GANNAWARRA Shire Council’s Youth Parliament team will be debating the Bill ‘Regulation of Access of Distribution of Irrigation Water’, discussing the topic of bringing water back to rural farms this year at Youth Parliament during a week-long residential camp.
Gannawarra Youth Parliament team member, Emma Thompson says the Bill is important within the community as we are all facing the consequences of these issues.
“I think it is important that there is a call for change from an agricultural community” Miss Thompson said.
The Youth Parliament program sees teams of young people research and debate an issue and presents it in the form of a Bill. Successful Bills are then recommended to the Victorian Parliament for consideration.
Stacey Barbagallo, Gannawarra’s 2017 Youth Parliament mentor, says Youth Parliament challenges you in a good way.
“Youth Parliament increases your confidence in public speaking and also gives you the opportunity to make lots of new friends. I highly recommend Youth Parliament to anyone who is willing to push themselves out of their comfort zones to have an excellent experience.”
Gannawarra mayor, Cr Brian Gibson says council has been a proud sponsor of a Youth Parliament team for over 3 years and is proud of how the program helps to shape and develop local young people.
“Youth Parliament allows young people from regional areas to travel to the city and engage with people from a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds, which is something that many participants come back and say is one of their highlights,”
“In addition, having the experience of sitting in Parliament and debating Bills provides a truly unique experience and builds skills in relationship-building, teamwork, public speaking and leadership.” Cr Gibson said.
Gannawarra’s team will be in Melbourne for Youth Parliament between July 2 and 7, with the team presenting its Bill on Thursday, July 6 at 9.30am.
You can follow their journey on their Facebook page “Gannawarra Shire 2017 Youth Parliament Team”.
