Local young people to elect next Mackay Youth Council

Published on 19 October 2026

Local young people will this week get the opportunity to take part in a key aspect of living in a democracy.

Twenty-one young people are in the running to be part of the third Mackay Youth Council term, with 12 members to be selected following this week’s polling.

Young people aged between 11 and 17 are eligible to vote at polling stations being set up at local schools, Headspace at Caneland Central and other community venues.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Mackay has led the nation in empowering young people to play a role in civic life.

“Mackay Regional Council was the first local government in Australia to have an elected youth council as part of the Foundation for Young Australians' (FYA) Young Mayors program,” he said.

“It’s been really encouraging to see the level of engagement and commitment by all the candidates to have their voices heard on how they see the future of our region,” he said.

“The previous two youth councils have developed strong policy positions and projects around mental health, recreation, opportunities and wellbeing and I’m sure this next council will continue this fantastic work.”

About 1400 young people voted in the first Youth Council election in 2023, with more than 2500 votes for the last term.

FYA’s Director of Young Mayors, Lachlan Preston, said an elected youth council ensured local government decisions reflected the needs of young people.

“Local governments play a huge role in the day-to-day lives of all people in our communities, but the voices of young people are often missing from decision-making processes,” he said.

“The Young Mayors program enables young people, elected by their peers to the Youth Council, to have real influence – ensuring that council policies and programs respond to and reflect the concerns, needs and desires of local young people.”

Voting will be held between October 19 and October 23.  Votes will start to be counted on Saturday, October 24.

It’s anticipated that the 12 successful candidates will be sworn in for their 18-month term in early 2027.

For more information about the election process, the candidates running and polling locations visit www.fya.org.au/young-mayors-mackay/