Council’s project officer, Esther Chapman, said the youth council comprises young people from a range of cultural backgrounds aged between 13 to 25 years. 

“Members are mainly students from Moree high schools like St Philomena’s and Moree Secondary College but we also encourage those who have left school or who are attending TAFE,” she said.

Apart from making new friends, being part of the youth council gives residents the opportunity to gain important skills such as first aid and public speaking. 

“You also become an active member of the community and can make a difference to the types of activities available for youth, and search for ways to improve community life and amenities for young people,” Ms Chapman said.

The youth council has been recognised for its initiatives and being involved in the NSW State Youth Conference through Youth Action Policy Association (YAPA) and National Youth Conference.

“You get to meet and mix with lots of people within Moree Plains and all over NSW,” she said.

The Moree Plains Shire Youth Council works closely with the Moree PCYC helping with various youth activities including the monthly blue light discos and laser tag.

“For Youth Week 2015 (April 10-19) we have a range of events including the Moree Superstar competition, a black tie ball, Red Frog skateboard workshop, a rainbow run, trivia night, disco, pool party, an ‘amazing race’ activity, PCYC activities and story time with ‘five minutes more’,” Ms Chapman said.

Auditions for the Superstar competition start on March 8 at Goondiwindi.

The judges will then travel to Inverell, Moree and finally Narrabri to select finalists for the 2015 competition.

“The grand final will be held on Saturday, April 18 at the Moree Memorial Hall at 1pm. The Moree Superstar organisers will soon be announcing who will be the guest judge, which is usually a celebrity and a major drawcard for the event,” she said.

 “Over the last few years, the group has been petitioning for a cinema, a youth cafe and zone out centre. They would like to have a youth cafe and zone out centre which serves drinks and snacks, and provides enjoyable and healthy leisure time activities.   

“The idea is that it is a place where young people can connect with youth workers and positive role models, and participate in activities that build connection, creativity, self-esteem and initiative.

“At this stage, there is not any funding but it is something the youth council aspires to,” Ms Chapman said.

Youth council chairperson Skye Spooner said there had been many rewards during her years in the group.

“It is awesome to be a member of the youth council because you get to organise fun events and activities for young people in Moree and meet celebrities like Taylor Henderson,” she said.

Youth are welcome to attend the meetings at 3.30pm on the second Wednesday of the month in the council chambers to find out more information.