MEDIA RELEASE
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16 April 2018
Blacktown City Council is proud to announce that Emily Potloka, from Oakhurst, and Akano Amuda, from Mount Druitt, are Blacktown City’s 2018 Youth Ambassadors.
Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali MP congratulated the pair for their achievement and thanked the outgoing 2018 Youth Ambassadors, Maddalyn Bokenham and Jessica Szakacs, for representing the interests of the young people of Blacktown City during their term.
“I congratulate Emily and Akano for being selected as Blacktown City’s 2018 Youth Ambassadors,” Mayor Bali said.
“This year we had a record field of applicants and the quality of candidates was so high it was a very tough choice to make.
“It’s wonderful to see young people like Emily and Akano wanting to be actively involved as leaders in their community.
“I am looking forward to working with them for the next 12 months as they represent the interests of young people in our local area and, like their predecessors, make an active contribution to Council’s decision making process.”
Akano, aged 16, from Mountain View Adventist College, said he was motivated to become a Youth Ambassador in a bid to see Blacktown’s youth work together and was honoured to receive the title.
“After seeing the potential in our community to do something good, especially in our community, I wanted to take part,” Akano said.
“We have so much talent and just amazing ideas about our community, I thought that I’m a young person myself and can connect and speak to the youth.
“My main goal is to keep the motto “we are one”: that’s my vision,” he said.
Emily, aged 16, attends Plumpton High School, and aims to pursue a career in law.
“It’s still been a bit surreal since being chosen…I hope to be a positive role model for the youth of Blacktown,” Emily said.
Blacktown City Council’s Youth Ambassador Program has been running since 1982 and is a chance for young people to represent the youth of Blacktown City at public events such as civic receptions and ceremonies, as well as taking part in various Council meetings.
“There’s a busy year ahead for Emily and Akano and I am sure it will provide many rewarding experiences, as well as contributing significantly to their personal and career development,” Mayor Bali said.
“Year after year, the program continues to have a positive effect on the young people of Blacktown City – helping to develop their leadership, public speaking and interpersonal skills.
“In turn, our excellent ambassadors have all left a positive legacy for the City – and I am confident Emily and Akano will do the same as they represent local youth over the next 12 months.
“Blacktown City Council sends sincere thanks to the 2017 Youth Ambassadors, Maddalyn Bokenham and Jessica Szakacs, who have done a fantastic job serving as the face and voice of young people in Blacktown City over the past year.”
Youth Ambassadors Maddalyn Bokenham (2017), Emily Potloka (2018), Deputy Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, Akano Amuda (2018) and Jessica Szakacs (2017).
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