In September, adult residents voted for Wollongong City Councillors. This week, teenagers are voting at ballot boxes in high schools across the city for representatives on Wollongong Youth Forum, the only one of its kind in NSW.

It's the second year that Wollongong City Council has partnered with the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) to democratically elect a forum for ages 12 to 17 as part of the Young Mayors Program. Polling opened today, November 4 and will close on November 13.

Results will be announced on November 15, after which the 12 teenagers elected will spend a year working with Council on various issues.

Giving young people not only a public voice but a platform to put their ideas into practice is a concept spreading around the world but relatively new in Australia, with only five programs across the country. We gave our local campaigners the chance to share their stories and – just like the mayoral candidates in the recent council elections – each tackled the same questions.

Thanks to Stevie, Sean, Charlie, Fatima, Ethan, Zelda, Mariam, Alyssa, Enerel and Jayden for their replies.

Meet a candidate: Alyssa Jeffries

My name is Alyssa Jeffries. I’m 17 years old, and I enjoy surfing, playing soccer and, most importantly, youth advocacy, participating in programs such as Model UN, International Community Problem Solving and NSW Youth Parliament.

Why do you want to be part of the Wollongong Youth Forum?

I want to ensure that all young people have the opportunity to speak up about the adversities they face. The Youth Forum can be a powerful platform for positive change, and I want to use it to amplify youth voices and address issues impacting young people in the Illawarra.

What are the biggest issues facing Wollongong's young people today?

• Safety: Your safety at school, at home, and online is crucial. I’ve already worked on creating safer spaces for young people in the Illawarra and will continue by partnering with organisations that prioritise safety.

• Wellbeing: Mental health matters and young people need better support. I’ll collaborate with Headspace and advocate for more school counsellors, ensuring you can easily access help when needed.

• Sustainability: Protecting Wollongong’s natural beauty, from beaches to mountains, is vital. I aim to promote sustainability by raising awareness, attending summits, and actively participating in councils, empowering young people to participate in environmental conservation.

If you could deliver one key project in your year, what would it be?

I would work on installing Return and Earn machines in all local schools. This initiative would not only encourage recycling but also help schools raise funds. It’s a simple, effective way to promote sustainability and support school programs.

Read more candidate Q&As with Stevie, Sean, Charlie, Fatima, Ethan, Zelda, Mariam, Alyssa, Enerel and Jayden

For more information about the Wollongong Youth Forum, visit the FYA website