Muswellbrook Shire Council has given its younger residents the floor, and funding, at an Extraordinary Council Meeting that was also a preview of the region’s upcoming Youth Council.
In a curtain-raiser to the Muswellbrook Youth Council that will meet from 2026, school students used the Extraordinary Meeting to pitch Councillors for a $500 grant.
Students from Muswellbrook Public, Muswellbrook South Public, Denman Public, Sandy Hollow Public, Martindale Public, St James’ Primary, St Joseph’s Denman, Pacific Brook Christian School, St Joseph’s Aberdeen, Scone Grammar School and Muswellbrook High all lobbied the Mayor, elected Council and senior staff.
Their wish list included new digital bells, school bike racks and classroom laptops.
Councillors asked questions, assessed each pitch against community benefit criteria and finally resolved to fund all 11 projects on the spot in a $5,500 commitment.
Muswellbrook Mayor, Jeff Drayton (pictured above with local students at the meeting) said the Extraordinary Meeting showed the full Youth Council will work as a forum for the Shire’s young people.
“If these kids were nervous, we couldn’t tell – they were organised, confident and thoughtful in their presentations to the elected Council. They identified needs within their schools, gave reasons and even handled a bit of scrutiny,” Mayor Drayton said.
“It’s certainly not easy to speak in a formal setting, and this meeting was a reminder our young people have plenty to offer. If these are our future community leaders and participants, Muswellbrook Shire is in good hands.”
While the Extraordinary Meeting was official, from 2026 the Muswellbrook Youth Council will carry a bigger remit, the Council says.
The body will promote youth wellbeing and leadership, as well as events and campaigns driven by Muswellbrook young people. Two representatives from each primary and high school will meet to discuss concerns, propose solutions and make recommendations to the full Muswellbrook Shire Council.
Students can also take part in full Council meetings, receive mentoring from the Mayor, Councillors and Governance staff, and help plan community events under the Youth Council’s 2026 budget.
Youth Council facilitator, and Council Manager Governance and Risk, Katie Hamm said the Extraordinary Meeting was a positive step for the program.
“The Youth Council will be a standing advisory body. We’ll invite representatives from every local primary and high school to meet quarterly with Councillors and staff. They’ll learn how budgets work, give feedback on parks, footpaths, youth programs and even co-design events and facilities,” Ms Hamm said.
“This Extraordinary Meeting was about showing Muswellbrook Shire young people they can shape decisions and see the results in their own lives.”
Council plans to rotate Youth Council meetings between Muswellbrook and Denman, livestream selected sessions to the public, and publish reports.
A call for 2026 Youth Council nominations will open in Term 1, 2026.
Watch the Extraordinary Council Meeting here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oY_iTeFli4.
