THEY’RE the young people who counsel council, and the Armidale Youth Advisory Committee has been recognised for their hard work.
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Taking out Young Volunteer Team of the Year at the New England Volunteer Awards, the group connect issues facing youth with the people who most need to hear them.
Chair Subhanu Abbaraju said he’s grown enormously since joining the team.
“For young people, cyber bullying is a big issue, so are drugs, alcohol, sexuality and relationships – we’re the conduit between what affects young people and the council,” he said.
“In a regional area, young people seem to be quite insular and closed off so we run events to try and bring them out into the community.”
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Just recently ARYAC organised a day in the park with youth mental health organisation Headspace, and on Thursday attended a Youth Action forum.
Members ran a mental health survey of more than 200 young people in Armidale, and Subhanu said it was a daunting but rewarding process.
“It was pretty uncomfortable at first, just walking up to someone and talking about mental health – but after you do 200 you get pretty good,” he said.
Armidale Regional Council youth and family coordinator Alice Cleaver said the award usually goes to an individual, but this year nominated the group.
“But, because of the great work that youth council do, I thought it was important to acknowledge their dedication – they give up their time, they work hard and they’re really driven and passionate,” she said.
“We thought that deserved recognition.”
Council is starting groups in both Guyra and Tingha, and are looking for people aged 12 to 24 from all walks of life.
“You gain a lot of people skills, learn to network, I hope we can get a few more people,” Subhanu said.
“It’s a personally enriching experience, I hope anyone who joins takes away leadership and organisational skills, people skills.
“It’s quite rewarding just participating in the community and participating in local governance.”