Youth council participants sought

• Published date: 26 January 2023
• Publication title: Clutha Leader

CDC youth council is a 14-person local body made up of two representatives from each of the district’s five secondary schools, Telford College and two young representatives who are in the work force who can advocate for youth throughout Tapanui, Catlins, Lawrence, Milton and Balclutha

Two more representatives are CDC employees who help navigate the youth representatives’ involvement in the planning and development of council services.

One of youth council’s employed representatives is CDC corporate service administrator Lilly Paterson.

‘‘I like having a voice and sharing young people’s concerns at youth council because you see them formally submitted to the overall council for consideration in long and short-term planning. Whatever happens through the processes of local government, we know we’ve been listened to, taken seriously and have an influence on outcomes that can benefit a lot of people,’’ Ms Paterson said.

CDC youth council positions require diligence and responsibility and although they are unpaid, they offer representatives specialised training workshops as well as access to the corridors and networks of local government.

Youth councillors regularly attend meetings of the district council and are able to ask for funding and resources.

Notable youth council initiatives have involved work with the Cancer Society, Otago Community Trust Tamariki and Rangatahi Strategy, Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) and drug awareness including the billboard campaign to...