Young people reach summit
Every two years, Council hosts a Youth Summit for young people. The next one will be held over August and September.
Reyhaan Kakkar, 14, attended the last summit after hearing about it on social media and is now a youth advocate.
“I enjoyed getting to work with and collaborate with other like-minded people,” he says.
“We were discussing mental health, diversity and the environment. Mental health is not just an issue faced by youth but I think it’s really important that we discuss it.”
This year’s summit will focus on how Council can support young people with life skills and education, outdoor and recreation activities and communication between young people and Council.
Reyhaan says Templeton Reserve in Wantirna is his favourite place for sport and recreation.
“I like how it has different parts for different interests,” he says. “It has a footy field, the cricket pitch, tennis court, soccer pitch and also a fitness area. I think it’s great that sometimes when I go I see people are connecting and walking their dog.”
Reyhaan has been developing his leadership and collaborative skills, especially since joining Council’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). “There were some flyers handed out at the last summit about youth advocacy training, which was building your advocacy skills,” he says. “I thought the advisory committee would be a great opportunity to build on my skills. I would like to tell all the young people that Council is a great place if you want to make a difference and give back to the community.”
Bek Howarth, 17, also joined the YAC after attending the last summit with her school. “It is an amazing place to stand up for what I believe in, do my best for the community and improve my communication and advocacy skills, as well as have a lot of fun in an inclusive, safe and really friendly environment,” she says.
Her favourite outdoor place is the Stamford Park wetlands and park, which was recently redeveloped by Council.
“It's super close to home and such a lovely place to go for a run or a walk with my dogs or for a coffee at the lovely homestead,” Bek says. “It's become a favourite mental health study break of mine and I love the little features in the park that cater to different interests, for example, the bike fixing station, indigenous art instalment and the sensory-friendly playground.”
Bek says as an older high school student she hopes Council can support young people with career counselling and choosing the path ahead.
“The most common issue facing a lot of high school leavers is facing an unknown career or future,” she says. “Holding a workshop or potentially even a local business careers expo would be a great way to kickstart young people's entry into the working world right here in Knox.
“In terms of other education, I think communication workshops for workplace skills, nutrition and kitchen budgeting, budgeting in general, and financial education could be really beneficial for people to learn no matter their level of education or age.”
The 2025 Youth Summit is divided by age group:
Young people aged 12 - 18
When: Thursday 14 August from 10:00am – 14:30pm
If you are a student in Knox: Schools will bring their students along to the day. Register through your school.
If you are a young person who lives in Knox but either do not attend school or attend outside of Knox: You are welcome to attend. Please contact [email protected] to register your interest.
Young people aged 16 - 25
When: Thursday 11 September from 18:00 pm – 20:00pm
Register online
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