Youth Advisory Council

The New South Wales Youth Advisory Council (YAC) was established in 1989 under the Youth Advisory Council Act, to ensure that young people participate in the development of Government policies and programs which concern them.

The Youth Advisory Council advises the NSW Government on:

• Issues of concern to young people (aged 12-25) in NSW;
  
• Government policies relating to young people; and,
  
• Youth-related programs.

For more information or inquiries regarding the NSW Youth Advisory Council please contact the Acting YAC Executive Officer at the NSW Commission for Children and Young People on 02 9286 7206 or email Christopher.Hellmundt@kids.nsw.gov.au.

2009 Youth Advisory Council members

Twelve YAC members were announced by the Minister for Youth, The Hon. Graham West MP, in April 2009. They are:

Amanda Scott, 22 - Windang
Matt Petherbridge, 20 - Weston
Maggie Malak, 21 - Epping
Helen Machalias, 20 - Armidale
Tjirra Francis, 19 - Dorrigo
Krysten Gers, 18 - Broken Hill
Emre Mehmet, 18 - Birrong
Jacob Wray, 16 - Moruya
Samir Kinger, 15 - Wattle Grove
Katy Brownless, 22 - Annandale
Travis Holland, 22 - Hill Top
Kaitlyn Carlia, 18 - Harrington Park

Past Forums

In 2006, the Youth Advisory Council sought opinions from young people and other interested parties on these issues: 

• Young People and Disability - summary of online forum and outcomes
  
  
• Young People and Racism - summary of online forum and suggestions for change

In 2005, the Youth Advisory Council sought opinions from young people and other interested parties on these issues:

• Young People and Identity - online forum summary and outcomes
  
  
• Young People and Work - summary of online forum and related info
  
  
• Young People Feeling and Being Safe - forum summary and online discussion

Youth Advisory Council Annual Reports

• 2008
  
• 2007
  
• 2006
  
• 2005
  
• Previous years

Review of the Youth Advisory Council Act

New South Wales is the only Australian state or territory to provide a statutory basis for its youth advisory structure.  The NSW Youth Advisory Council is governed by the Youth Advisory Council Act 1989.

A Review of the Youth Advisory Council Act 1989 was conducted in 2003 to ensure the Council’s structure, functions and membership enable young people’s views to be effectively heard by government. Read more about the Review and its results.