The Ministerial Youth Advisory Council is a consultative advisory body made up of 12 young Western Australians who are passionate about using their voice to speak up on issues that are important to young people.
Members have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and provide advice on a range of Government initiatives, which aim to improve outcomes for young people in Western Australia.
The structure of MYAC is reflective of WA’s diverse population and members represent their peers based on their own experiences and unique perspectives as a young person.
Council members are remunerated in recognition of the important principle of valuing young people’s contributions.
Applications now open!
Applications are now open for the MYAC 2027–2030 term. If you are aged 15 to 25 years and live in Western Australia, this is your opportunity to have your voice heard and help shape the future for young people across the State.
As a MYAC member, you will have the opportunity to:
- Provide advice on issues affecting young people in Western Australia.
- Contribute to government policies, programs and initiatives.
- Develop leadership, communication and advocacy skills.
- Connect with other passionate young people from across WA.
- Represent the perspectives of young people and help create positive change.
The Department of Communities is committed to ensuring MYAC reflects the diversity of young people across Western Australia. We encourage applications from young people from all backgrounds and lived experiences, including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people
- Young people with disability
- Young carers
- Young people from multicultural and multifaith backgrounds
- LGBTIQA+ young people
- Young people living in regional and remote WA.
No previous advisory group experience is required. We are looking for young people who are passionate about making a difference and sharing their ideas.
How to apply
To apply, complete the online application form and provide the required supporting information.
Applications close at 10pm on 29 September 2026.
Apply now: online application form
Am I eligible?
You can apply if you:
- Are aged between 15 and 25 years old during the period 1 July 2027 to 30 June 2030 (applicants are eligible if they are within the age range at any point during this period).
- Live in Western Australia.
- Have knowledge of, or an interest in, matters affecting young people.
- Are willing to share your experiences and perspectives to help improve outcomes for young people.
Want to know more? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (Word, 358KB) or contact the Youth team at youngpeople@communities.wa.gov.au.
MYAC appointment
Members are selected through a competitive expression of interest process and are appointed for an initial two-year term, with a possible one-year extension. Successful candidates join a merit pool and will be appointed to the Council when a position becomes available.
A reserve list is also created through the competitive expression of interest process, with young people on the reserve list considered for appointment to MYAC should positions become available.
Register with Young People Connect WA to be notified when the next competitive expression of interest process opens for applications.
What has MYAC done in the past?
MYAC has provided advice to the Minister for Youth on a range of topics. For example, they prepared a paper detailing how the State Government could strengthen support for young people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and other diverse sex, sexuality, and gender (LGBTIQA+).
The Government took on board their feedback and provided funding to the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia (YACWA) to establish an advocacy body for LGBTIQA+ young people in WA. As a result, the Youth Pride Network was created and works to ensure all LGBTIQA+ young people are fully included, accepted, and celebrated by their communities.
Other topics that MYAC have provided advice to Government on include:
- The WA Youth Action Plan 2024-2027:Koorlangka Bidi
- the State STEM skills strategy: STEM skills: Future state, future skills – Accelerating STEM skills for Western Australia
- the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s policy priorities
- Infrastructure WA: State Infrastructure Strategy Discussion Paper ‘A Stronger Tomorrow’
- Youth unemployment
- Youth Mental health
- Response to the release of ‘All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia's 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020–2030’
- Residential Tenancies Act review 2019
- Stronger Together: WA's Plan for Gender Equality
- Review of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) exceptions
- Law Reform Commission review of Gender Reassignment Laws
- Western Australian Youth Health Policy 2018-2023
- Young carers and review of the Carers Recognition Act 2004
- PBS Drug removal
- HADSCO publications feedback
- Violence in schools sub-committee
- Access to services and support for regional young people
- Youth Leadership
- Support for young Aboriginal people in education
- Engaging young people in civic life and decision making.
Members of MYAC
- Members of MYAC
- Alessia Maio (Co-Chair)
- Joshoa Zilani (Co-Chair)
- Amani Kariuki
- Henry Bird
- Nandini Gera
- Om Sharma
- Takunda Bere
- Ryan Rawlinson
- Nicholas Tan
- Peta Humphreys
- Samuel Hayes
Co-Chair bio: Alessia Maio
Show moreAlessia Maio (she/her) is a 24-year-old Paramedical Science student who is passionate about advocating for issues that affect young people in the community.
Living with an incurable auto-immune disease, as well as working in multiple high schools around Perth, has given Alessia a unique perspective on the challenges that young people face and the impact of those challenges.
During her MYAC term, Alessia wants to voice the concerns of her peers, contribute to meaningful discussions, and work collaboratively towards creating positive changes that will benefit young people.
“Many young people feel as though they do not have a voice, so I am committed to ensuring that their needs and perspectives are heard and addressed effectively,” she said.
“I believe youth voices are crucial in shaping policies and initiatives that directly impact our lives.”
Co-Chair bio: Joshoa Zilani
Show moreJoshoa (he/him) is an engineering student and youth advocate who is passionate about creating opportunities for young people and ensuring their voices are heard in decisions that affect their communities. His involvement in youth leadership and volunteering, has given him firsthand insight into the challenges and aspirations of young people across Western Australia, as well as the value of meaningful youth participation.
He was previously Chair of the City of Mandurah’s Youth Advisory Group, collaborating on youth-led projects and facilitating workshops that help young people build confidence and develop leadership skills. Now as the Parliamentary Coordinator for the WA Youth Parliament, Joshoa works with young people to deepen their understanding of government, legislation, and help amplify their ideas to drive change.
During his MYAC term, Joshoa aims to represent the voices of his peers and collaborate with fellow members to drive positive change that benefits young people.
Print this page
