Redland City Council has reached dozens of high school students from several local schools at interactive workshops held this year as part of the inaugural Redlands Coast Young Citizens Program.
Mayor Jos Mitchell said the initiative provided a unique opportunity for the city’s future leaders to collaborate and share ideas on a range of local topics relating to local government and Redlands Coast.
“We recognise the valuable contributions our young people make to the city and want to ensure they feel empowered to be actively engaged in matters involving their communities,” the Mayor said.
“This cohort of Redlanders will have an important role to play in shaping the Redlands Coast of tomorrow, perhaps even as an officer in local government or an elected representative.
“The three workshops held under the inaugural Young Citizens Program were designed to align with elements of the Queensland school curriculum and included a Great Debate, Change Challenge and Quick Connect Quest.
“These sessions provided an opportunity for students to put their skills to the test in real-life scenarios, build networks with their peers, and learn more about the many roles and responsibilities of local government.
“They also allowed students to practice critical thinking skills, deepen their understanding of what’s involved in policymaking, and participate in a variety of collaborative exercises.
“Schools involved in the workshops included Wellington Point State High School, The Industry School, Sheldon College and Alexandra Hills State High School.”
The final workshop held this year was the Quick Connect Quest, where students and Council officers engaged in discussions about various topics in five-minute intervals.
“The feedback provided after the session was that having direct access to Council officers in this setting allowed students to gain a deeper appreciation for the various functions of local government,” the Mayor said.
“The workshops also unlocked valuable insights into a range of different careers and professions, as well as the pathways into these industries.
“For instance, at the Quick Connect Quest session, Council had representatives from various areas of the organisation sharing their knowledge on subjects such as environmental health, waste management and social planning.
“These hands-on experiences and networking opportunities will be beneficial for students as they step out into the world and pursue their own careers after high school.”
To learn more about the Redlands Coast Young Citizens Program, visit the Council website.
Photos of the Quick Connect Quest session are available online here.
