THE annual program that helped a group of young Mildura residents get a Bill through Victorian Parliament last year, is now open for applications.
The 2020 YMCA Youth Parliament program is open to residents between 16 and 25 and will take on six participants in a mentoring program for politics, debating and leadership.
Joshua May, 19, who took part in the program last year, said he would highly recommend the experience.
“I guess I have always had a bit of a general interest in politics but I wasn’t really knowledgeable about the whole world of it,” he said.
“I am going to study law next year so I thought that it could be something that would help me, especially with debating skills and things like that.”
Participants are coached on a number of leadership tactics throughout the program, which includes a week-long trip to Melbourne to attend Victorian Parliament.
The group met weekly in the lead-up to collaborate and discuss ideas behind a Bill proposal and with the help of a mentor passed the Mental Health Workforce Initiatives Bill 2019.
It aimed to get more mental health services and professionals through regional Victoria and was passed unanimously through the Legislative Assembly.
“Basically what we were trying to implement was a way in which we could increase the amount of psychologists who would come and work in regional areas because of the severe lack of mental health services around the state,” Mr May said.
“And how we put that together is we were looking at ways that would entice a psychologist to our area, like if we were to offer personal or professional development opportunities.”
Mr May said the program was a platform for young people to excel in politics.
“I think youth are looked down on, unfortunately, in the world of politics and you feel as though your opinions as a young person aren’t taken very seriously,” he said.
“It was great to be in an environment where you felt your opinions were valued and we were able to stand up in Victorian Parliament and talk about what we were passionate about and what really drives us.
“That was the most beneficial thing.”
Applications opened for the program this week and must be submitted through Mildura Council by 5pm on January 30.
“Anyone who has any level of interest in politics or debating, I think they would really get a lot out of this program,” Mr May said.
“It is really intensive, a lot of early mornings and you are surrounded by a whole group of different people but they really support you the whole way through.”
