Just as Labor’s Tania Brown is about to step into Wollongong City Council’s mayoral robes, a new generation has set its sights on city leadership roles, with 18 candidates vying for spots on Wollongong Youth Forum.
“We get that true experience that makes us feel like, Wow, we're really doing this,” said 17-year-old Jayden Atherton, one of the seven representatives elected to Wollongong’s first Youth Forum last year.
The pioneering program for underage voters in NSW is part of the Young Mayors Program and open to candidates aged 12 to 17 who would like to share fresh perspectives with council while gaining an insight into the workings of local government.
Jayden – who will soon step down after serving a 12-month term as a Young Mayor – heard about the forum at school.
“I thought it'd be really cool to be able to help people,” he said. “I always notice that many minority groups are overlooked by the public.
“I thought, if I can at least make people recognise this issue, maybe we can resolve it.”
One key Youth Forum achievement was "Living for the Future”, a life skills expo at Five Islands Secondary College that had workshops and stalls connecting young people with local wellbeing and employment services.
Another highlight of Jayden’s time in office was the "Raise the Volume" festival, which attracted 300 to 400 people to hear bands playing at Wollongong Youth Services.
“We created a festival – did all the planning, organising, budgeting, food, live music,” Jayden said.
“It was really engaging, but also had some educational aspects to it and it just felt amazing to be able to bring a community together.”
Jayden initially felt "terrified" about joining the forum. However, after overcoming those nerves, he realised it was worth the effort.
“If you have an idea of how to make Wollongong better or how to help people in general, you should absolutely voice it,” he said.
“Even if you are nervous, your voice and opinions are so incredibly appreciated.
“If you really want to make a change, there shouldn't be [anything] holding you back.”
2024’s nominees have received $100 for campaign materials, free t-shirts and marketing tutorials. They’re gearing up for a Meet the Candidates community forum, with voting due to place over the week of November 4-15.
Those elected will be paid a quarterly amount to cover the costs of travel to meetings and engagements.
The Youth Forum is Run in partnership with the Foundation for Young Australians.
