Our Youth Council

Ten young and enthusiastic community members were endorsed as the 2022 Gladstone Region Youth Council on 1 February 2022 and so began their journey as official representatives of young people in the Gladstone Region. The Youth Council members were selected based on their diverse strengths and experiences, knowledge of youth issues and willingness to bring about positive change in our community now, and into the future. As a Youth Councillor, they will be provided with local government exposure and personal development opportunities related to public governance to help strengthen youth leadership in the region. This has included regular interactions with the GRC Councillors at formal Youth Council Advisory meetings held monthly as well as community events. The 2022 Gladstone Region Youth Council is made up of 10 members, including two returning members. Ages of Youth Council members range from 15 to 20 years old, with seven of the 10 members still attending school.

Words from Rommiel Malig, Gladstone Region Youth Councillor

The Gladstone Region Youth Council is comprised of 10 likeminded members from the ages 15-24. This Council acts as an advisory board for the youth, meeting twice a month to provide their opinions and ideas on matters around the region. The Youth Council also helps out in the community through volunteering and attending events. So far this year, members have attended community events such as Ecofest, Luminous and Cleanup Australia Day. Along with volunteering at these events, the Youth Council has also participated in the Mayor’s Youth Breakfast, where the Chair and Vice-Chair of the committee co-hosted the event. Several youth councillors have also attended functions such as QGC Shell Community Engagement, Santos GLNG Community Consultative and Asset Based Community Development Workshop. The Youth Council of 2022 are proud to be ambassadors of the Gladstone Region!

MEET OUR YOUTH COUNCILLORS

Alex Hill, Gladstone Region Youth Council Chairperson

Alex joined to make a change in the community, be a part of something greater than an individual and voice the suggestions, ideas and concerns of others to make their lives better. Alex believes that everyone should have the same opportunities no matter where they come from, who they are, or if they have something in their life that challenges them.

Rommiel Malig, Gladstone Region Youth Council Vice-Chairperson

Rommiel is passionate about advocating for a greener future and serving the community in the Gladstone Region. Rommiel looks forward to what is to come for Youth Council having returned to Youth Council again this year after loving the role in 2021 and the impact made by Youth Council through collaboration and teamwork.

Aaron Yea, Gladstone Region Youth Council member

Aaron joined the Youth Council again for 2022 to further learn about the local history and politics of the Gladstone Region and continue volunteering for the community. Aaron was the honoured recipient of the Youth Citizen of the Year Award.

Chloe Sydes, Gladstone Region Youth Council member

Chloe is passionate about supporting this community and including all members. Chloe is excited to be a youth council member because she loves to organise and participate in different events, especially tourism and hospitality in the Gladstone Region. Chloe is passionate about creating long-lasting positive changes in the community.

Emma Roulston, Gladstone Region Youth Council member

Emma joined the Youth Council because she loves volunteering and believes it is an essential part of a community. Emma also wants to have a say for the youth of Tannum Sands and to hear the thoughts and ideas of other youth around the region.

Jessica Toms, Gladstone Region Youth Council member

Jessica is passionate about this community and aims to contribute for many areas. Assistance for the elderly and people with disabilities are particular focus for Jessica, due to having unique understanding of people with speech impairments and special needs.

Jie xi Zang (Jessi), Gladstone Region Youth Council member

Jessi has a passion for volunteering and would love to work with others who are creative, share ideas, and bring them to life with the Youth Council. As a Youth Councillor, Jessi will focus on spreading awareness on social issues such as mental health.

Michael Vardy, Gladstone Region Youth Council member

Michael loves the natural environment of the Gladstone Region and is passionate about maintaining and protecting our local environment. Michael became a Youth Councillor to assist his generation in becoming reinvested in the Council’s work for them.

Stefani Seumanu, Gladstone Region Youth Council member

Stefani joined the Youth Council to ensure our region’s youth can have their say and would like to become a role model to inspire young people to speak up against injustices. Stefani wants to share the message that it isn’t weak to speak up against issues that could potentially impact themselves and the greater good of the community.

Tayla Bullen, Gladstone Region Youth Council member

Tayla became a Youth Councillor to help make Gladstone a place where our youth thrive and work with people willing to make that happen. Tayla would like to become a strong voice for our youth and encourage the younger generation to be more involved within their community.