City of Ballarat has launched a consultation with children under 14 to help inform its council plan.
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Children are being asked to submit their responses to three questions: why should adults listen to kids, what do you love about Ballarat and what makes a good neighbourhood?
There are more than 20,000 children under the age of 14 living in Ballarat, which is about 20 per cent of the city's population.
Nine-year-old Golden Point resident Josephine McGinniss was chosen to feature in a video promoting council's consultation through her involvement with Ballarat Centre of Music and the Arts.
I think we often forget to listen to the younger voices in our community and it is really crucial to make sure Ballarat is catering to all of its residents.
- Katie Donnelly, Ballarat resident and mother
She also submitted a written response to the three consultation questions.
"Adults should listen to kids because kids have great ideas and we not only think of ideas but we also do them," she said in her response.
When asked what she loves about Ballarat, Josephine said: "I love how everyone is nice and everyone seems to know each other. Some of my favourite places are BCMA and the lake."
She said 'people being nice to each other' and 'having good places to do things like play, read and relax' made a good neighbourhood.
Josephine's mother Katie Donnelly said it was wonderful to engage children directly in council consultation.
"I think we often forget to listen to the younger voices in our community and I think that is really crucial to make sure Ballarat is catering to all of its residents," she said.
The consultation was launched during Children's Week which began on October 24.
Children can submit their responses to the consultation questions in the form of drawings, photos, stories or written answers.
City of Ballarat chief executive Janet Dore said children's responses will inform the council plan and other documents about the future of the community.
"The City of Ballarat is engaging with local children in meaningful consultation about their future as part of our commitment to be a child friendly city," she said.
"As a proud signatory to the Child Friendly Cities and Communities Charter, we are committed to ensuring Ballarat's children are active and engaged citizens in our community and that their voices are heard and valued."
The consultation period will run until November 13. Visit mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au/childrens-consultation-2020.
Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
