Council
17 June, 2023
Teens campaign for youth council seats
Two of Horsham's potential new community leaders will know next week if they are to make their mark on local government at a young age. Charlie Murray and Ryder Reid, who are both Horsham College students, have been conducting election campaigns in...
Two of Horsham's potential new community leaders will know next week if they are to make their mark on local government at a young age.
Charlie Murray and Ryder Reid, who are both Horsham College students, have been conducting election campaigns in support of their candidacy to the Youth Council.
Eight youngsters will make up the council as part of the Young Mayors program, which will collaborate with Horsham Rural City Council and the Foundation for Young Australians on different issues.
Ryder, 13, a Year 8 student, said he wanted to do something for his age group through this program.
“There’s much more that could help our town but I mainly focus on attractions," he said.
“Me and my mates ride mountain bikes and we used to go to the Burnt Creek, where people make dirt jumps.
"I wondered, 'Why doesn’t our council have a designated area for this?'
“We do technically have Horsham Skate Park but we need some other stuff there.”
Ryder outlined his campaign methods: “I have the website through which I’m going to campaign for my election, but it’s not the only way,” he said.
“I’ll hit Facebook, a few other social media sites and perhaps some Horsham schools.
"I want to design some posters to display around the school area as most of the voters are going to be school students.
“I want to encourage other kids to apply for this program as you only do it once or maybe twice in your life, and you might have fun doing it.”
Charlie, a 12-year-old seventh-grader, said he attended a workshop at the school which inspired him to put himself up for nomination.
“We watched a video at school and I attended a presentation on what it was about and I thought, 'That would be a good idea to help have a say in the community and what’s going on',” he said.
“My biggest goal is to help preserve the environment and make this community a fun and safe place for people to live.
"I want to serve the community within my capacity.”
Charlie said he would run a strong hands-on campaign.
“I'll have the printed shirts which I and my supporters will wear during the campaign, and we'll distribute some pamphlets around the town,” he said.
“I'll ask my brother, family and the neighbours to help out.
“I love rock climbing and I do aikido after school, which is a martial art, so I'll ask young ones there to vote for me.”
The Youth Council results will be announced on Thursday.