Geelong
members of the Victorian Youth Parliament program have met with Bellarine MP
Alison Marchant to discuss water safety which is particularly relevant to
beachside towns in our region.
Seventeen year old Georgia Neicho and 23 year olds Taia
Hayter and Hayden Digby hosted
a meeting on Wednesday at The Nest Youth Hub on Gheringhap Street to run the MP
through their draft bill. The full details of the bill will be released when it
is debated in State Parliament in July.
The
hour-long conversation was productive and gave Marchant further insights the
Youth Parliament program, how the team chose the water safety topic and why it
matters. They also received valuable advice and guidance from the MP on
preparing for and presenting their bill in Parliament.
The
passionate trio represents Geelong in the Victorian Youth Parliament; a program
that champions the voices of young people aged 16-25. This is the City’s second
year entering a local team and the first time we have partnered with Y Geelong
to deliver the program.
The
annual program teaches participants about the Victorian legislative system,
while providing mentorship, skill development and a unique platform to
influence state legislation on issues that are important to them.
During
sitting week, Youth Parliamentarians introduce, debate, and vote on their bills.
The bills that pass are formally presented to Minister for Youth Natalie
Suleyman who then disseminates them to relevant state Members of
Parliament for consideration.
Participants
have successfully influenced legislation on critical issues such as mental
health, education, and the environment in the past.
Deputy Mayor Ron Nelson
Council congratulates the
local Youth Parliamentarians on their drive and advocacy.
Hayden, Taia and Georgia did so well to use their
voices and connect with a sitting member of parliament – something most people
would be a bit nervous to do!
There are
many challenges that young people and the broader community are facing in our
region and it’s so important to hear directly from those affected by these
issues.
I
thank the Youth Parliament for speaking up and hope their bill can make way for
change.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
The
Victoria Youth Parliament program is a valuable opportunity for young
Victorians to have their voices heard, grow as leaders, and drive real change.
I
look forward to seeing them take the floor in Parliament and advocate for the
issues that matter most to their communities.
Youth Parliament participant Taia Hayter
As a
team, we are really hoping this bill opens up more conversations in swim safety
that aren’t talked about as much.
We tried really hard to create topics that
haven’t been discussed as much to make water safer for everyone.
Note: The
Victorian Youth Parliament program differs from the City’s Youth Council program which is made up of 11 people aged 12-17 who learn about local
government, receive mentoring and give advice to Council.