Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2014

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LORD MAYOR’S YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL 2013

AUTHOR Angela Goggin

Ms Catriona Holland, we implemented the ‘Oriel Park Bamboo Project’ (pictured). Over the twelve-month period we oversaw the creation of a new seating area, a path and some originally-designed artwork. This area has become a space that youth and the wider community often use to gather with friends and to explore the quotes on the painted poles. The success of the ‘Oriel Park Bamboo Project’ is evidence that young people really can initiate change in the community and that the Brisbane City Council values our opinions. Being involved with LMYAC also opened doors to enable me to attend events such as the 100+ Club High Tea, National Young Leader’s Day hosted by Halogen and ceremonies with the Lord Mayor representing not only Girls Grammar, but also the youth of Brisbane. It has also created connections with the friendly Youth Coordinators in the Brisbane City Council who are dedicated to helping other young people create, design and achieve great things in their local communities. I have also made lifelong friends with like-minded people from other schools. Throughout this experience I have learnt about the importance of young people interacting and communicating with Council to better shape local areas into places that can be enjoyed by young people. Contributing to my local community through this programme has been a great learning experience, and has allowed me to develop skills that I will carry with me throughout

The School congratulates Angela Goggin (10G) on being selected as a member of the Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council for 2013. Each year, the Brisbane City Council invites selected Year 10 students to engage in discussion, to participate in decision making, and to become a voice for raising community issues pertinent to young people. Angela enthusiastically embraced the authentic learning experiences and the opportunity to contribute to her local community. She was part of a group that delivered a vibrant new youth space in Oriel Park, Ascot, after initiating contact and then negotiating with local Councillor David McLachlan. Angela reflected on her experiences, in her detailed account below: The Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (LMYAC) is a group of representatives from the majority of schools in Brisbane that aims to engage students in decision making at a local and citywide level. By discussing and identifying issues as well as providing opinions and feedback on council policy and initiatives in a public forum, students develop leadership skills and represent the environmental, social, creative and economic aspirations of young people in Brisbane. By attending workshops and various forums during 2013, I was truly able to make valuable contributions to my community. In April, we attended the first meeting and workshop where we discussed the potential to create more vibrant spaces in our local area. A small group of us came up with a design to upgrade a local park in Ascot. With the help of our local councillor, Cr David McLachlan (Hamilton) and community artist

leadership at Girls Grammar and beyond. More information about the project can be found at www.davidmclachlan.com.au/News/ CommunityNews.aspx

GRAMMAR GAZETTE