Pictured from left: Albury Deputy Mayor Jessica Kellahan, Albury Youth Council Deputy Mayor Ammar Syed, Youth Mayor Siahn O'Sullivan and Albury Mayor Kevin Mack.
Albury Youth Council is proud to announce the election of Siahn O'Sullivan as the 2025 Youth Mayor and Ammar Syed as the Deputy Youth Mayor.
All Youth Councillors participated in a full council vote to elect their new leadership team, with the current Albury Mayor Kevin Mack and Deputy Mayor Jessica Kellahan watching on.
"I’m excited to work with Ammar and the Youth Council to make sure the voices of young people are heard,” said Youth Mayor Siahn O’Sullivan after the result was announced.
“Having been on my school’s student representative council since Year 1, participating in the Youth Council last year, and now in Year 12 with more public speaking experience, I was ready to put my hand up and run,” said Siahn.
"Seeing how passionate everyone was on Youth Council last year, it ignited a passion in me to make sure young people have a voice in Council matters on the issues that affect them, whether that be activities Council runs for them, like sports and extra-curricular activities or events," added Deputy Youth Mayor Ammar Syed.
The Youth Council plays a vital role in representing and advocating for young people in the Albury community. They work to raise awareness and educate the wider community on youth-related issues while developing their leadership and communication skills.
In collaboration with Albury City Council, Youth Councillors provide feedback on draft plans and strategies which ensure young people’s views are incorporated into Council’s decision-making processes.
The 2025 Albury Youth Council consists of 15 members aged between 13 and 16 years. In addition to electing the Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor, the Council also appointed a Secretary, Amelia Evans, and Finance Officer, Angus Rae, tasked with recording meeting minutes and managing project budgets throughout the year.
Youth Councillors actively contribute to major youth and community events, including Wellfest, AlburyCity’s Clean Up Graffiti Day, Gindaymanha Sports Carnival, Youth Week, the Kool Skools music project and an All Abilities Disco.
The new Youth Mayor would also like to see the Youth Council participate in the Border 2025 Relay for Life.
“I had a friend who passed away from cancer and he inspires me every day to keep pushing. I think it’s one of the best ways our community comes together to support such a fundamental cause,” explained Siahn.
As leaders, the Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor will chair Youth Council meetings, ensure agenda items are addressed, support the implementation of the Early Years and Young People’s Plan, and represent the Youth Council at special events and community functions at the invitation of Council staff.
Albury Mayor Kevin Mack congratulated the newly appointed Youth Council leaders.
"It’s inspiring to see young people stepping forward to lead and advocate for their peers," Mayor Mack said.
"The Youth Council is an important voice in our city, and I look forward to seeing the fresh ideas and initiatives they will bring to Albury in 2025."
For more information on the Albury Youth Council, follow this link.