Two young Penrith City Councillors have taken the first steps to deliver on their election commitment of establishing a youth advisory committee.
New Labor Councillors Libby Austin and Garion Thain committed during the September Local Government Election that they would work towards instating a youth advisory committee to Council once they were elected.
Council now has three Councillors under the age of 30 as Austin is 19-years-old, Thain is 28-years-old and Liberal Councillor Reece Nuttall is 22-years-old, something Thain believes makes now a perfect chance to establish the committee.
“Having three Councillors under 30 I think creates a great opportunity to do something in this space,” Thain said.
“A lot’s happening in Penrith and St Marys right now, and I care about planning for all the people here now and the next generation as well.
“I’m hopeful we can get to a good spot and find a workable remit to get something going here.”
At October’s Ordinary Council Meeting the Councillors voted for their placements on a series of existing committees and working parties for the next four years, but missing from the list was a youth advisory committee.
Councillor Austin has asked Council to prepare a report that will discuss the feasibility of creating a new youth advisory committee.
Austin hopes this report will culminate in the formation of a youth advisory committee that can engage and work for the young people in Penrith.
“As a young person, I know how challenging it can be to make your voice heard,” Austin said.
“From day one, I’ve been committed to amplifying young people’s voices in Council and beyond. We have an incredible opportunity to directly involve our community and our youth, gathering their insights and feedback. By empowering people to contribute to Council plans, we’re strengthening our community from the ground up.”
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Penrith has 28,316 people aged between 15 and 24 living in the Local Government Area.
Now Council will prepare the feasibility report and bring the results back to Councillors Austin and Thain.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.