Moree Plains Shire Council is in the process of relaunching the youth council, with a focus on civic engagement and providing young people with job skills for the future.

A decline in numbers in recent years led council back to the drawing board to develop a group that young people want to be a part of.

“We were really looking to have a focus on how we can add value for young people in Moree who face issues with unemployment and a lack of things to do,” Moree Plains Shire Council community development officer Dominic Wilcox said.

Based on a brainstorming session with prior members and those interested in joining, the new-look youth council will now offer members exclusive resume-building workshops with local and national employers, links to scholarships and educational opportunities, and the opportunity to report to council’s community safety committee.

“We’re hoping we can equip young people with the skills they need through the process of leaving school and finding a job,” Mr Wilcox said.

“We’ve been talking to a number of employers to get the process underway and will be linking in partnerships with career-building programs such as the Bro-Speak and Sista Speak programs.”

Recent school-leaver, Skye Spooner has been a member of Moree Youth Council for seven years now and said the new format will be really beneficial, especially as she’s currently looking into options for further study.

“I think we definitely needed a bit of a revamp – it will be a bit extra to encourage people to join,” she said.

The 18-year-old has gained some valuable skills and experiences throughout her time on the youth council and said she would recommend it to anyone.

“I’ve definitely gained a lot of confidence with public speaking and learnt a lot of life skills such as making phone calls and meeting with clients,” she said.

“I’ve done Moree Superstar for the past seven years, collaborated with the PCYC for discos and colour-runs, held masquerade balls, gone to conferences and met other youth councillors.

“It’s definitely a good experience, you make a lot of friends, have a lot of fun, learn a lot, get to travel, and it helps with your resume.”

Members of the youth council will have the opportunity to be involved in the community, make new friends, have their voices heard, and gain valuable skills for the future.

“Any young people who are interested in having their voices heard and building up their resume and future-proofing themselves, I’d really encourage them to apply to join,” Mr Wilcox said.

“We’re looking for young people aged between 12 and 25 who feel they have something to offer the community.”

Council is hoping a diverse range of people sign-up including those still at school, school-leavers, people with jobs or who are studying, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

Recruitment for the Moree Youth Council is currently underway. If you are interested, register at www.tinyurl.com/moreeyouth.

For more information, contact Dominic Wilcox on 6757 3428 or email dominic.wilcox@mpsc.nsw.gov.au.