Inverell Shire Council considers Max McFarlane's proposal to create a Youth Council

Council is considering a proposal to instate a 'youth council' as a way to give young people a voice and share their experiences to generate change.

Max McFarlane, NSW Youth Parliament participant and Inverell High School student, put together his proposal using Tamworth's Youth Council as a guide.

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Having experienced first-hand how powerful Youth Parliament can be as a State Government platform, he wants Inverell to instigate this local government group as a way for students to learn about politics and find their voices.

And as a bonus, give students of all three high schools a place to collaborate and mingle.

"What Youth Parliament impressed upon me is that we have voices that we can use, to try our best and express what we need by whatever means are available," he explained.

Two issues experienced locally, which to his mind are the biggest demons to fight right now, are the Australia-wide battle with mental health, and the disconnect between employers and the freshly-minted students seeking work after school.

The council papers outlined a number of grant opportunities that would become available, aimed at supporting young people develop their skills and become actively engaged within our community.

"These applications now seek information on the involvement of young people... establishing a Youth Council or developing a Youth Strategy may assist council secure funding in future grants."

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Generating a robust discussion at the general meeting where praise for Max bloomed, Cr Stewart Berryman noted it was a great idea but said in his experience groups like this had tended to "die out" once the instigators had moved on, or it wasn't "flavour of the month".

Yet Cr Kate Dight said they needed to "capitalise on the activity and interest right now" and help set it up to continue.

Max said measures could be put in place to ensure longevity of the Youth Council. Canvassing the SRC and his friends group, he was "astounded" in the level of interest his peers had.

If a system was put in place where the school captains and perhaps SRC were granted a place in the group, it would ensure continuity, he said.

"Having the schools' support in that capacity will help it proceed in the future."

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