Youth Summit

The Nillumbik Youth Summit brings together young people from across the Shire to discuss topics and issues that are important to them. Participants then make a number of recommendations to Council, local MPs and local youth service providers on the changes and initiatives they'd like to see in the community.

The Youth Summit is by designed by our Youth Council for young people who are passionate about leadership, advocacy and the community in response to Council’s Youth Strategy 2022-2026. The Strategy provides an integrated approach to ensuring Council continues to value and incorporate young people into Council by providing meaningful opportunities for young people, valuing their contributions and empowering them to help shape our community.

Nillumbik Youth Summit 2024

Students from schools throughout the Shire united on Wednesday 22 May for the second Nillumbik Youth Summit.

The biennial event brings together young people to brainstorm ideas and make recommendations to Council on topics affecting youth, including mental health; climate action; gender equity; alcohol, vaping and drugs; employment; inclusion, and bullying.

Recommendations out of the summit included mental health first aid training for teachers and young people, an environmental youth group, as well as a range of opportunities identified for the Shire’s new Youth Hub, including job readiness sessions and mentorship programs.

More than 50 students from Diamond Valley College, St Helena Secondary College, Eltham High School, Eltham College, Loyola College, Catholic Ladies College, and Montmorency Secondary College attended the summit at Eltham Community and Reception Centre.

Youth Council Mayor Orianna Edmonds and Youth Council Deputy Mayor Niamh Coffey were the event MCs. Keynote speakers were mental health and LGBTQIA+ advocate Trent Anderson from headspace, Nillumbik resident and charity founder Libby Fisher from Libby’s Koala and Wildlife Crusade, and Ridmi Dolamulla, who is an activist, gender equity advocate and student support officer at Monash University.

Council will work with young people and local partners to continue delivering on recommendations from the Summit through the implementation of the Nillumbik Youth Strategy 2022-2026.