Shellharbour City Youth Council will host the region’s first Youth Summit this week to promote young people’s leadership, voice, and personal growth.

Teams of students representing high schools from across the region have been invited to the Youth Summit to share the top five priorities of young people in their school.

Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said that the Youth Summit would allow young people to share their visions for the city and initiate discussions with community leaders.

“At Shellharbour City Council we want to encourage all members of the community, no matter their age, to be involved and have their voices heard on decisions that impact them,” Cr Saliba said.

“The Youth Summit will give young people a new platform to express their top priorities in an environment where they can challenge themselves, develop their leadership skills and connect with a diverse range of experienced individuals.

The Youth Summit is a key action from the Shellharbour Youth Plan 2018-2021 that aims to provide young people with the opportunity to develop leadership skills and share their priorities for the city by interacting with their peers, elected members, and civic leaders.

Students will present their priorities to Councillors and elected representatives in the Council Chambers, as well as prepare a poster to showcase priorities.

The day will also include a ‘world café’ where students have the opportunity to discuss key themes from their presentations with civic leaders, as well as a Q&A session.

Media queries/photo opp: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008.