Youth Advisory Committee - 05/05/2026

Topics

• Youth committee pushes Council to improve how it consults young people
  Local youth representatives want shorter surveys, clearer language, school visits and better feedback on results.
  Council’s consultation methods could change in ways that affect how young residents have their say.
• Potential youth advocacy event floated in consultation review
  The committee outlined a possible youth advocacy event as one option to lift participation.
  Could lead to a new community event or program aimed at youth engagement.

Decisions

• Acting Chairperson appointed
  Ms Jessica Richardson was appointed Acting Chairperson for the meeting by consent.
  Administrative only; no direct service impact.

Discussion

• Youth engagement and consultation methods
  Members discussed how Council can better engage young people, including more flexible, place-based engagement, short and clear surveys, school visits, assemblies, Q&A opportunities, and interactive workshops.
  Could influence how young residents are consulted on Council decisions and services.
• Feedback on survey results
  It was noted that young people should be told the outcomes of survey results to improve trust and participation.
  Improves transparency and may increase future participation by residents under 25.
• Possible youth advocacy event
  Future options, including a potential youth advocacy event, were outlined and members were invited to contribute ideas.
  May lead to a public-facing youth event or engagement program.

Impacts

• Young people may see more school-based and simpler consultation methods from Council.
• Council may change how it gathers and reports back on youth survey feedback.
• A future youth advocacy event may be developed, creating another channel for community input.

Places

• Nowra (town)
  Meeting location and a proposed central place for youth meetings at Nowra Library.
• Nowra Library (facility)
  Suggested as a central location for meetings with young people.
• Ulladulla High School (school)
  Representatives supported the survey findings and discussed preferred engagement approaches.
• Bomaderry High School (school)
  Representatives proposed school-hour meetings, workshops and central-location engagement.

Next

• Circulate the NSW Office of Youth consultation invitation with the minutes and on Council’s website
  By 30 June 2026, as noted in the meeting materials
• Collect ideas from members on youth engagement approaches and a possible advocacy event
  Before the next committee discussion
• Consider how to improve feedback to young people after surveys and consultations
  For future Council engagement planning

Extract

Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF THE YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE Meeting Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026 Location: Osprey Training Room, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra Time: 10:06 AM The following members were present: Caycee Sutton (Remotely) Chloe Turner (Remotely) Mrs Hayley Tanti – Bomaderry High School (Remotely) Arabella Giles – Bomaderry High School (Remotely) Parker Yabsley – Bomaderry High School (Remotely) Jenny Prinsloo – Bomaderry High School (Remotely) Annalise Edwards – Bomaderry High School (Remotely) Jeremy Fahl – Bomaderry High School (Remotely) Blake Richards – Bomaderry High School (Remotely) Mr Emile Dupont-Louis – Ulladulla High School(Remotely) Talia Gorter – Ulladull...