Central Coast Council has announced 10 new Y4Y (Youth for Youth) Action Team members, to represent young people in the region.
The 2024 Y4Y Action Team members are Anannya Bandaru, Isabelle Ince, Janine Southwell, Jasper Blakely, Lilia Olaru-Mohr, Lily Arendse, Maddison Elwine-Wilson, Malcolm Barlett, Simran Nathani and Travis Pankhurst.
Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the team aimed to meaningfully engage young people on the Central Coast, drawing on their own skills, experience and networks and helping to further develop them.
“Through their position as representatives of Y4Y Action Team, members contribute to a community program, the development of a legacy item for young people and a community campaign based on a theme of the Central Coast Youth Strategy,” she said.
“With members aged 14-24, the team has doubled this year due to an increase in applications during recruitment.
“The new team mirrors the diversity of the region including young people who live, work or study on the Central Coast.”
The new team will meet regularly and work on a range of initiatives and development opportunities – from running the annual Youth Week Awards and youth forum to organising local youth-focused programs, advocating and advising on local youth-related initiatives and issues.
This year’s team will deliver a community Inclusion Day event in December to celebrate different cultures and activities that young people can participate in.
Administrator Rik Hart said the team, now in its fifth year, had developed a thriving network in the local youth sector committed to working with Council to continue to create positive change and shape a thriving, dynamic Central Coast community guided by the Central Coast Youth Strategy.
“Throughout 2023, the previous members of the Y4Y Action Team worked to actively promote the inclusion of young people’s voices through diverse strategies,” he said.
“Members participated in youth-led initiatives and forums, contributed to social media campaigns, and used their experience to provide valuable feedback to Council programs.
“While Council welcomes the next cohort of 2024 Y4Y Action Team, we would like to take the opportunity to thank all past program participants for their time and efforts working with Council, and who now make up the Y4Y Alumni Team where they continue to have opportunity to participate in community initiatives.”
Follow the team via the social media hashtag #Y4YCC and for more information about Council programs for young people visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/youth