Hume’s youth have been campaigning at their schools and across the community as they run for the municipality’s first youth council in 2026.
The youth council will be formed as part of the Young Mayors program, a new partnership initiative between Hume council and the Foundation for Young Australians to support young people aged 12 to 17 in getting elected to a youth council.
It’s a move that seeks to position young people as decision makers on issues that impact their future.
Twenty-six candidates from three wards are currently campaigning for twelve youth council seats and will be voted in by their young peers via ballot.
Once elected, the youth council will work together to define priority areas and work with Hume council to implement projects and events important to young people in the municipality.
Candidates have been campaigning for six weeks ahead of the election.
“These young people are our future leaders who are ready and excited to be driving advocacy and leadership activities in Hume,” Hume mayor Jarrod Bell said.
“It’s great to support these young people in their leadership journey. Our council is excited to work with the Foundation for Young Australians to make that happen through the Young Mayors program.”
Elections will take place from October 8 to October 15, with ballot boxes to be set up in secondary schools, libraries and at the youth centres across Hume.
All young people aged 12 to 17 years are eligible to vote. The vote count will take place on October 16.
Foundation for Young Australians Young Mayors executive director Tahlia Azaria said it’s clear there is enormous potential for local governments to meaningfully benefit from the participation of young people.
The Hume youth council will serve a 12-month term in office, commencing January. The 12 months will focus on delivering projects, campaigns and/or events.
For a list of Hume candidates visit, hume.vic.gov.au/Young-Mayors-Program
