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Students encouraged to join reference group

23 April 2008

Monash student Charlotte Baines was elected to the Monash City Council in 2005 at the age of 23. She is encouraging fellow students to get involved in civic life.

A Monash University PhD student and local government councillor believes that more young people need to be involved in civic life and in local decision-making processes.

Cr Charlotte Baines, a Monash Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws graduate, was elected to the Monash City Council in 2005 at the age of 23.

She is juggling her council responsibilities with a PhD at the School of Political and Social Inquiry.

Cr Baines is passionate about youth affairs and is encouraging students from the ages of 15-25 to apply for membership to the Monash Young Persons Reference Group.

Cr Baines said local government had a responsibility to ensure that young people are not just heard, but actively involved in key decision-making processes within their community.

"As the councillor representative on the City of Monash Young Persons Reference Group, I believe that young people can play a pivotal role in influencing local policy outcomes on issues from the environment to multiculturalism to service awareness," Cr Baines said.

"Too many people undervalue the significance of local solutions. There is a need to think globally and act locally.

"By getting involved, students can develop their leadership skills, improve their networking opportunities and offer a fresh perspective and innovative solutions to the development of public policy."

For more information about the group please contact Kerryn Jansons at the City of Monash on +61 3 9518 3214.