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: Stevie Hopkinson

My name is Stevie Hopkinson and I am running for young mayor of Wollongong.

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

As a 15-year-old at Dapto High School, I’ve witnessed many of my peers struggling with the challenges of job-hunting, mental health issues, and the threat of homelessness. These experiences have inspired me to take action and be a voice for young people in my community.

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

I want to create programs that connect young people with local businesses for internships and job placements, helping them gain valuable experience and skills. I aim to advocate for mental health resources in schools and communities, promoting open discussions about mental health to reduce stigma and encourage seeking help.My goal is to partner with local organisations to ensure every young person has a safe place to sleep. I believe that by raising awareness and creating supportive programs, we can help at-risk youth find stable housing.

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

To make sure every young person has a roof over their head. I believe every child deserves a safe and stable home. I have seen many young people in our community face the harsh realities of homelessness or unstable living situations, and I want to change that. I believe that every young person deserves the chance to succeed, and I’m determined to make a difference in our community. By being part of the Young Mayors Program, I hope to help ensure that every kid has a roof over their head and opportunities to build a brighter future.

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