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What is Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (LMYAC)?
Each year, all Brisbane high schools are invited to each nominate one Year 10 student to represent their school on the Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (LMYAC).
LMYAC aims to develop young people as leaders, and is specifically designed to provide an opportunity for young people in Brisbane to participate in decision-making at the local and citywide level.
This is done by students identifying issues and engaging with each other in a public forum, where they are encouraged to provide feedback and give their opinion about Council policies, local laws, services and programs that effect young people.
The young people are also encouraged to work with their peers to generate and share ideas regarding initiatives that fulfill the environmental, social, creative and economic aspirations of young people in Brisbane.
Meeting Format
Four LMYAC meetings are held throughout the year (one held every term, on a Wednesday for 3 hours). Meetings are chaired by the Lord Mayor and discussions facilitated by the Youth Team in Council. Young people are given the opportunity to provide input and share their ideas on 3 – 4 Council initiatives during the workshop component of each meeting.
LMYAC delegates act as representatives from their school and community, and are a voice for raising issues or sharing ideas that affect young people in Brisbane.
There is also an Induction Workshop held prior to the first official LMYAC meeting, which enables students to meet Council officers and fellow LMYAC students in a more casual environment. -
Past Agendas
Have a look through some of the agendas of past LMYAC meetings here.
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Past Achievements
Over the past several years, LMYAC students have contributed shape Brisbane’s future in many different ways. Some examples of students’ achievements include:
- Planned and developed Skate workshops for younger children at Ferny Grove Skate Park
- Developed the concept of ibrary – an online Library website, dedicated for highschool students. www.ibrary.com.au
- Provided contribution to Council’s Neighbourhood and Regional Planning agendas including the Mt Coot-tha, Indooroopilly and Chermside Masterplans
- Provided contribution in identifying which Brisbane’s Vision 2026 Theme matters the most to young people
- Discussed and shared ideas on Draft Brisbane Access and Inclusion Plan, which aimed to demonstrate Council’s commitment to achieving equitable access and inclusion for people of all abilities.
- Participated in an online survey which contributed in the development of Young People’s Strategy.
- Helped shape Brisbane to become safer by advising Council on safety concerns of young people and ways to address these concerns.
- Provided advice on transforming Councils facilities, such as parks and Environmental Centres, to become more attractive to young people.
- Participated in civic events, such as Homeless Connect; Tree Planting Ceremony to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen; 100+ Club High Tea to celebrate the contributions of Brisbane’s centenarians; and Australian National Flag Day Ceremony.
In 2012, members have also developed their leadership skills and applied such skills with Council’s support in:
- Initiating environmental projects and programs in their school communities
- Designing and developing Brisbane’s first “inter-school talent competition” and
- Making positive differences in their community by volunteering
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Opportunities
Coming soon in February 2013.
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From Students
1. How has your LMYAC experience been?
My LMYAC experience has been absolutely incredible. I’ve enjoyed it all; the wonderful people I’ve met, the things I’ve learned, the events I’ve attended and the opportunities it has provided me with. I will continue to use my experience to help me grow and improve as an individual. Thank you so much for all of it.Mehitabel Douglas-Drysdale, St. James College
The LMYAC experience was unbelievable being given the opportunity to not only meet the Lord Mayor but like minded young people. It allowed me to involve myself in the community and Brisbane events which I probably would not have known about if it wasn’t for this wonderful program.Will Collins, Bracken Ridge State High School
2. What are you doing differently now that you have been represented at LMYAC 2012?
After my participation in LMYAC I am being an active member of my community and also Brisbane. I learnt about how changes are made in government and how I can implement change as a member of my community. I also now know about services that are provided and how they can best be used. Overall I feel as though I can be a better member of my school community and also my larger community and am being fully active in as many ways as possible.
Hannah Donnelly, The Gap State High SchoolI am more aware of city based fundraising efforts and local talents. I am using the Brisbane City Council Library and their e-services. I am appreciating every change that I see and acknowledging the road its taken to get there. Most importantly, I am enjoying Brisbane, and the hidden gems that LMYAC has introduced me to.
Carla Pecoraro, All Hallows’ School3. Any messages to future LMYAC students
LMYAC is an excellent opportunity to learn about your community and Brisbane. It challenges you to speak up and also provides a lot of activities to participate in, be as involved as possible and don’t be afraid to put your opinion out there! Make the most of LMYAC; it is an extremely fun and rewarding program to be involved in. Hannah
Future LMYAC students should engage wholeheartedly in what is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t be shy!
CarlaLMYAC is an opportunity that only comes around once for Year 10 Students. Make sure you don’t pass it up and let it slip by as involving yourself in this program and the opportunities it presents creates a rewarding outcome for yourself and excellent memories for the future. Will
Take this opportunity and really use it. Venture into it with an open mind, be ready to learn. There is so much you can get out of it if you are willing to contribute your best. Enjoy it, don’t be afraid to share your ideas, and participate in as much as you can.
Mehitabel
