2017 Youth Parliament Now Open!

Published on 01 March 2017

2017 YOUTH PARLIAMENT NOW OPEN!
Media Release

Gannawarra Shire Council is calling for applications to take part in the 2017 Victorian Youth Parliament program.

Mayor Brian Gibson said Council will once again support a team of six young people to take part in this program.

“The Youth Parliament program develops leadership and public speaking skills, offers the opportunity to foster new friendships and is a great opportunity for rural young people to learn about the parliamentary process,” he said.

Participants research and debate a State Government issue and present it in the form of a Bill in the Parliamentary chambers.

Each team must also argue against another piece of legislation put forward by another team.

Previous team member Hamish Laity encourages any young person interested in Youth Parliament to contact Penny at Council to talk about it.

“I had the best experience at Youth Parliament and took away lots of new friendships, new experiences and just had a great time in Melbourne!” Mr Laity said.

The program culminates in a week-long residential camp which includes three days debate in Parliament

House; a formal opening and closing ceremony and a reception hosted by the Governor of Victoria.

To be eligible you must be aged between 16-25 years and live, work or study in Gannawarra Shire.

The Youth Parliament program is run by YMCA Victoria in conjunction with the Victorian Government.

Youth Parliament is a fantastic program which gives young people an opportunity to debate a Bill in Parliament House.

To apply please contact Penelope Scanlan, Youth Development Officer at Gannawarra Shire Council on telephone 5450 9333 or via email, penelope.scanlan@gannawarra.vic.gov.au.

Applications close Friday 10 March 2017.

For more information please contact Council on 5450 9333 or visit council’s website

www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au

…ENDS…

Date: 1 March 2017

Media contact: Katrina Thorne T. 03 5450 9333 M. 0409 616 627