During July’s general council meeting, Mitchell Shire’s 2026-27 youth councillors were officially sworn in after promising to act “in the best interests” of the municipality’s residents.
This latest group constitutes the 15th youth council the shire has seen.
“This youth council that we’re swearing in tonight will have a strong role to play over their tenure for the next 12 months,” Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said.
“In terms of a strong role, what does that look like? It probably looks like a unified voice — a unified voice made up of young people.
“Who better to understand the needs and the aspirations of young people than a group of youth who are representing their peers?”
The youth council brings together 10 young people, aged 12 to 24, who have a say in shaping council decisions that affect their community.
Each youth councillor holds a dedicated portfolio or leadership role and, as a collective, they will advocate for meaningful change in a particular area.
Youth councillors can serve up to four years, representing one of Mitchell Shire’s three wards during that time.
Mitchell Shire youth development officer Chris Johnson said marking the 15th year of the program was a “massive” milestone.
“This is my third year with the youth council and it’s just been great to see the current members grow and also go through the process of recruiting new members,” he said.
“It’s having that opportunity for young people to speak for young people.”
During the council meeting, Mr Johnson introduced the four newly appointed youth councillors and announced the recently elected leadership team.
Joining the youth council for the first time are gender equality portfolio holder Allison Bickerdike, environment portfolio holder Cooper Sargeant, LGBTQIA+ portfolio holder Dusty Norton and education and volunteering portfolio holder Charlotte Enever.
Elaina Harrison and River Challis are both returning for their second year on the council, with the former leading the mental health portfolio and the latter leading the healthy living portfolio.
In her fourth year of being on the youth council, north ward youth councillor Evie Birks has been elected mayor after having “consistently demonstrated strong leadership” during her time as deputy.
The 2026-27 deputy mayor is Jacob Hard, who is in his second year of representing the north ward, and the youth secretary is Jess Stevens, who is entering her third year as a north ward youth councillor.
In her third year as a central ward youth councillor, Phoebe Mcdonald has been named senior youth councillor.
Cr Dougall said now was a more significant time than ever to have a dedicated youth advisory body, providing council with input into decisions that impact the wider Mitchell Shire.
“There’s no shortage of challenges that our young people do face and it’s important that we have a group that will consider those issues and be prepared to provide their input,” he said.
“Together, you can make a better future for the young people in Mitchell Shire. The opportunity is there, please take it.”
For more information about Mitchell Shire’s youth council, visit www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/community/youth-services/youth-council
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