Community & Business
11 March, 2023
Youth powering Cook Shire
YOUTH in Cooktown have an active role in shaping their community through the Cook Shire Youth Council which plays an active role in the Cook Shire Council as they plan events, conduct surveys and gauge the needs of the shire’s young residents.
The Youth Council provides advice to the local decision makers on local issues that affect youth which then influences strategies and policies developed by council.
It was established two years ago and upon advertising the nine available positions, 17 submissions were received which came as a welcome surprise to council.
Youth Council’s role is to engage with other young members of the community, establish a broad network of youth groups and provide council with feedback on anything related to youth.
This can include potential works or upgrades for facilities used by junior sporting organisations, sporting ovals, parks, the waterfront at Cooktown and more.
Cook Shire deputy mayor and chair of the Youth Council, Cr Robyn Holmes, said the group had effectively become the bridge between council and the youngest residents of the shire.
“What the council normally does is make decisions, thinking we are making them on behalf of young people without really going out there an engaging with them and getting their views on what they like to see,” she said.
“We regularly meet and receive feedback from the youth councillors about what they would like to see in the community or what things concern them.
“We also look at things like personal development for members of the Youth Council and maybe helping them possibly pursue a career on council in the future.”
Youth Council is currently in the process of conducting a survey which is intended for the young members of the community, asking them a set of questions about what they feel is needed in the community.
A new set of youth councillors is due to be appointed as the two-year term is close to expiring and the council is encouraging youth to put their hand up for positions and help shape how their community develops.
