The Gold Coast Junior Council held its second official meeting of 2025 at the Broadbeach Cultural Centre, located in the heart of the Broadbeach cultural precinct. It was an incredible day, filled with opportunities to develop our leadership and networking skills.
The day began with a fun and interactive Gold Coast City Council Expo, where we explored various committees within local government. It was fascinating to learn about the different roles that help our city run smoothly. One department that stood out to me was City Planning. Representatives from this team shared how they work on long-term strategies for managing the city's growth, including housing developments in response to our rapidly growing population. I also found the Waste Management department particularly engaging - we participated in a hands-on recycling activity and received yellow recycling tote bags to take home.
Following morning tea, we took part in a panel discussion with divisional councillors from across the Gold Coast. I was honoured to be one of 12 students selected to join the panel and had the chance to ask the question: "What is currently being done by local government in regard to public transport, given that the Gold Coast is a co-host city for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games?" The councillors gave detailed responses, acknowledging the importance of improving transport in preparation for the Games. They discussed plans to expand the G:link light rail network, increase bus services, and encourage alternative transport options such as e-bikes and e-scooters to help reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions. We also had the opportunity to share our ideas on what we'd like to see improved within our city.
Overall, the second meeting was yet another engaging and valuable experience. Not only did we gain a broader understanding of how the Gold Coast operates on a city-wide scale, but we also made meaningful connections on a personal level. I highly recommend this program to any Year 10 student interested in leadership, learning, and making a difference in our community.
Timothy Wissa, Year 10 Student
The Term 2 Gold Coast Junior Council meeting was another fantastic day, providing the opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new ones throughout the day's activities.
After a brief introduction, we explored the Gold Coast Expo, which featured over 20 stalls representing different aspects of the city - from libraries and Invest Gold Coast to architectural design and tourism. There was so much to learn about what makes the Gold Coast function so effectively.
Following a delicious morning tea, we took part in a panel discussion between several councillors and Junior Council members, with questions asked from both sides. It was a truly unique and eye-opening experience to witness the exchange of ideas - combining youth perspectives with the insight and experience of the councillors.
Overall, the second meeting was another engaging and valuable day. It provided a deeper understanding of the Gold Coast, not just on a city-wide level, but also in a way that felt personal and meaningful to us all as Gold Coast residents.
Mattias Steljic, Year 11 Student