The Tamworth Youth Council has held their inaugural meeting.
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After a quick round of introductions and formalities the team got right down to business, flagging potential issues and ideas that they would like to work on in the community.
The concept is the newest addition to youth services in Tamworth, following some good outcomes from a similar council which has been functioning in Moree for three years.
Youth Services team leader Sammy Bowen said that the 15 person strong council is made up of students from McCarthy, Calrossy, Farrer, Peel and Tamworth High, and will act as advocates for local and regional youth.
“The Youth Council will give young people a voice in the community and in community decisions,” Mrs Bowen said.
“There are a lot of young leaders in the community that need an outlet like this before they leave school. We want the community to consult with the group and come up with changes, or create new ideas and events that either they, or the young community, think are important.”
While the council has only just got off the ground and running, some of the issues and ideas raised at the first meeting surprised Mrs Bowen with their complexity.
“The meeting was split into two sessions with the introduction of the Youth Council, the Tamworth Regional Council and the Executive Management Team the first session,” Mrs Bowen said.
“In the second session they brainstormed ideas. The group thought there was a real dis-connect between schools and services, specifically surrounding mental health.
“They also believe that there is a real lack of safe under 18 activities in Tamworth. They thought there should be more safe and cheap options to get together and meet new people, while staying away from drugs and alcohol.”
The group also broached the subject of sexism in Tamworth.
“They talked about sexism and gender equality, and what surprised me was that they said that it went both ways between males and females,” Mrs Bowen said. They want to raise awareness and educate sectors of the community about appropriate behaviour and language.”
The new council will meet monthly.
