TAMWORTH'S deputy mayor Phil Betts will keep his seat at the table after he was voted back into the job on Tuesday night, but it was the region's youth who were the real winners.
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Twenty new recruits will have a greater say in Tamworth Regional Council's decisions after they were officially appointed to the youth council.
Council's general manager Paul Bennett said a report will soon be put forward detailing opportunities for youth council members to participate in executive committees, working groups and project development.
"Working with the executive team, especially sporting and recreation, those types of projects we might bring forward," he said.
"Maybe even bouncing the local roads and community infrastructure program off them, and whether they identify particular things as priorities before the councillor sets the final priority.
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"So, the executive has made the decision that we're going to be much more engaged with this year's council."
New youth council members include Abigail Clark; Andrew Macinas; Brady Endemi; Bronte Keenan; Caitlin Ferris, Calli Nagle; Cameron Rake; Charlee Marshall; Charlotte Leonard; Chloe-Lee Opie; Eli Lambert; Elle Woods; Erica Hall; Evelyn Murdoch; Isla Farr; Jack Lyon; Lachlan Power; Miller Lloyd and Tarly Olsen.
Cr Betts congratulated the previous youth council on its work, welcomed the new one and said it was critical that the council become "far more engaged" with it's members.
Cr Charles Impey, council's representative on the youth council, said it was an exciting time for the new members.
"The previous term was one of significant value to our community, we saw quite a number of events and initiatives created," he said.
Some of the most significant issues raised by members include mental health; rural communities; raising awareness of The Youthie; disability access; inclusiveness; Indigenous culture and youth transportation, Cr Impey said.
"I look forward to seeing the new youth council thrive and flourish and to see what they can uncover," he added.
Cr Juanita Wilson congratulated the previous youth council on its Grub Hub cafe initiative.
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