Next Generation Takes Charge Of Burdekin Youth Council

The Burdekin Shire Youth Council has seen a change at the helm, with William Wiseman stepping into the role of Youth Mayor after a successful spell as Deputy Youth Mayor in 2025.

Announced last week, Wiseman will be joined by Alicia Jansen Van Rensburg as Deputy Youth Mayor and Jorda Quagliata as Secretary, forming the council’s executive team for the year ahead.

Wiseman, a student at Burdekin Christian College, has been involved with the Youth Council for four years. Now Youth Mayor for the first time, he hopes to represent the Burdekin youth and encourage more young people to get involved in local initiatives.

“I [put my hand up] to encourage more people join the youth council, and to get more ideas or changes for the youth in our community,” Wiseman said.

“I would like more people help contribute to the next generation.”

Wiseman says he’s hoping to oversee an uptick in community activities aimed at youth.

“We have bowling, but that’s mainly it apart from the sports. I would like to change that by adding more youth-based activities,” he said.

Deputy Youth Mayor Van Rensburg, also a student at Burdekin Christian College, has quickly become an active member of the Youth Council since moving to the Burdekin from New Zealand. She has already made a positive impact on local community projects and initiatives.

Jorda Quagliata, a Year 11 student at Ayr State High School, has been a Youth Council member for five years. Elected Secretary, she brings experience, dedication, and strong organizational skills to support the council’s activities throughout the year.

The newly elected team will lead the Burdekin Shire Youth Council through the year, driving projects and initiatives that give young people a voice in the community.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort congratulated the new Youth Council executive and highlighted the importance of youth leadership in the region.

“Our Youth Council continues to demonstrate the passion, leadership and commitment of young people in the Burdekin,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“William, Alicia and Jorda should be very proud of their election, and I look forward to seeing the positive contributions they will make alongside the members of the Burdekin Shire Youth Council.

“The Youth Council plays an important role in ensuring young voices are heard, and Council is proud to support opportunities that help develop future leaders within our community.”

CAPTION: Burdekin Shire Youth Council’s new executive: Youth Mayor William Wiseman, Secretary Jorda Quagliata, and Deputy Youth Mayor Alicia Jansen Van Rensburg. Photo supplied

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