The State Member for Yuroke, Ros Spence MP, this week convened the first meeting of the Yuroke Youth Council, an exciting new group for young people to participate in policy making processes and have a voice in the future of their communities.

Ms Spence accepted submissions from secondary schools across the electorate to join the first Youth Council, which will consist of 14 students selected on the basis of an interest in community life, public policy and democracy in Victoria, and an ability to represent the ideas, needs and concerns of local young people.

Youth Council members will work with Ms Spence and community leaders to identify and address local issues important to young people in Yuroke. This will in turn support an increased understanding of democratic processes for participants and give them practical experience in public policy.

The Youth Council will meet several more times this year before presenting a formal report on the issues they have researched to Ms Spence and other community leaders.