THE first meeting of members of the Southern Downs Young Leaders’ Program 2015 was held last Thursday when mayor Peter Blundell welcomed the young leaders to the council.
Southern Downs Regional Council youth development officer Hailey Cosh said the standard of applications for the young leader positions was very high and she looked forward to working with the group throughout the year.
“Council is committed to addressing the needs of youth in our community with emphasis on building partnerships across the region, developing opportunities and encouraging participation to ensure that our diverse range of young people have a voice and the support to become more independent and self-determining individuals,“ she said.
This year’s Young Leaders Team was endorsed by the council at the December 2014 general meeting.
“The 2015 team are ready to take on the opportunity and use the program as an initiative to identify exciting projects for young people across the Southern Downs,“ Ms Cosh said.
“The program also addresses the more serious issues within our region with the Young Leaders tackling social issues including homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse.“
The young leaders will start the year with a leadership and project planning camp in February and in March will work with councillors and senior council staff to develop the Youth Action Plan for the 2015/2016 financial year.
Cr Blundell said the youth program was a vital component of the council and he and all councillors are keen to work with the young leaders on issues of importance.
“I am always impressed with the ideas and innovation of young people and council is energised by their presence,“ he said.
“We particularly look forward to developing the Youth Action Plan and putting fresh ideas into practice.“
