Georgia Hangs Up Her Youth Engagement & Inclusion Officer Hat

IMAGE: Georgia Thomaidis wants to make sure Hilltops Council finds the right person to fill her shoes as Youth Engagement and Inclusion Officer.

She has spent the past two years of her four-year Council career as the Youth Engagement and Inclusion Officer, but now Georgia Thomaidis has decided to chase sheep for a living.

Georgia said she was glad that Council had seen the need and made the position permanent - they just need the right person to fill the role. “The position is very rewarding,” Georgia said.

“I have got to spend a lot of time with the members of the Hilltops Youth Action Group and watched them grow through the most important times in their lives.”

“I loved running events and workshops and just giving young people a chance to have fun and try something different.”

“Whether it was three people partaking in a workshop or 500 attending our MADD Youth Show, it is all worth seeing participants enjoying themselves.”

The position was not without its challenges, but Georgia said the main challenge she faced was the pandemic.

“COVID-19 and the after-effects of isolation,” she said.

“It was a difficult time for everyone, especially our youth.”

“The Hilltops Youth Action Group and I were constantly thinking of new ideas to keep people engaged, whether it was at home workshops or virtual music festivals.”

“We had to keep thinking outside the box to keep things happening so we didn’t lose those who were engaging with us.”

Georgia said the right person to replace her would be energetic and fun with a passion for youth.

“Someone that is able to enhance opportunities for young people,” she said.

“The role requires you to identify youth needs and create projects and develop activities for youth to partake in.”

“We are fortunate enough to have received a grant through the Department of Regional NSW with a large portion of this to go towards community events for youth in the Hilltops.”

If you know someone who might be able to fill Georgia’s shoes, or you think you would enjoy the position, contact Council to apply.

Hilltops youth thank Georgia for her efforts on their behalf and wish her well in her future sheep-chasing endeavours.