The Gladstone Region Youth Council acts as a formal advisory committee to Council on youth-related matters within the region.
Participants gain skills and knowledge that will help them in their future careers, such as teamwork, community engagement, asset-based community development, leadership, project planning, public speaking, and democratic skills.
The program offers Council a platform through which to engage with young people and ensures Council has a better understanding of issues that are pertinent to young people in our region.
Terms of Reference(PDF, 156KB)
Youth Council members range from 15 to 24 years old, with some still attending school. Because of this, the Youth Council's annual term aligns with the Queensland school year.
Youth Council members meet on the first and third Monday of the month, excluding public and school holidays. Members serve an initial one-year term and can seek re-appointment for a subsequent term.
IMAGE:(Back row) Cr McClintock, Alisha, Carl, Bailey, Doug, Lochie, Logan, Rebecca (GRC), Cr Cameron
(Front row) Paige, Oneli, Casey, Samantha, Harold, Kaylee, Matilda, Cr Patrick
(Absent) Zachary, Tairui, Niel, Joshua, Flynn.
External organisations can consult with Youth Council members and gain feedback on youth-related topics that could provide capacity-building opportunities within their organisation and the community.
Lodge a formal request with briefing notes if a person or organisation wishes to consult the Youth Council. Officers will assess the relevance and appropriateness of the request in consultation with the Youth Council and decide whether the request is granted or refused.
Engagement application form
Sunny the Sun Safety Campaign
Why is this important
Central Queensland’s high UV levels place young people at increased risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, with cost of sunscreen and inconsistent sun-safe behaviours identified as the key challenges.
Youth Council’s idea
The Youth Council developed the Sun Safe Campaign, and mascot “Sunny” to promote sun-smart behaviours. Through social media posts, not-so-fun facts, weather updates and reels, the digital campaign aimed to raise awareness on sun safe practices.
Part two of the project involved the installation of a free sunscreen dispenser at Tannum Sands Beach, allowing the local community and visitors easy access to free sunscreen. This was generously funded through a grant from CQ health.
Our approach
Youth Council members worked collaboratively with CQ Health and Council officers to determine barriers and key sun safe messaging. Youth Council member Naomi-Jon used her talent to design the digital mascot and campaign, guided by the voice of Youth Council. Youth Council had a large cardboard mascot of ‘Sunny” created to take to local events and promote the campaign within the community. The beach location of Tannum Sands was selected to install the free sunscreen dispenser. Young people played a key role in shaping messaging that resonates with their peers, ensuring the initiative was relevant, approachable, and easy to use.
What we achieved
The Sun Safe Program has increased awareness of sun-safe behaviours and improved access to sunscreen in youth-friendly spaces. The initiative demonstrates the value of youth-led solutions in addressing public health issues and highlights the Youth Council’s commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of young people in the region.
Accessible Drinking Fountain Project
Why is this important
Queensland’s hot climate and high outdoor activity levels increase the risk of dehydration, particularly for young people and community members with accessibility needs. Limited access to free, inclusive drinking water in public spaces was identified as a barrier to staying hydrated and participating fully in community spaces.
Youth Council’s idea
Led by Youth Council Member Ava, the Youth Council advocated for the installation of an accessible drinking fountain at Lions Park Boyne Island, designed to provide free, easy access to drinking water for people of all abilities. The fountain includes accessible features to support community members living with a physical disability, promoting inclusion and wellbeing in shared public spaces. The accessible drinking fountain also includes a water bottle refill station, reducing the need for single-use plastics.
Our approach
Youth Council members worked collaboratively with Council officers to identify suitable locations and with company Civiq for design considerations for an inclusive drinking fountain. Young people provided input on accessibility, usability, and the importance of free water access in public spaces. This youth-led advocacy ensured the project responded directly to community needs and aligned with broader health, inclusion, and sustainability objectives.
What we achieved
The accessible drinking fountain has improved access to free drinking water and enhanced the inclusivity of the surrounding public space. The project supports healthy hydration, reduces reliance on single-use plastics, and demonstrates the Youth Council’s role in driving practical, inclusive improvements that benefit the wider community. The Youth Council are proud to align with Council’s new Access and Inclusion Plan, and set the benchmark in inclusivity, with installation of two more fountains being included in upcoming Council Park accessibility upgrades in 2026.
Melitopol Friendship Project
Why is this important
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has caused widespread disruption to communities, particularly impacting children and young people. Young people in the region face displacement, trauma, and loss of access to familiar cultural experiences, including language, music, and stories that support connection and wellbeing. Gladstone Regional Council signed a friendship agreement with Melitopol in the Ukraine and wanted to make a meaningful contribution to the friendship, with a focus on youth.
Youth Council’s idea
The Youth Council developed the Melitopol Friendship Project to foster connection, solidarity, and cultural exchange with young people in Melitopol, Ukraine. The project included the creation of a curated Spotify playlist featuring the Youth Council’s favourite songs, alongside the translation of their favourite children’s storybooks into Ukrainian.
Our approach
Youth Council members each selected their favourite song to add to the Spotify playlist and children’s stories that reflected themes of hope, kindness, and friendship. They worked with a local resident who was born in the Ukraine to have the books translated into Ukrainian language. The project was guided by empathy, youth voice, and a commitment to meaningful international friendship.
What we achieved
The Melitopol Friendship Project aims to strengthen connections between young people across cultures and extend solidarity in difficult times. The initiative highlights the Youth Council’s compassion and global outlook, demonstrating how youth-led projects can promote understanding, connection, and support beyond local boundaries. In time, the Youth Council hope that youth in Melitopol can share their favourite songs and books with them too.
Youth Council Highlights 2025