School is back and so too is the Clutha District Youth Council, with five new members named for the council table.
The new members are Blue Mountain College pupil Todd Murray, Nicole Ford and Rosa McPhee, from The Catlins Area School, Meghan Bennett, from South Otago High School, and Christiaan Faber, from Tokomairiro High School.
They join seven others who are back for a second year on the council.
The youth council was formed last year as a standing committee of the full council to advocate to the council on behalf of youth.
It has been actively involved in some key issues, including liquor bylaws introduced for parts of Balclutha and Milton.
Council district development manager Julie Pearse said the youth councillors spent time last week familiarising themselves with council rules and meeting staff.
"This year's youth council has a good mix with five new, enthusiastic members as well as those returning with a year's experience already under their belt."
The youth council will move around the district this year as meeting venues rotate.
Each school area will host at least one meeting.
New councillors will be sworn into office at the first 2009 meeting, at Balclutha on Monday, February 16.
A chairman and deputy will also be elected then.
