hear from young people on issues important to them!”

Forum details: Youth Forum 2019 Date and time: Thursday 21 February 2019 - 9.30 am to 2.30 pm Location: Nirimba Room, Level 5, Civic Centre, Blacktown (entrance via Campbell Street)