Would you like to have a say in what happens in your community?

There are heaps of different organisations and Government processes that you can get involved in to have a say on what happens in your community. The following list is a starting point to help you get involved in decision-making in the Northern Territory.

Community Cabinets

Through Community Cabinets you can meet Ministers and discuss the issues that are important to you. Community Cabinets means that Ministers have direct contact with people and helps to make government accessible to all Territorians. To find out more, including when and where the next Community Cabinet meeting is, click here.

Youth Parliament

In the Northern Territory, the YMCA of Darwin oversees the organisation, management and delivery of the Youth Parliament program. The NT Government, through a variety of agencies, provides assistance and support to the program, click here.

Darwin City Council

The Darwin City council provides a range of youth projects and opportunities that are exclusive to young people. Here's a snapshot of what's on offer:

Youth Advisory Group: Is an official advisory committee to Council and has a maximim of 15 young people appointed to the group each year. The group meets every month and as well as organising youth events and projects, provides youth advice to Council on issues affecting young people in Darwin.

GRIND Youth Newspaper: There is not limit to the number of participants on the GRIND Team, and approximately 55 young people work on this project. The only requirement is that you live in the Darwin area and are aged between 12 and 20 years. Meetings are held every three weeks. Opportunities include writing, cartooning, making graphics, attending events and writing reviews, current affairs reporting, public relations activities, organising events and working as a team.

Youth Project Teams: are created throughout the year depending on the events and activities that emerge. Interested young people are always encouraged to join in. Project teams involve coming to meetings, sharing ideas and putting them into action!

Youth Biz: If you want to be kept up to date on youth happenings, you can join the Youth Biz mailing list. Just let the youth officer at the Darwin City Council know your details, including your email address if you have one.

YoUtH sPaCe: Council has funded a YoUtH sPaCe at the Civic Centre, and this area has been set up exclusively for young people to work on their Council and community projects with the youth officer. GRIND HQ is also housed in the Youth Space area. A computer, internet and other resources are available for use.

Youth Services Directory:. The Council maintains a directory which lists contact details for support and information services available to young people.

Visit Darwin City Council's website for more information on its programs for young people.

MyNT

MyNT (formerly Multicultural Youth Council of the NT – MYCNT), is all about giving youth from all backgrounds the chance to integrate and interact socially, share ideas, and have a voice in addressing issues that affect them. Since coming into existence in April 2007, we have held events like the Youth Fiesta 2007, the Close the Gap Day campaign, ERACISM youth forum, and the recent ‘What Ya Sayin’ Workshop for youth week 08. In recognition for advancement of multiculturalism among youth through such activities, MyNT was awarded the Charles See Kee Award 2008 by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Honourable Mathew Bonson MLA.

MyNT is one of two youth organisations from around Australia to be chosen to receive a major sustainability grant from the Foundation for Young Australians.

For more information contact the project officer on project.officer@mcnt.org.au