YOUNG people across Horsham are being encouraged to join Horsham council's soon to be formed Youth Council.
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The Youth Council will report to Horsham Rural City councillors on the views of young people regarding council plans and programs.
In return, councillors will provide members of the Youth Council with mentoring and support.
Council's youth engagement and planning officer Annie Mintern said the Youth Council would engage with councillors on all issues, not just those with a youth focus.
"That could anything from roads to the Wimmera Precinct Plan to ensure that council's strategies are youth friendly," she said.
She said the formation of a Youth Council was a key action of the council's Youth Strategy, which launched last year.
"We felt like there was a bit of a gap in the council's services for youth. The Youth Council's responsibilities will be determined as it evolves over time," she said.
"One of the things that we will be looking at is what to do with the old Nexus building. The council will also look at what other opportunities there are for more youth-based programs."
Residents aged between 12 and 25 are eligible to join.
"We have received quite a few applications already. We want to council to be a representative group of young people and make it as diverse as possible," Ms Mintern said.
"Depending on the applicants we get, we might make a junior and senior council. The issues faced by 12-year-olds are a lot different to those faced by 25-year-olds."
READ MORE: Horsham's Nexus youth centre closes
Horsham Mayor Mark Radford said the Youth Council would help the council engage with young people in decision making processes.
"Young people are the future of our community and the formation of a Youth Council will provide them with the opportunity to learn about local government and to voice their opinions to create change," he said.
"It's very important for us to connect with, and listen to our young people about their priority issues and empower them to be involved in the decision making that impacts on their lives."
Applications opened at the start of the month and close on June 30.
The Youth Council will meet monthly, with the first meeting to be held before the end of July.
Ms Mintern said people could contact her on 5382 9522 or by email at Annie.Mintern@hrcc.vic.gov.au for more information. Applications can be lodged here.
Horsham isn't the only Wimmera council to create a dedicated youth council.
Yarriambiack Shire Council has a Youth Action Council, which also runs as the shire's FReeZA committee.
Hindmarsh Shire Council launched its Youth Council in February, while West Wimmera Shire Council has a Youth Advisory Council.
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