The Victorian Government is supporting young people to have their voices heard, giving them a platform to work with decision-makers on the issues affecting them during the global coronavirus pandemic.
Minister for Youth Ros Spence today announced the 21 talented and diverse young people from across the state selected for the Victorian Government’s third Victorian Youth Congress.
The announcement coincides with International Youth Day 2020, which has the theme of ‘Youth Engagement for Global Action’.
Young people around the world are facing unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, affecting their schooling, employment and mental health.
The new Victorian Youth Congress will work with the Victorian Government to ensure young people’s voices are heard in decision-making on issues of importance to all young Victorians.
The youth advisory group reflects our state’s great diversity, with young people from Aboriginal, LGBTIQ and multicultural communities, as well as young people living with disability.
The group includes young people aged between 15 and 25 who hail from rural, regional and metropolitan areas across the whole of Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Ros Spence
“Young people are among the most affected by the coronavirus pandemic - so it is crucial they have a seat at the table on issues that are impacting their lives and futures.”
“This group of inspiring young people represent the diversity of Victoria and we can’t wait to hear their ideas and work with them to make sure their voices are heard across Government.”
Quote attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Josh Bull
“We can’t wait to begin our work with the new youth congress and I’m sure there will be many vibrant, constructive and diverse discussions to come.”
2020-21 Victorian Youth Congress Members
- Azraf Ezaz – Mount Waverley
- Briana Hines – Myrtleford
- Catherine Dunn – Horsham
- Charlotte Ogden – Leongatha South
- Daniel Etzion – Hawthorn East
- Emilia Wu – Ballarat
- Harini Kasthuriarachchi – Croydon
- Jack Smith – Mildura
- Jessica Bennett – Oakleigh South
- Keeden Graham – Torquay
- Kergen Angel – Northcote
- Lachlan Houen – Armstrong Creek
- Lily Trethowan – Plumpton
- Marindi Jarrett – Abbotsford
- Milagros Vargas – Chadstone
- Natasha Swingler – Essendon
- Nuriyah Haque – Point Cook
- Otis Heffernan-Wooden – Montrose
- Que Anh Ngo – Hoppers Crossing
- Tiana Sixsmith – Caulfield South
- Tom Saxton – Shepparton
Reviewed 13 August 2020