Meet #BYC – Allyza Catapang
It’s time to meet your 2023 Brimbank Youth Councillor Allyza Catapang.
A Brimbank young people who is motivated, excited and determined to represent the young community of Brimbank.
Tell us more about yourself!
My name is Allyza, I was a member of the BYC in 2022 and I’m 18 years old currently studying my first year at RMIT university. I like to keep myself busy with my studies and with pursuing opportunities that help make the community I live in a better place. In my spare time I’ve recently gotten back to painting and reading.
Why did you join the BYC? OR IF THIS IS YOUR SECOND YEAR: Why did you decide to stay on in the BYC
I decided to stay in the BYC because I found a lot of opportunities through it last year, and not only that but I genuinely enjoyed the experience and I’d like to see if I can make any improvements from last time.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about issues involving gender and racial equality, LGBTQIA+ rights as well as education and the accessibility of medical services, especially mental health services to young people and those with financial difficulties. I always do my best to be as intersectional and inclusive as possible with the things I advocate for, because I believe that everyone should feel safe, seen and heard whenever it comes to things that affects them.
What are you hoping to achieve as a BYC member this year?
As a BYC member this year, I hope I can make a bigger impact than I did last year and hopefully achieve larger-scale goals that make Brimbank a better place for young people.
What does a better Brimbank look like to you?
For me a better Brimbank is a place where many people from different backgrounds can live a fulfilling and happy life where they have their needs and wants met, and they can become the best version of themselves.
What’s one piece of advice you have for young people who want to create change in their community?
My advice is to just go for it, sign up for any opportunities that interest you, put yourself out there and make them hear you. Starting out at first is uncomfortable and you never know what you’re doing, and there’s always a lot of hurdles but just keep going. Life is all about taking leaps of faith, and you have to believe in yourself and trust yourself if you really want to make a change.
