Mildura Rural City Council has welcomed its 2026 Youth Council at a special swearing-in ceremony at Council’s Deakin Avenue offices.
Nine young people (pictured) were selected to represent the region’s youth following an expression of interest process.
Following the ceremony, Youth Councillors then elected a Youth Mayor and Youth Deputy Mayor, with Leanne Affleck and Ollie Edens elected respectively.
The Youth Council acts as an advisory and advocacy committee, working on behalf of young people throughout our municipality to:
- Provide opportunities for young people to have their say and influence Council policies, plans and strategies;
- Promote young people as valuable citizens who make a positive contribution to the community;
- Provide opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills;
- Provide the opportunity for Councillors to meet, hear and learn from young people;
- Provide opportunities for young people to consult with the wider community.
Councillor for Community Health and Wellbeing, Troy Bailey, congratulated this year’s Youth Councillors.
“Our Youth Councillors play a pivotal role guiding and informing Council’s direction in terms of planning and services we’re able to provide young people,” Cr Bailey said.
“A shining example of this is the current five-year Youth Engagement Strategy focusing on having a Voice, access to Opportunities, being Connected, Safe and Healthy, which continues to be rolled out this year.
“It’s also great seeing the new skills and professional development each of our Youth Councillors pick up during their terms on Council, which will benefit them for decades to come.
“Our region’s young people give us a lot to be proud of, and our Youth Councillors are a great example of this.”
The 2026 Youth Councillors are: Ollie Edens, Leanne Affleck, Marcus Galvez, Kaitia Phillis-Thornton, Nikita Keating, Dilpreet Kaur, Zahra Hussaini, Marth Ebora and Riley Ridgwell.
