"Tumbleweeds and deserts."
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That was the imagery that came to Youth Mayor Immi's mind when her family told her they were moving from Newcastle to Mudgee.
"Then I got here and I saw it was a really nice town, and really pretty," she said.
Shortly after Immi arrived in Mudgee, she had fallen in love with the town itself, but realised there was a lack of activities for young people.
"I realised that this community is mainly centred around things for adults to do like sporting events and wine events, and we can't do any of those things. So I figured I may as well pitch in and help," she said.
Running for Youth Mayor was a no-brainer, according to Immi.
"I ran for Youth Mayor because I really like this community, and I always wanted things for people my age to do."
"Initially I really didn't know much about the Youth Council, but once I joined, I actually realised that we make so many decisions of our own," she said.
Youth Council has organised a range of holiday events that have brought young people from all over the region together, including laser tag, 3D printing and an introduction to parkour.
The highlight of Youth Mayor Immi's career was organising and presenting a holiday event for young people in the region.
"I hosted an event showing people how to custom decorate caps and shoes, and I was actually really nervous for that. It had been a while since I'd been in front of a lot of people, but once I was up there and teaching people how to do it, it was very cool," she said.
Youth Councillors learn how to conduct meetings and vote on motions, a process which often requires compromise and negotiation.
"I've definitely grown in confidence, after learning I can do something about issues that young people are facing, but it takes persistence." she said.
To see events that are currently being run for youth by Youth Council, please visit www.mwrcyouth.eventbrite.com.
To contact your Youth Council with any issues, suggestions or great ideas, please email council@midwestern.nsw.gov.au.
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