Elected by their peers, young people work together to set priorities, serve a term in office, and collaborate with councils to implement projects and influence decisions affecting their communities.
In 2025, Young Mayors continued to build on strong foundations across existing and new partner councils. The Mackay Youth Council and Wollongong Youth Forum progressed from agenda-setting into delivery, implementing youth-led projects shaped by consultation with their peers. These initiatives reflected local priorities and included delivering Walk & Talk initiatives for mental health, Youth Week events, the development of a Youth Advisory Board to guide the Youth Council, tree-planting and the delivery of a public transport awareness campaign.
The program also entered a new phase of renewal and growth. Cairns held their second election cycle, with young people heading to the polls to elect a new Youth Council. A new partnership was launched with Hume City Council, where inaugural youth council elections saw strong participation and engagement across the community, giving the Youth Council a mandate to represent their constituents in their forthcoming Term in Office.
Read the Cairns spotlight from 2025 here
5,555 young people voted in elections
60 elected representatives sitting on youth councils
13 youth-led projects kick started in community
