Emily Harman, 23, is a disability support worker and an active volunteer in the local community.

Emily joined the Playford Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) six years ago at the same time she re-entered back into education.

“It has shaped me – it gave me the drive to volunteer and it was that stepping stone,” Emily said. “I started back into education two days a week and then I started YAC, and from there I then joined my school leadership team, HYPA’s youth leadership team and then moved onto Rotaract.”

As an active YAC member, Emily has gained various skills that has helped support her personal and professional development.

“I saw my own value that was the biggest thing when I was younger and the YAC gave me that,” she said. “We’ve learned about event management, we’ve been on leadership camps - there have been so many opportunities to do things. “It gave me that passion and drive, and then being able to have that on my resume and feel like I have made a difference in my local Council, it’s been really good.”

Emily said YAC gave her a voice in the local community to advocate for positive change.

The Committee’s current focus is to support young people who are in search for jobs and knowing what’s available to them when working with job providers.

“Educating ourselves, so we can share that information to other young people to not be afraid to ask for extra support,” Emily said. “We want to empower people to ask for support within the job provider journey.”

The Youth Advisory Committee is a team of young volunteers that work on local youth projects and events. It's a great way to meet new people and to help make a change within the Playford community. If you, or someone you know, is interested in getting involved call Nina Swinkels on 8255 5560 or nswinkels@playford.sa.gov.au