Ballarat represented in state government's new Victorian Youth Congress

Emilia Wu, 25, first arrived in Ballarat in 2016 as an exchange student studying in the region. Now, she says she is thrilled at the opportunity to represent the region alongside representatives from around the state.

"I feel quite excited," she said.

"Before I applied I didn't even know there was a Victorian Youth Congress... I wasn't sure if I would get it but when I found out I did, it was really exciting to know I would be working with people from all over Victoria."

Announced on International Youth Day on Wednesday, the new Victorian Youth Congress will work with the Victorian government to ensure young people's voices are heard in decision-making on issues of importance to all young Victorians.

Ms Wu said she believes having a platform for young people to showcase their ideas to the government is crucial to move forward as a state.

"It's a great opportunity for young people to participate, discuss serious issues, influence change within the community and meet people in the government," she continued.

"Your ideas and opinions will be valued more because people within the government can actually hear you. It's so hard to influence change from the outside, so this is a great opportunity and it's very important to build that bridge between young people and the government, let them know what issues we are actually facing."

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These sentiments echoed those of Minister for Youth Ros Spence.

"Young people are among the most affected by the coronavirus pandemic - so it is crucial they have a seat at the table on issues that are impacting their lives and futures," she said in a statement.

"This group of inspiring young people represent the diversity of Victoria and we can't wait to hear their ideas and work with them to make sure their voices are heard across government."

Looking forward at what she can achieve within the Youth Congress, Ms Wu spoke passing on her ideas and strategies developed in Ballarat while also taking in what other young people are doing in their regions.

"It's really important to listen to people from other suburbs to get the widest view possible. I only live, study and work in Ballarat... I have no idea about the policies in Melbourne.

"I have talked to people about how multicultural Ballarat is and they want to take our ideas to help their own communities, so to have the youth congress be representative of all areas of Victoria is crucial."

The youth advisory group reflects our state's great diversity, with young people from Aboriginal, LGBTIQ and multicultural communities, as well as young people living with disability.

The group includes young people aged between 15 and 25 who hail from rural, regional and metropolitan areas across the whole of Victoria.

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