At South Coast Orthodontics, my time is predominately spent on putting braces and Invisalign in the mouths of the Illawarra’s teenagers. Now it’s exhilarating to witness these young individuals harness their voices for greater causes, by stepping boldly into the realms of local politics.
In an excellent turn of events for the Illawarra, a group of teenagers recently elected their own “young mayors” as part of the Young Mayors Australia program.
One of the participants, 18-year-old Emma Mattison from Dapto High School, expressed her enthusiasm for becoming a “Young Mayor” and making a difference in her community. She believes that young people like herself can play a crucial role in addressing issues that affect their daily lives.
The Young Mayors program, which is being run for the first time in New South Wales, invites 12 to 17-year-olds to nominate themselves for a position on a youth forum that will share their perspectives with Wollongong City Council. This forum will have the power to consult with their peers, define priority action areas, and propose resolutions that the council may choose to adopt.
Already, the young mayors have begun discussing their priorities, including climate action and safe spaces for young people. This program provides them with a unique opportunity to speak up and share their ideas on important matters.
The recent swearing-in ceremony at Wollongong City Council Chambers marked a formal occasion for the young mayors, who pledged to represent their demographic “free of bias.” In attendance were locals, friends and family of the candidates.
The Foundation for Young Australians (FYA), in partnership with the New South Wales Electoral Commission, facilitated the election process. More than 1,400 teenagers participated in the first-ever underage preferential vote in NSW, demonstrating eagerness to have their voices heard.
As an orthodontist, I encourage young people to participate in politics and community activism. Programs like the Young Mayors Australia initiative provide teenagers with a platform to express their opinions, contribute to decision-making processes, and make a positive impact on their communities.
The youth forum will work independently of Wollongong City Council but in consultation with them during its 12-month term. With a budget of $10,000, the forum will have the means to support its advocacy efforts.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery recognises the importance of fostering engagement in politics for young people and creating a balance of views. He believes that every section of the community needs a voice, and the youth forum brings a fresh perspective and set of priorities that can benefit the Illawarra.
The young mayors have already started lobbying for improved mental health resources in schools, particularly public schools, as well as urgent local actions to combat climate change.
At South Coast Orthodontics, we don’t just focus on straightening teeth. We’re focused on being an active voice and part of the community. We applaud the efforts of these young mayors and encourage all teenagers to get involved in politics. Your voice matters, and your active participation can lead to positive change in the Illawarra, Australia and the world.
Yours truly,
Dr Kamal Ahmed
PS: When I was young, Halloween was the scariest night of the year. Now, it’s Election night.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
2. Who is eligible to participate in the Young Mayors Program?
The Young Mayors Program is open to young people aged between 18 and 30 years old who are passionate about making a positive impact in their community. Participants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents and demonstrate a strong commitment to civic engagement and community leadership. The Young Mayors Program is active in Wollongong and The Illawarra.
3. How can I apply for the Young Mayors Program?
The South Coast Orthodontics team and I urge our young locals to apply for the Young Mayors Program. If you’re interested, you can visit the program’s official website at https://www.fya.org.au/
