The 2021 Ashburton Youth Council, flanked by district councillors, Diane Rawlinson (left) and Lynette Lovett. Photo supplied.Fourteen members on the 2021 Ashburton Youth Council will provide a voice for young people in the district.

The new committee ranges in age from 11 to 23 and will drive youth council activities, help organise events, liaise with Ashburton District Council and address issues facing young people in the district.

They have a wide range of interests that include drama, sailing, dance, softball, karate, volleyball and chess.

The group’s chairman is 20-year-old Michael Baker, who works for Des Kruger Tree Services. He is supported by Ashburton College Year 11 students Henry Goodes and Lara Shierlaw, who are co-deputies and have respective event and community liaison duties as well.

Former Borough School student Maddie Page, now in her first year at Ashburton College, has taken on the secretary role, and 20-year-old Beatrice Bernarte, who works at Rosebank Resthome, is global ambassador.

Other members include Mt Hutt College’s Abbie Wilson-James, who is submissions co-ordinator, and John Magyaya from Ashburton College, who is in charge of online media and is assisted by Alex Cojocary, the youngest member on the council.

The other members are 17-year-old Ila Cabalse, 23-year-old Dom Cotter, St Joseph’s School pupil Sophia Aguila, Janre Lim and Anna Tu’amoheloa, both Mount Hutt College, and Ashburton College deputy head girl Easterlin Faamausili.

The youth council will meet on the first Wednesday of each month and two district councillors, Cr Diane Rawlinson and Cr Lynette Lovett, will support them.

© The Ashburton Courier - 13 February 2021