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: Mariam Sawan

Hello, my name is Mariam Sawan. I’m a young person residing in Wollongong who is passionate about creating positive change for all young people in Wollongong. As someone who values diversity, inclusion, and community connection, I wish for the voices of young people to be amplified and to work on issues that matter to us all. Whether it’s improving access to mental health resources or creating more inclusive spaces, I’m here to represent our generation’s interests and bring our ideas to the forefront to impact our Community.

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

I want to be part of the Wollongong Youth Forum because I believe that young people have a powerful voice and a unique perspective on the issues we face. By joining the Forum, I’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with others and advocate for solutions that address the needs of our community. This role will allow me to make a meaningful impact, ensuring that youth voices are heard and considered in local decision-making.

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

One of the biggest issues facing young people in Wollongong today is the need for greater mental health support and access to safe spaces. Many young people feel isolated or struggle with anxiety, especially in the post-pandemic environment. The lack of affordable activities and limited opportunities for engagement can prevent young people from fully participating in community life. I believe we need to increase awareness around available resources and create more accessible, inclusive spaces for all young people.

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

If I could deliver one key project, it would be to implement a mentorship program connecting young people with mentors in various fields, such as mental health, career guidance, and community engagement. This program would not only support personal growth but also provide young people with the guidance they need to navigate challenges and pursue their goals. By fostering these connections, we could build a stronger, more resilient youth community in Wollongong.

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