Blue Mountains Youth Council delegates recently attended the 2017 NSW Youth Council Conference at Macquarie University to learn new technology skills.
Hosted by the Ryde Youth Council, representatives from more than 20 rural and city areas in NSW attended the three day conference, spanning as far north as Armidale, Tumut to the south and Cobar to the west. The theme, “Make IT Happen”, is a platform for how to harness the power of technology to connect and engage all people.
“I am pleased that young leaders from our community could benefit from the experience and advice of other young change agents, as well as political leaders and leaders in the technology sector,” said Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill.
“Our young people have a lot to offer. I look forward to hearing of new and positive projects from the Blue Mountains Youth Council.”
Thirteen young people representing the Blue Mountains attended the conference – Maya Costa, Rohan Grant-Dawes, Alexandria Hinley, Sophie Jansons, Caitlin Marlor, Benjamin McGrory, Paul Mukhin, Aleksandrs (Sasha) Titovs, Adam Tjoelker, Brodie Wylde, Caspar Zauner, Kiralee and Leah Roscoe-Bynon.
Youth councillor Rohan Grant-Dawes said the Blue Mountains participants were energised by the experience.
“I attended the workshop ‘Pitch It!’ It was fun and useful to explore the skills required to successfully pitch a project on video, either to get authority or funding to start a project, or get buy in from peers.”
Blue Mountains Youth Councillors aim to develop a live music event, which will not only entertain and bring together young people, but offer advice and information on important issues such as mental health.
“Young people can sometimes feel isolated, particularly when they worry about being different,” said Rohan. “By offering ways to connect with supportive organisations that teach skills, mental health issues can be managed before they become too serious.”
To see videos and photos from the conference and find out more about the Youth Council, follow them on Facebook by searching ‘Blue Mountains Youth Council’ of visit http://bluemountainshaveyoursay.com.au/youthcouncil.