Junior council
In 1993 the Rotary club of Ashmore approached the Gold Coast City Council with a proposal to form a junior council that would serve as a forum for young people from secondary schools on the Gold Coast.
Junior council aims to provide an opportunity for students to:
gain an understanding of local government
present any issues from the student body of their school to local council
express their opinions on issues that concern and are important to young people, to various levels of Government and community organizations
raise public awareness of young people's concerns and of their contribution to the local community
foster leadership potential
promote active participation in developing ideas and solutions for youth issues
develop civic knowledge and pride
Students from Years 10 and 11 are eligible to participate in junior council and interested students are selected by each school. School coordinators attend meetings with students, ensure the students are receiving information from council staff and deal with administrative requirements at school. Students from participating schools (state and private) meet approximately five times per year at the Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) chambers at Bundall.
Council staff and school coordinators work with students when meetings are held. Students discuss items on the meeting agenda and make their own decisions regarding the issues raised or on any requests from community groups, who wish to be involved with or publicise their objectives to junior council.
Benowa State High School students have participated in junior council from its inception and continue to enjoy the experiences and friendships gained from being involved with other high school students from across the Gold Coast. Students in Year 9 or 10, who may be interested in participating in junior council in future should approach current junior councillors for information or ask at the library about becoming involved.