Eight offer youth voice at City table

A group of eight youth from across the Pilbara have been selected to provide a voice for young people’s wellbeing, services and events.

The new youth advisory group has been established by the City of Karratha giving young people a platform to develop their skills and incorporate their perspectives into council decisions.

Ranging in age from 12-18, the group comprises Charlotte Ball, Zoe Waterstrom-Muller, Sophia Holmes, Emer O’Brien, Lochlan Rodd, Sarah Carr, Ned Van Dongen, and Victoria Phillips.

Representing Wickham, 12-year-old Charlotte said she applied to be part of the group to assist with planning events and activities.

“I joined to represent as a youth voice of Wickham so that I can help the City of Karratha develop and organise events and activities and improve my skills with planning events and helping out with them,” she said.

“I also want to make more friends in Karratha and encourage my friends in Wickham to attend activities that I would help plan out in Karratha.”

Charlotte said she was looking forward to presenting her ideas at the first meeting today and hoped to discuss the possibility of establishing a community garden in Wickham. City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said the aim of the group was to engage and empower young people.

“Council is committed to ensuring our youth are happy, healthy and have opportunities to make a positive contribution to our community,” he said.

“These young people will contribute to planning youth activities, provide input about infrastructure, town planning, service design and development, and grow their leadership, team building and advocacy skills.”

The group will also collaborate with local youth-related organisations including Karratha Senior High School Student Council, St Luke’s College student leaders, PCYC Roebourne and Yaandina Community Services, Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation Aboriginal Youth Council, Pilbara Aboriginal Youth Council, and headspace Pilbara Youth Reference Group.