The Minister responsible for Youth, Ray Williams, today announced applications for the 2018 NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) are now open.

The NSW YAC has a statutory role to advise the NSW Government on issues of importance to young people, as well as monitor and evaluate youth-related policies and legislation.

Council members are sought from diverse locations, backgrounds and life experiences.

Mr Williams said the NSW YAC provides an important avenue for children and young people to have a say on policies and programs that affect them, such as violence against children and mental health.

“The feedback received from the Council plays an important role in assisting the NSW Government develop effective policies and programs for young people.”

“There are over 2.3m children and young people in NSW which equates to approximately 31% of our population.

“This is a significant and important opportunity for young people to contribute to our society,” Mr Williams said.

2017 YAC Chair, Declan Drake, found it rewarding to represent his peers.

“I’ve learned a great deal, but also genuinely feel I’ve had the opportunity to engage with matters I consider important to my generation,” Mr Drake said.

One of the key roles of the NSW YAC is to provide advice to the Advocate for Children and Young People, Andrew Johnson.

Mr Johnson, said the 12 person Council meets regularly throughout the year to monitor and evaluate policies and legislations that affect young people.

“The advice of the 2017 NSW YAC has been instrumental to our work throughout the year.

“The Council also met with various NSW Government Departments, such as NSW Health, Multicultural NSW and NESA and helped organise events such as IDEATION 2017 and Youth Week.

“I urge young people to put their hand up to be the next NSW YAC leaders,” Mr Johnson said.

Council membership is open to all NSW residents between the ages of 12 and 24.

For more information and application forms please visit the Advocate for Children and Young People’s website www.acyp.nsw.gov.au or by call (02) 9248 0970. Please note that applications close at 11.59pmon Saturday 30 September 2017.