Young People X Stand for Council
In October 2024 Victorian local councils will go to election. Right across the state local people will put their hand up to represent their communities as we collectively face the challenges of the 21st century.
Young people are welcome to attend the Stand for Council sessions – you can find a list of local sessions on the MAV website – Stand for Council.
Because we know that young people are under-represented on councils, we are also running a one off, online session for young people to hear from other young people about being involved in and running for council, and about supports and help to become involved.
Young People X Stand For Council - Candidate Information Session
The MAV is hosting a young people-focussed information session in partnership with a number of young people on Tuesday 4 June from 6.00pm – 7.30pm, online with Microsoft Teams.
Host
Jacob Osenaris
Jacob is well practiced at using his voice to accelerate change and enhance the visibility of issues faced by young people. He is the 2024 Ballarat Council Young Citizen of the Year, the 2023 Geoff Brooks Scholar at Clarendon College, a Youth Parliament participant, Monash Scholar and Ballarat Youth Ambassador and Youth Sub-Committee member. He is passionate about youth mental health and is working with members of parliament to develop initiatives and improve access to critical services for young people.
Keynote speaker
Mehak Sheikh
Mehak Sheikh (she/her) is a community organiser, facilitator and all things civic engagement nerd. In 2020, she ran as an independent candidate in the local government elections in Wyndham, Victoria as one of the youngest candidates and one of four women in her ward. She is currently the Young Mayors program manager for Victoria and supports young people who are running for their local Youth Councils. When Mehak isn't working on political engagement projects and running her own consultancy, she volunteers for local non-profit organisations in the West and runs crafting circles in her local neighbourhood. She believes deeply in local action for global change, rooted in building liberated and self determined communities.
Panel Members
Zoe Gray
Zoe is an active member of the Alpine Shire community. She is well recognised in her community, winning the 2023 Alpine Shire Community Award. She's a memeber of her local CFA and the Resilience Alpine Youth Squad (RAYS.) She advocates strongly for youth engagement, believing in the importance of youth participation in council.
Howard Chang
Howard’s dream is that everyone in Melbourne’s west has an equal opportunity to purse their passion, talent and interests. He aspires for a future that is inclusive of all sports, especially in schools where students feel comfortable in their environment to try new things and feel supported. Participating in Wyndham’s Student Representative Committee in 2022 and in 2023, Wyndham’s Emerging Professionals Network has strengthened Howards’ communication and public speaking skills so he can further advocate, inspire and motivate young people.
Evelyn Garcia
Evelyn is a passionate member of her local community. She has participated in Youth Parliament 2021 and is currently a member of Wyndham city council’s Youth Task Force. Growing up in Wyndham has shown her the importance of diversity and inclusion of people from all walks of life. She is passionate about youth representation in local government.
Resources for young people
- Foundation for Young Australians - Young Mayors Program
- Run For It
- YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament.
- Contact your local council youth services program.
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