Over 50 students from four schools across the municipality attended the City's first Climate Change Youth Forum on Wednesday 4 May, engaging in keynote speeches, interactive Q&A sessions, and student-led panel discussions.

The event was hosted at the Phoenix Youth Centre by the Maribyrnong Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC), in collaboration with Maribyrnong Youth Services.

The event began with a Welcome to Country from local Elder, Uncle Ringo Terrick followed by an address to students from Mayor, Cr Anthony Tran – encouraging bold ideas and loud voices to steer the future of social change.

Keynote speakers from Melbourne University, Council, and various youth climate activists shared their knowledge and expertise, including local law student Katta O’Donnell, who embarked on a David and Goliath-like battle when she sued the Australian Government over financial repercussions as a result of the climate emergency – demanding a fair and transparent approach to the climate crisis for future generations.

The Maribyrnong Climate Change Youth Forum, designed and delivered by MYAC, in partnership with Council’s Youth Services, was part of the Victorian Government ENGAGE Program, which delivers grants to local governments, schools and community groups that empower and promote the future voices of tomorrow.

The University of Melbourne research group, Young People Climate Change Capital, is actively working with Council youth services to collate data surrounding climate emergency knowledge in young people and is also co-leading the development of a Climate Emergency resource for young people, with students across the City contributing to this state-wide initiative.

Learnings from the forum will inform the work being undertaken by Maribyrnong’s Youth Services and Environment teams and further activities as part of Council's broader climate emergency community education campaign.