A mixture of high school and university students, the 11-person GRYC introduced themselves to Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett, Gladstone Region Councillors, Gladstone Regional Council CEO Leisa Dowling and Council staff at the meeting.

The Gladstone Region Youth Council allows young people to be a voice for youth in the region on Council related matters and initiatives.

Members are selected based on their diverse strengths and experiences, knowledge of youth issues and willingness to bring about positive change in the community.

The GRYC members selected for the 2020 term are: Bridie Whelan, Jarrod Lowry, Kailyn Smith, Meli-Lisa Eayrs, Skye Kierys, Tinoda Pfidze, Abbigail Willis, Emily Dunnett, Gabriella Davie, Max Thompson and Stephanie Merrick.

New members spoke of their desire to make a positive change in the community, highlighted their passion for youth advocacy, increasing youth engagement, tackling youth issues and being a strong voice for the Gladstone Region’s youth.

Gladstone Regional Council CEO Leisa Dowling said the GRYC acts as a formal advisory committee to Council and are often a valuable source of information across operational departments.

“The Gladstone Region Youth Council plays an important role for Council and are involved in initiatives such as Clean Up Australia Day, the Mayor’s Youth Breakfast, Queensland Youth Week, National Seniors Week, Mental Health Week and the Saiki Sister City Committee,” Ms Dowling said.

“I want to congratulate all 11 members chosen for the 2020 term and thank them for taking the time to apply and complete the application process.

“Contributing to the community is admirable for people of a young age and we’ve seen the Youth Council grow from strength to strength in recent years and Council really appreciates and values the ideas they bring to the table.

“I hope all members enjoy their experience and I look forward to keeping track of their progress throughout the year.”

Download PDF

See Also

News Items
Media Releases
Youth Services
Youth Week