Meet Joanna: Your 2024 Brimbank Youth Councillor

It’s time to meet your 2024 Brimbank Youth Council!

The Brimbank Youth Council is made up of young people in the area, who are motivated, excited and determined to represent the young community of Brimbank.

Joanna is a Year 11 student who comes from a Greek background. She holds 13 years’ experience in jazz, ballet, musical theatre, ballroom dancing, and Greek dancing! Besides tearing up the dancefloor, Joanna heading to the Victorian State finals for the Lions Youth of the Year competition later this year and was also an active participant in her school debate team for three years. Read more about her below.

Why did you join the Brimbank Youth Council?

While living and socialising in Brimbank, I observed that a lot of young people were disengaged, and they were not being represented. I joined the Brimbank Youth Council as I wanted to be a voice for young people within our community whose voices are not being heard. I wanted to create a change within the community and have the ability to create opportunities and programs where the youth of Brimbank are connected and have the opportunity to connect and unite with one another!

What are you passionate about?

There are multiple things that I am extremely passionate about – consisting of participation and involvement within the community, sports and ensuring everyone is represented. I believe that participation is a way to connect and meet with new people as well as develop and create new skills, and am a major sports fanatic! I enjoy watching sports such as volleyball, tennis and Formula 1 as well as playing every sport. Sports is a fun way to get involved, meet like-minded people and have some fun!

What are you hoping to achieve as a Brimbank Youth Councillor this year?

As a member of the Brimbank Youth Council, I want to achieve a more cohesive and united community by creating programs that engage the youth and create a sense of belonging.

What does a better Brimbank look like to you?

Brimbank is such a creative diverse community that embraces the variety of stories, personalities, and cultures. Brimbank could further be improved by creating more programs where youth have the opportunity to engage and further connect with each other outside of school.

What’s one piece of advice you have for young people who want to create change in their community?

One piece of advice I have for young people who want to create a change in your community is to remain resilient. Resilience is the key to creating a change within the community, no matter how many barriers you face you must stay persistent and lobby for what you want. If you want change, you have to stay resilient and true to yourself!

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