Ocean Grove teenager Sam Leonard has joined the City of Greater Geelong’s Youth Council as a new junior member.
The 15-year-old joins the group as a representative of the Bellarine Ward.
Sam has a particular interest in climate change and hopes to encourage more young people to access opportunities and support networks.
Sam will be formally introduced to his Youth Council peers this month, before taking his seat as an official member at the June meeting.
He replaces Elkin Wittenberg, who tendered her resignation from the group due to relocating outside of the municipality.
Sam was offered the position as the next highest recipient of votes for the Bellarine ward in the Youth Council election earlier this year.
He looks forward to bringing a fresh voice to the local government platform.
“I’m really excited to join the Youth Council because it is such a great opportunity for young people to make a difference in the Geelong community,” Sam said.
“It is also a great experience for everyone who is a part of it.”
“On behalf of the Youth Council, I am excited to welcome Sam to our group,” junior mayor Farana Hussaini said.
“We were all sad to say goodbye to Elkin but we are looking forward to the new ideas Sam will bring.
“Sam will be another strong voice for young people in the Bellarine ward. We can’t wait to work together with Sam, to help make that voice heard.”
