Ipswich youth council celebrates its achievements
19 April 2021
The Ipswich Youth Advisory Council has made great strides for the city’s young people over the past 12 months, with its 2020 Annual Report handed down on Friday.
The report highlights IYAC’s contribution to Ipswich City Council projects and the launch of its own youth-led initiatives including most notably Flick the ‘swich and the Christmas Hampers Project.
Mayor Teresa Harding congratulated the city’s young leaders for their achievements in 2020.
“Our city’s young leaders are full of great ideas to shape the future of Ipswich, and this council is committed to engaging with and getting behind them,” Mayor Harding said.
“It was wonderful to participate in the inaugural Flick the ‘swich youth engagement series last year.
“After sitting down with our emerging leaders to discuss the issues that matter to them; I felt completely inspired and confident that our city’s future is in good hands.
“We look forward to continuing to work alongside the Ipswich Youth Advisory Council in 2021 and beyond.”
IYAC members provided youth input into several broader council projects including the Children, Young People and Families Policy, the Ipswich City Council iFuture Corporate Plan (2020-2025), Ipswich Children’s Voices, Environment and Sustainability Strategy and the Ipswich Australia Day Awards.
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Fechner, the city’s youngest elected representative and a former IYAC member, said it was vital for Ipswich young people have say their say about their community and council.
“It’s been fabulous to work with IYAC members over the past year and to see their genuine concern and consideration of the diverse issues facing young people across Ipswich,” Cr Fechner said.
“The IYAC program is a wonderful platform for our city’s young emerging leaders to have their voices heard and to engage with council towards achieving last change.”
The report’s launch coincided with the start of Queensland Youth Week (10 to 18 April 2021).
View the full report at ipswich.qld.gov.au/iyac
Media contact: Darrell Giles 0408 997 965