It’s time to meet your 2025 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.
2025 Brimbank Youth Councillor Elly is Politics, Philosophy and Economics + Psychology student who is passionate about where mental health and governance intersect. Find out more about her below!
Tell us about yourself!
I’m currently a Publications Manager at SNAPS, a Publications Officer at ESSA Clayton, a Youth Advisory Group member at headspace, and a Y-CARE Co-Designer at The University of Melbourne. Outside of academics and work, I enjoy finding new food spots around the city, spending time with my friends and siblings, and playing tennis.
Why did you join the BYC?
I joined the Brimbank Youth Council because after spending a decade in this community, I wanted to contribute to it in a meaningful way. My past experiences with working on mental health initiatives in high school and tutoring students with autism and ADHD have given me insight into the challenges young people face, from mental health literacy to access to quality education. BYC is the perfect opportunity to build on this and develop my leadership skills. It is also a great way to make new connections with like-minded friends!
What are you passionate about?
Growing up as the eldest of four, my sisters have helped shape my understanding of responsibility and empathy. Because of this, I am passionate about advocating for young people, particularly in the areas of mental health, accessibility, and social policy. My (very lengthy) university degree reflects this passion – studying PPE and psychology has allowed me to explore the intersectionality of policy, economics, and human behaviour. I hope to bring these multidisciplinary perspectives to BYC, and for this experience to strengthen my leadership and decision-making skills.
What are you hoping to achieve as a BYC member this year?
I am aiming to build meaningful connections with other young people in the community and gain a better understanding of the governance process. I would like to learn how decisions are made, contribute to discussions around key issues, and help advocate for practical solutions that benefit young people in Brimbank.
What does a better Brimbank look like to you?
A better Brimbank, to me, is a community that continues to promote diversity across cultural, linguistic, gender, and religious backgrounds. It would also have increasingly accessible formal channels that allow local residents to actively engage in the decision-making process for the community.
What’s one piece of advice you have for young people who want to create change in their community?
Don’t feel you’re too small to make a difference. Sometimes, it can feel like your voice won’t have an impact, but every perspective matters. Start by really understanding what you want to change, then get involved in local groups, reach out to those in positions of power, and connect with the local council. Even small steps can lead to meaningful change when you stay persistent and engaged!
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