The tenure of the 2023 Ipswich Youth Advisory Council (IYAC) officially came to an end at a special certificate presentation ceremony held early last month.
The 38 young volunteers received acknowledgement for their 10 months of service in providing input to council policies, procedures, and projects.
Woodcrest State College, The Springfield Anglican College, and Springfield Central State High School were among the schools that student members represented this year.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding and Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson Cr Andrew Fechner attended the new 1 Nicholas Street venue to officiate proceedings and offer their congratulations.
Mayor Harding said she was proud of the contributions and achievements of this year’s group of young leaders.
“I commend this year’s IYAC members,” Mrs Harding said.
“They were outstanding young leaders who will help lead Ipswich into the future.”
Impactful decision-making
IYAC comprises young people aged between 13 to 18 years who come together to raise issues and share ideas that affect young people in Ipswich.
Members first met in February and have participated in several monthly meetings since, including a youth conference and a range of other civic community events.
During their term, they contributed to the development of the Ipswich 2032 Legacy Roadmap and Inclusion and Connectedness Implementation Plan, according to the Mayor.
They were also enthusiastic supporters of the inaugural Brightdaze music festival, held in July, and shared insights into the new draft planning scheme, Ipswich Plan 2024.
Cr Fechner – a former member of IYAC and currently the Council’s youngest councillor – said IYAC is a “significant part of our community” that allows younger citizens to have a say.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
After serving their first year, members can seek reappointment for a subsequent term.
Applications to join IYAC in 2024 recently closed.
IYAC aims to:
- 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 an opportunity to work collaboratively in a team with other young people to affect real change;
- 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.
For more information, click here or visit the Ipswich City Council website – search “youth advisory” at ipswich.qld.gov.au. Alternatively, you can email youth@ipswich.qld.gov.au or call the Council on 3810 7437.
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