Ballajura Youth Summit: Empowering Young Voices for the Future

The summit is a collaborative effort between Kids First (formerly Whitelion Youth in Western Australia) and the City of Swan, with the City of Swan’s Ballajura Youth Committee playing a key role in facilitating the day's events.

Tanya Richardson, the Mayor of the City of Swan, attended the summit alongside several local council members. Their presence underscored the importance of fostering a meaningful dialogue between young people and decision-makers in the community. This event is designed to encourage open dialogue, and with 50 young people in attendance, the event certainly fulfilled its purpose.

One of the most impactful segments of the day was the Councillor on a Couch session. This Q&A format allowed the young attendees to engage directly with the council members, asking important questions about local issues and the policies that affect their daily lives. An opportunity for young people to express their concerns about their community, the openness of council members allowed for a candid exchange of ideas.

The Ballajura Youth Summit is more than just a one-day event. It marked a significant step in building stronger connections between the City of Swan’s young people and its leadership, reinforcing the city’s commitment to ensuring that the voices of younger generations are heard and respected. By facilitating conversations like those at the summit, the City of Swan and Kids First continue to invest in the development of future leaders and empower young people to shape the community they call home.