Join our Merri-bek Youth Panel and tell us what’s important to young people!
Merri-bek Council is looking for some passionate young people aged 12 – 16 years old who represent our diverse community to be part of a Youth Panel. The panel will update the Community Vision and help Council understand what’s important for young people.
If have things to say about how we can make the Merri-bek community great for young people, we want to hear from you.
You don’t need any special skills or knowledge to take part – just willingness to work with others.
Your ideas will help shape the Community Vision and guide the development of the Council Plan.
Anyone aged 12 – 16 years can register.
Panel selection is managed by independent organisation Deliberately Engaging. You will be taken to an external website to register.
Registrations are now closed
Who makes up this youth panel?
You! We want to make sure we have a range of different perspectives and experiences involved, so if you live, study or play in Merri-bek, please register your interest.
The panel will be selected by an independent organisation called Deliberately Engaging. You will be contacted directly by Deliberately Engaging if your application is successful.
Merri-bek City Council is committed to being a Child Safe organisation and has zero tolerance for child abuse. We believe children and young people have the right to be and feel safe and that their safety and wellbeing is the responsibility of everyone. All child safe incidents will be treated seriously and responded to promptly.
At Merri-bek we support and encourage the empowerment and participation of all children and young people. As an inclusive organisation we recognise and respect diversity. We are committed to providing culturally safe environments where all children and young people are heard, respected and encouraged to reach their full potential.
We recognise the distinct history and experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people and their families and encourage the expression, enjoyment and sharing of their cultures.
What will the youth panel do?
The youth panel participants will meet to discuss our community vision. The Community Vision is how you want Merri-bek to be in the next 10 years. The vision is used as a guide to write important documents, including the council plan.
The council plan tells us how we will work towards achieving the community vision.
Expert, friendly facilitators, Council staff and youth workers will support the youth panel to work towards a shared understanding of what the community vision should be and make recommendations to Council.
When will the youth panel meet?
The youth panel will meet 3 times in February 2025, and you would need to be able to attend all sessions.
All meetings will be face-to-face at Coburg Town Hall.
Meals will be provided and each youth panel member will will receive a $300 allowance in recognition for their time and commitment to being part of this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the adult community panel will happen at the same time as the youth panel. The adult Community Panel and the Youth Panel will share their ideas to come to a common understanding of what is most important for the community. Facilitators, a Youth Worker and Council staff will be present at all sessions to supervise and support any young people participating in the panel.
Local elections have just happened across Victoria, and we have newly elected Councillors.
Council needs to develop or review a community vision, together with their community, soon after these Council elections. The youth panel will review the community vision that was developed in 2021 and make sure it is relevant to our community today. This is your opportunity to shape it.
Yes. 2 facilitators skilled in working with young people, Council staff and Youth Workers will attend each session to support young people with the panel or any additional needs they may have.
Merri-bek City Council is a child safe organisation and all staff present at the sessions have Working With Children’s Checks
Yes. If you need your parent/guardian to attend the sessions with you we will be able to accommodate them in the room. But please keep in mind that they won't be able to participate in the workshops and activities.
Coburg Town Hall is located in the Coburg Civic Centre at 90 Bell Street, Coburg.
Tram
How to get there:
Tram stop number 34 is at the Bell Street and Sydney Road intersection. Route 19 goes to Coburg North and the City.
Train
Coburg Station is on Bell Street. It is a 10-minute walk from the Town Hall crossing Sydney Road. It is on the Upfield train line.
Bus
The closest bus stop is on Bell Street, a 2 minute walk from the town hall towards Sydney Road.
This stop is part of the following bus routes:
- 513 Glenroy to Eltham
- 525 Coburg to West Reservoir via Newlands Road
- 526 to West Preston via Murray Road, and
- 527 Gowrie Railway Station to Northland Shopping Centre via Murray Road
Bike
The Upfield bike path is 5 minutes ride. Exit Coburg Station. Bicycle parking is at the front and rear entrances of the centre.
Car
A limited number of off-street parking is available at the Civic Centre at the rear of the building, accessed via Urquhart Street). Time restricted parking is also available in Urquhart Street, Elm Grove and Bell Street.
Yes! You will receive an allowance of $300 value.
All panel sessions will be held in person. In-person attendance is required to participate as a Panel Member.
There will be further opportunities for the community to engage on the Community Vision and Council Plan in 2025. Updates will be posted on the Conversations Merri-bek page.
