Meet #BYC – Meena Babawi

It’s time to meet your 2023 Brimbank Youth Councillor Meena Babawi .

A Brimbank young people who is motivated, excited and determined to represent the young community of Brimbank.

Tell us more about yourself!

Hi, my name is Meena and I come from an Assyrian background. In my free time, I enjoy reading (my favorite genre is non-fiction), cooking/baking, and learn about different pathways as I currently am in year 11 (leaning more to medicine). I’m excited to share my knowledge and ideas with everyone at BYC and have more say in my community. I can’t wait to meet new people and make not only changes but also memories.

Why did you join the BYC? OR IF THIS IS YOUR SECOND YEAR: Why did you decide to stay on in the BYC

I joined BYC because I have the desire to make a positive impact in my community and to the youth like me, I have an interest in advocacy and social justice, a passion for youth empowerment, and a desire to develop leadership and teamwork skills.

What are you passionate about?

I have a wide range of interests, but there are a few things that I’m particularly passionate about. One of those is social justice and equality, and I feel a strong drive to fight against discrimination and work towards a more equitable society for everyone. Another area that I’m deeply interested in is environmental sustainability and conservation, and I try to do my part in protecting our planet’s natural resources and ensuring a sustainable future. Health and wellness is also very important to me, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my physical and mental well-being, as well as that of others. I’m also fascinated by science and technology, and enjoy keeping up with the latest developments in these fields. Overall, I believe that it’s important to explore different interests and find what resonates with me personally, and to use my passions to make a positive impact in the world.

What are you hoping to achieve as a BYC member this year?

• Connect with other like-minded individuals who share your passions and interests
• Develop new skills and gain valuable experience through participating in various projects and initiatives
• Advocate for issues that matter to me and make a difference in the community
• Organize events and activities that bring people together and promote a sense of community
• Raise awareness about important issues and encourage others to get involved and take action
• Collaborate with other organizations and groups to achieve common goals
• Provide support and resources to young people across Brimbank and help them realize their full potential

What does a better Brimbank look like to you?

A better Brimbank to me would be a community where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive, where there is respect and understanding among people of different backgrounds and cultures, and where people feel safe and supported.

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

For young people who want to create change in their community, my advice would be to start small and focus on something that you’re passionate about. Get involved with local organizations or groups that share your interests and work together to make a positive impact. It’s also important to listen to the perspectives of others and be open to learning from different experiences and viewpoints. And don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things – change starts with small steps, but it can lead to big things.