This week, the Junior Bonner Youth Advisory Council (BYAC) met for the first time with Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP and GIVIT CEO Sarah Tennant to have their say on issues important to them.

Launched in 2020, the BYAC has now extended to junior students, inviting Bonner schools to select students between years 5 to 6 to take part in the program which provides young people with the opportunity to meet with Mr Vasta and other community leaders.

The meeting saw 10 years 5 and 6 students from Moreton Bay College, Gumdale State School, Manly West State School and Redeemer Lutheran College join a Zoom call with Mr Vasta and Mrs Tennant to find out more about how the not for profit charity GIVIT is making a difference to those in need by encouraging donated goods, disaster relief assistance, giving to charity and more.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said it was fantastic to welcome junior students to the BYAC and bring natural born leaders from various schools across Bonner together.

“The Junior BYAC is an incredible initiative where students can learn about the issues important to them and understand the role the government plays in our local community. It is essential we are extending these learnings to our junior students and that’s why I have started the Junior BYAC,” Mr Vasta said.

“Students were very engaged with the story behind GIVIT and the work of this not for profit, with many asking questions around how it started, what charities it supports and how they can even start donating themselves.

“Sarah’s does special work with GIVIT. She has an incredible passion for making a positive difference and helping Australian’s give the way that best suits them, no matter how big or small. Sarah is also an East Brisbane local!

“I am very proud of the students who took part in the meeting. The Junior BYAC is an initiative that not only enables me to teach young people about the role government’s play in our local community but provide them with an opportunity to have a voice and influence change.”

GIVIT CEO Sarah Tennant said, “I was honoured to be a part of the first meeting with the Junior BYAC.

“It was so heart-warming to hear how the students saw a need to help those in vulnerable situations. A few of them even shared how they would like to make a difference by donating some of their old books or clothes,” Mrs Tennant said.

“It’s very special to see this level of compassion in the next generation of leaders and I congratulate these students on being great examples.”

“Junior BYAC participants can be chosen by their school or they can self-nominate for the chance to be the youth voice of their peers,” Mr Vasta said.

“If you would like to be part of the 2021 Junior BYAC, you can be nominated through your local school or contact my office.”

About GIVIT 

GIVIT is the smart way to give. Through GIVIT.org.au, we channel generosity where it is needed to support vulnerable people and communities in Australia. Working with more than 4,000 support organisations, we ensure people get what they need when they need it most – whether recovering from an emergency event, or experiencing hardship due to circumstances such as drought, domestic and family violence, homelessness, disability, and mental health. GIVIT captures all offers of goods and services online, removing the need for charities and services to sort, store and dispose of unrequested donations, saving valuable resources. 100% of donated money received by GIVIT to support people in need are used to purchase essential items and services. We buy locally, wherever possible, to support local businesses and the economic recovery of affected communities.