General News
1 July, 2023
Youngsters take first steps into politics
Seven promising teenagers have been elected to Horsham’s Youth Council, as part of Victoria’s first Young Mayors program. Liam Carracher, William Schache, Ryder Reid, Logan Henskes, Tom Luke, Shivanash Bhutani and Charlie Murray make up the...
Seven promising teenagers have been elected to Horsham’s Youth Council, as part of Victoria’s first Young Mayors program.
Liam Carracher, William Schache, Ryder Reid, Logan Henskes, Tom Luke, Shivanash Bhutani and Charlie Murray make up the cohort of would-be community leaders.
Young people under 17 cast more than 600 votes for 10 candidates at polling places in schools during the week prior to the election.
One of the newly elected youth councillors, Shivanash Bhutani, said he was excited be introduced to the field of local politics.
“I’ve always been interested in the council, and that side of politics in general, and it was like an entry point for me at a young age,” he said.
“Working on small stuff for youth, and more events for youth, like various events for different groups of people - it's the first time I’ve done something really interesting.”
The Youth Council is designed to represent the needs and opinions of young people in Horsham, and to have a say in improving services and positively influencing decisions on local issues.
Horsham Rural City Council mayor Robyn Gulline expressed the council’s eagerness to collaborate with the new young members.
“Young people in Horsham have shown us this week that they are not disengaged in politics and their community, and when empowered with a platform to have their say, they make it count,” she said.
“Congratulations to all who campaigned and those who have been elected - Horsham Rural City Council is looking forward to working with you all.”
Foundation of Young Australians director Tahlia Azaria said the main reason for the program was to resolve the diversity issue across the country.
“A key goal of the pilot across the country will be to try new approaches to strengthen gender inclusion over the next year and ensure that all young people feel empowered to put their hand up and make their voices heard," she said.