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The City of Whyalla’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) has wrapped up a productive 2017 with an end-of-year function at the council chambers.
The evening was attended by Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer who described YAC as an outstanding group of young people achieving real things for the community.
“We are the envy of many other councils that don’t have a YAC and it’s a credit to everyone involved in this committee from council staff who help co-ordinate it and those on the committee,” Mayor Breuer said.
“It is wonderful to see young people prepared to put their hand up for this committee and, what’s more, actually get involved in the community in a hands-on role to get things done.
“We are seeing our future leaders here and council is so appreciative of everything to they do and everything they stand for.
“It is always a pleasure for myself and the elected councillors to be involved with these young people and their presentations to the council during the year are always appreciated.”
In his final address to council for 2017, Mayor of the Whyalla Youth Advisory Committee Ethan Klobucar outlined YAC’s activities in 2017 and plans for this year.
“We held the Rainbow Run during the Unearth festival, which saw around 1500 people attend, up from 700 people the year before, with people attending from places like Pt Augusta and Pt Pirie,” Ethan said.
“Four of our members - including myself, David Dixon, Alicia Renton and Alex Giumelli - attended the YMCA Youth Parliament Program in which our bill to prohibit the sale and production of caged eggs in South Australia successfully passed through both houses.
“We also had one of our members, Jarrod Tetlow, attend the YMCA Junior Parliament Program, which is a shorter version of Youth Parliament aimed at ages 12-15.
“Four of our members were nominated for the Graeme Jose Award, with Emily Rawlings and Alicia Renton taking first place and runner up.
“We held event for National Day for People with a Disability, with around 300 people attending on the day, despite the bad weather.
“Zia and Cyanne Westaman became qualified in youth mental health first aid, as well as hosting Kelly Vincent (South Australian Dignity Party politician) during her visit to Whyalla.
“The YAC also held two BBQ fundraisers during the year, one at Stratco and one at Mitre 10, which were both extremely successful, and participated in the GFG Alliance Whyalla Christmas pageant.”
Ethan also revealed that the YAC Shack was finally finished and will be used to hold a number of small events over the Christmas Holidays called ‘Pictures in your Park’, which will see the shack taken to parks around Whyalla to show a movie on a giant inflatable screen.
Ethan said the first few months of this year would be just as busy for the committee.
“We’re looking to hold an event during SA Youth Week which will consist of a giant inflatable ninja course and we will also be looking to host a talent show,” Ethan said.
“We plan to host the Rainbow Run for a third year, this time looking to make it even bigger and better than the last one.
“There is also a youth forum being planned to give Whyalla youth the chance to have their say about the city and issues in our community pertaining to young people.”
Anyone interested in becoming involved in the Youth Advisory Council can call City of Whyalla Youth Development Officer Gail Rostig on 8640 3444.