The Future Is Knocking: Youth Council Launches in Wingecarribee
Published on 15 April 2025
Wingecarribee Shire Council proudly launched its inaugural Youth Council meeting during Youth Week (9-17 April) 2025, giving young people across the Shire a powerful platform to have their say and shape the future of their community.
The Youth Council brings together student leaders from across the Southern Highlands to collaborate with civic leaders, influence decisions, and grow their skills in leadership and local government. It's part of Council’s commitment to amplifying youth voices and creating genuine pathways for participation in civic life.
Addressing the Youth Council, Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick described the moment as one of the most important things to happen in the Highlands in recent times.
“The young adults of this Shire are about to have a voice like the Highlands has never seen. I will ask my fellow councillors and politicians to brace themselves because the future is knocking, and you will be heard,” Mayor Fitzpatrick said.
The Youth Council comprises of two representatives from each local high school, and the home-schooling network, with students from years 7-11 nominated through a school-led process. Non-voting members include Mayor Fitzpatrick, Councillor Champion, Council’s Manager Community Life and Libraries and Council's Community Development Officer.
At its first meeting, the Youth Council contributed to the development of the Communications and Engagement Strategy and the Youth Action Plan. Priorities raised included opportunities to better connect with young people through social media, the need for more undercover public spaces for young people to hang out, improved access to mental health support, and potential fundraising initiatives.
The Youth Council will meet three times in 2025 and will play a key role in the annual Youth Forum, held in November.