Members of the 2023 Ipswich Youth Advisory Council (IYAC) were officially acknowledged for their service on Monday 4 December, after 10 months of giving input to council policies, procedures and projects.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said she was proud of the contributions and achievements of this year’s group of young leaders.
“IYAC members contributed to the development of the Ipswich 2032 Legacy Roadmap, collaborated with council to enhance the Inclusion and Connectedness Implementation Plan and gave enthusiastic support to the inaugural BRIGHTDAZE music festival,” Mayor Harding said.
“They also engaged and helped to develop the Customer Experience Program, The Push Music Careers Expo and the draft planning scheme, providing insights and recommendations to shape the future growth and development of the city.
“I commend this year’s IYAC members, they were outstanding young leaders who will help lead Ipswich into the future.”
Ipswich’s median age is 33, five years lower than the state and national median of 38.
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner is council’s youngest councillor and a former member of IYAC.
“IYAC is a significant part of our community as it allows younger citizens to have a say and play an active role in the decisions that affect their lives,” Cr Fechner said.
“Over the past 10 months they’ve been provided an opportunity to work collaboratively with others to create real change while learning from community leaders, elected officials and council staff.
“I know they’ve also made strong connections and friendships that will last a lifetime and I look forward to seeing them in the future.”
IYAC comprises young people aged between 13 to 18 years who come together to have a voice in raising issues and sharing ideas that affect young people in Ipswich. It aims to achieve the following:
- Increase civic participation by our youth community.
- Develop young people’s knowledge of the issues that affect them at a Federal, State, and Local Government level.
- Provide a voice for young people in relation to council issues, strategies and plans.
- Establish strong connections with the Ipswich City Council and elected officials.
- Extend the leadership potential of young people in Ipswich through collaboratively learning.
- Provide an increased understanding of community issues, planning, policy and decision-making processes to young people.
The IYAC team meets monthly, with members serving an initial one-year term and can seek re-appointment for a subsequent term.
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