Youth Advisory Council

Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

What is YAC?

The Macleay Valley YAC is an official advisory committee that will provide a local "youth voice" in government policy and decision-making. The committee will keep the Council informed on issues that are significantly important to the young people in the Kempsey Shire. It will also assist in making sure that the services are as youth friendly and as fair as possible. This will insure that all young residents of the Kempsey Shire are equitably represented in the decision-making process and are able to actively participate in their community.

Who is on the YAC?

Round the Table Macleay Valley YAC is currently made up of 14 young people, the Youth Development Worker and a Councillor from Kempsey Shire Council. >Click here to view profiles of the YAC members.

On a yearly basis Kempsey Shire Council will select a Councillor each year to regularly attend the meetings. Council's youth development worker will be involved and be responsible for bringing the group together, ensuring the group has the resources to keep the functions of the YAC on track and the secretarial functions of the group (ie typing minutes and agendas).

Criteria for Membership

Members of the Macleay Valley YAC need to be between the ages of 12 and 24 year of age as at 1st March of the current year. Membership is organised so that there is equal and fair representation of young people from across the age and sex range and from a variety of cultural backgrounds with the Kempsey Shire (this is of course dependent on applications received).

Young people with a diversity of life skills, experience and knolwedge are actively encouraged to be a member of the Youth Advisory Council, as they will bring with them, different perspectives and a rich understanding of youth issues.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the YAC please talk to Council's Youth Development Worker on 02 65663200 or apply on the form shown below which can be viewed or downloaded in pdf format. Adobe Reader is required to view this file.

> Youth Advisory Council Application form (pdf 37KB)

Meetings

The YAC meet once per month on the first Monday afternoon of the month. At its first meeting, the YAC will recommend one of its members to take on the role of chairperson. The chairperson may request extra meetings at any time. These meetings will be held at times that are organised by the YAC. Smaller groups or sub-committees can come from youth forums and other interested people to ensure that a broad representation of the community is included. The sub-committees report to the YAC. Written records of all meetings are kept and reported to Council's Community Services Manager.

Aims

The overall of Macleay Valley YAC is to give young people a say in voicing their views on matters and issues that are important to them and others that may be related to Council.

In order to do this, the committee needs to have a wide cross-section of youth represented from the community. The Macleay Valley YAC will also aim at helping young people to get involved, develop leadership and communication skills and public speaking and teamwork skills.

Objectives

To build the group's knowledge of real issues that affect young people in the Kempsey Shire. This will then enable the YAC to advise the Council on how to tackle these issues.
To help Council find ways to facilitate youth friendly services. This will help young people feel comfortable about accessing them.
To help Council make youth strategies come to life and check on its progress annually.
To provide a tool for genuine and regular talks between young prople and Council.
To gain a good understanding of the responsibilities of Kempsey Shire Council and its many roles and to be actively involved in the Council's decision-making processes when and where appropriate.
To report the information and recommendations of each meeting to the Council via community services.
To help the local community understand the work of the YAC and to be informed of its progress through education and feedback. Part of this information sharing will include consultation with young people through meetings and community forums, networks and the youth newspaper / newsletter.
To provide an opportunity for young people to build on and expand their skills in leadership, communication, public speaking, problem solving, teamwork and knowledge of civic affairs.