Mildura’s Youth Parliament team a chance to make a difference

Published on 09 January 2020

Young Sunraysia residents looking to make a difference to the lives of people in our region now and into the future are encouraged to apply for positions on the 2020 Youth Parliament Program Mildura team.

The program is open to residents aged 16 to 25 and provides a chance for young people to be heard at the highest levels of State Government.

Expressions of interest to join the 2020 YMCA Youth Parliament Mildura team are now open and must be submitted by 5pm on Thursday 30 January.

The program will see six participants receive training in public speaking and leadership at residential camps as they research issues they’re passionate about.

These issues will form the basis of a Bill teams will develop, and then debate in the Victorian Parliament over three days in July.

At the conclusion of the program, all Bills are handed to the relevant Victorian Government minister, which provides the government with an insight into issues important to young Victorians.

Councillor for Community Wellbeing and Services Gavin Sedgmen said last year’s Mildura team did the district proud, having its Mental Health Workforce Bill passed by the Youth Parliament.

“Our region has an enviable record of producing strong Youth Parliament teams who have represented our region exceptionally well,” Cr Sedgmen said.

“They’ve shown the rest of our municipality, and Victoria, the calibre of young people we’re so fortunate to have living in our region.”

He said that while the Youth Parliament initiative was a fantastic way for young people to develop new skills professionally and personally, it was also making a real difference statewide.

“The Bills of previous Youth Parliament teams, including our own teams, have formed the basis of Victorian Government legislation that has been passed and makes a difference to the lives of residents in towns and cities across Victoria,” Cr Sedgmen said.

The Youth Parliament program is funded by Council and the YMCA, meaning there is no cost to participants.

Expression of interest forms are available now by visiting www.mildura.vic.gov.au/Services/Youth/Youth-Parliament or by contacting Council’s Youth Services team on (03) 5018 8100.

For more information or for assistance with expressions of interest contact Youth Development Officer Barbara Clifford on (03) 5018 8100.

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