Senior high school students invited to be ‘Mayor for a Day’

GUNNEDAH Shire Council is inviting secondary students to explore the world of civic leadership by applying to be ‘Mayor for a Day’.

Year 10, 11 and 12 students from the shire are eligible to participate in the interactive program as part of NSW Local Government Week, which is held from 30 to 9 August.

Local Government Week is an annual initiative that aims to stimulate interest in local democracy and promote the role local government plays in the community.

The council recognises the week by celebrating its employees and how they contribute to life in the shire.

Mayor Colleen Fuller said the Mayor for a Day program was created to give young people a valuable opportunity to understand the roles, responsibilities, and challenges involved in leading a council.

“Our initiative enables young people to see how things work behind the scenes and the importance of not only policies and processes, but also positive relationships,” Cr Fuller said.

“We want our youth to be informed and involved, and this program gives them the opportunity to learn about how we manage things like roads, parks, events, libraries, and planning approval.

“When they understand more about the system we work within, they’re more likely to speak up, join working groups, or advocate for issues they care about.”

To apply, students need to fill in an online form that outlines what they would do if they were mayor of Gunnedah Shire Council.

A panel will select the students who will be invited to act as mayor for a day, tour council facilities, greet councillors and senior staff, and meet with council stakeholders.

Applications for the Mayor for a Day program can be submitted online through the council’s website.

Mayor for a Day applications can be received up until 5pm on Friday 10 July.