Meet #BYC – Nerasha Pathirana

It’s time to meet your 2023 Brimbank Youth Councillor Nerasha Pathirana

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

Tell us more about yourself!

I am currently a Year 9 High School Student who loves to be engaged in all things leadership. As a passionate tennis player, I love spending my free time playing matches and watching the pros compete. When I’m not on the court, I enjoy binge-watching Netflix shows and diving into a good book. I also like to play badminton occasionally to stay active and have fun.

Why did you join the BYC?

I joined the Brimbank Youth Council because I wanted to be more involved in my community, share my opinions on issues I’m passionate about, and enhance my social skills by meeting new people. As a member of BYC, I now have the opportunity to represent an influential group of people and contribute to community discussions and projects. Being a part of the Brimbank Youth Council is beneficial to me as it provides leadership opportunities within my community, and my primary goal is to continue developing my leadership abilities.

What are you passionate about?

I’ve been on an amazing journey to develop my self confidence through my passion for student voice. While we’re all working to improve student voice, I believe we can do better to make young voices heard. I’ve had so many opportunities to raise awareness for young people and my involvement has pushed me out of my comfort zone. Brimbank is an area I frequently visit for my education and social life, so having a say in young people’s future for Brimbank is very important to me. I enjoy contributing my perspectives on our youth to enhance it for everyone.

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

I have had experience in doing group projects and youth forums which I’d love to do again. Doing so can provide many benefits, such as helping individuals develop their leadership and organisational skills, gaining experience in project management, and improving their ability to communicate and work collaboratively with others. Additionally, youth forums or group projects can help people connect with others who share their interests and passions, and provide a platform for sharing ideas and opinions with others. By organising a youth forum or group project, one can make a positive impact on their community, and inspire others to get involved and make a difference as well. A youth forum or collective project can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, and can help people develop skills and qualities that will benefit them in many areas of their life.

What does a better Brimbank look like to you?

A better Brimbank to me would be a place that provides a strong sense of community, with opportunities for people to connect and engage with each other. It should also be inclusive and diverse, celebrating the unique backgrounds and experiences of all its people.

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

Young individuals who want to create change should concentrate on developing relationships and their skills working with others. It is crucial to consider other people’s viewpoints and work with them to find solutions to issues. It is also critical to keep up with current events and educate yourself on the issues that are important to you. Be open to listen to criticism and alter your strategy as necessary, but don’t be hesitant to stand out and offer your views too. You should also keep in mind that change takes time and perseverance, so be motivated and continue to work towards your objectives.