James Caramanis, a Year 10 student at St Aloysius’ College, was recently elected as a committee member of the Ryde Youth Council Community Committee, where he represents the voices and interests of young people within the local community.
The Ryde Youth Council Community Committee plays an important role in advising the City of Ryde on issues affecting young people. This includes providing insight into the needs and concerns of youth, encouraging greater participation in community and civic life, and supporting the development of leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
As part of the Committee, James contributes to discussions that help shape Council decisions and long-term planning. The Committee works alongside Council staff to provide feedback on key strategies, ensuring that the perspectives of young people are considered in future initiatives and policies.
Recently, James also attended the Mayor’s Youth Summit at Macquarie University, where young leaders from across the region came together to discuss key issues affecting youth and share ideas on strengthening community engagement.
Reflecting on his experience, James said, “As a young member of the community, it’s important to me to get involved and give back. The Ryde Youth Council has given me the chance to represent others and contribute to something bigger than myself.”
Through his involvement, James is gaining valuable experience in leadership and community engagement, while also helping to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for young people across the City of Ryde.
