The next generation of young leaders are stepping up to give youth a voice through the Ipswich Youth Advisory Council (IYAC), with a record-breaking number of volunteers joining the 2026 cohort.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said that 73 members aged between 13 to 18 commenced their term following a welcome event last week.
“The Ipswich Youth Advisory Council is growing each year – in 2024 we had 37 members, in 2025 we had 65, and this year we have 73,” Mayor Harding said.
“Ipswich has the youngest population in South East Queensland, and since IYAC was first established in 2007, it has empowered young leaders to speak up on the everyday issues that matter to them.
“I am delighted to see so many of our youngest and brightest ready to help council shape our city’s future.”
Community and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Jacob Madsen said IYAC provided Ipswich youth with the opportunity to build leadership skills and shape a broad range of policies and projects.
“By joining IYAC for 2026, these young people are having a direct impact on Ipswich’s growth and development,” Cr Madsen said.
“In 2025, IYAC members actively worked with council on everything from the Ipswich Film Festival for Youth to our Olympic and Paralympic legacy in 2032, and on council’s policy and procedures on strategic regulation, our urban design framework and on the important issue of homelessness.
“The program also helps our city’s young leaders deepen their understanding of civic engagement and build their confidence and communication skills.”
The IYAC program welcomes Ipswich young people aged between 13 and 18 years who attend school in Ipswich and are eager to make a positive difference in their local community.
Members are appointed via an application process, serving an initial one-year term and can seek re-appointment for a subsequent term.
For more information on the program or application process, visit the Ipswich Youth Advisory Council webpage.
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