The Inverell Youth Advisory Council (IYAC) has presented its annual report to Council, highlighting a year of successful youth-led initiatives and unveiling ambitious plans for the future. Covering activities from January to November 2025, the report reflects the Council’s commitment to representing and empowering young people across the Shire.
IYAC Chair Jacqui Paton addressed Council’s November Ordinary Meeting, detailing their activities for the past twelve months.
During 2025, IYAC conducted monthly meetings, progressed internal development and delivered several popular community events including:
- Skating Come and Try Event – Held in conjunction with the Multicultural Festival and Youth Week, this program led by Totem Skateboarding encouraged safe and fun skating for children and adolescents.
- Primary School Disco & Movie Night – As part of National Youth Week, IYAC coordinated a disco and screening of Minecraft: The Movie at Ross Hill Public School. These annual events, now in their third year, continue to boost youth community engagement.
- Careers Expo Support – Members assisted in setting up and running the Careers Expo, contributing to a key initiative that connects young people with future opportunities.
- Festival Fun Colour Run – During the Sapphire City Festival, IYAC prepared colour bottles, obstacles, and joined in spraying colour for over 100 participants.
- The IYAC were heavily involved in the development and delivery of the Inverell Shire Youth Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2030. Their input was invaluable in determining the pillars and the direction of the strategy for the benefit of the youth throughout Inverell Shire.
Membership nearly doubled in 2025, ensuring the Council is powered by motivated and committed individuals. To strengthen communication, IYAC also launched a new Instagram page and email address, laying the foundation for stronger engagement with local youth.
Looking ahead, IYAC is determined to continue the delivery of its annual events, including the Movie Night, Disco and ‘Read To Win!’ program. These initiatives will further enhance youth engagement, enjoyment and community building.
To achieve this, IYAC is developing strategies to boost media engagement and publicity, ensuring the group becomes more visible and approachable to the wider community.
Several new ideas are also under discussion, including: - ISC Come and Try Day
- Inverell Scavenger Hunt
- Town Pool Splash Event
These initiatives are currently in planning stages and are expected to feature in the 2026 agenda.
The year ahead is set to be another productive one for IYAC as it prepares to utilise the new Inverell Youth Strategy and Action Plan. This framework will ensure the IYAC’s continued forward momentum, guided by community values, and will support the creation of further events and initiatives for Inverell’s youth.
Mayor Cr. Kate Dight commended the Youth Advisory Council’s vision:
“The Youth Advisory Council has shown remarkable leadership in 2025 and their future plans demonstrate a strong commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive community for young people. Council looks forward to supporting their journey into 2026.”
Media Release: Inverell Shire Council
