Local mp announces members of youth initiative

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas has announced the 13 members to take part in the inaugural Macedon Youth Advisory Council. Aged between 16 and 21, from 8 different towns, the members are graduates or current students from each secondary college in the electorate.

Ms Thomas made the announcement today in a Members Statement to the State Parliament.

The 13 members selected from across the Macedon electorate are:

 Miranda Johnson-Jones of Kyneton

 Maddi Condron of Kyneton

 Tara Kankindji of Kyneton

 Oliver Bagin of Riddells Creek

 Molly Spencer-Stewart of Woodend

 Shaylyn Blyth of Woodend

 Laura Crozier of Woodend

 Sean Doherty of Gisborne

 Kate McIntosh of New Gisborne

 Joel Blanch of Edgecombe

 William Morris of Trentham

 Marlon Toner-McLachlan of Hepburn

 Santino D’Onghia of Hepburn The first meeting of the Youth Advisory Council was held at Riddells Creek Senior Citizens Centre in May. The Youth Advisory Council will meet five more times over the next twelve months and its aims are to provide a platform for the perspectives and priorities of young people across Macedon, empower young people to take action, show leadership and learn about government and its processes.

Future meetings will take place in other parts of the Macedon electorate including Woodend, Daylesford and Kyneton.

The announcement of the Macedon Youth Advisory Council delivers on an election commitment made by Ms Thomas prior to the 2018 election.

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas:
"I was so impressed with the depth of our discussion at our first meeting – we are going to have a very productive time over the course of this program."

"I look forward to empowering the members with the skills and knowledge they need to become better advocates and change-makers in our community."

Quotes attributable to Macedon Youth Advisory Council Member, Joel Blanch:
"I see this council as an opportunity to bring my voice into the discussion – it’s a way to ensure that the voice of the youth in our community is heard."

"I think it’s great to see a Member of Parliament actively engaging young people and it’s something we should see more of."