Former Youth Councillor Jemille McKenzie 

Jemille McKenzie was a Youth Councillor from 2019 to 2020 and was one of the inaugural members of Youth Council. Jemille performed the role of Secretary for Youth Council during this time.  

Following Jemille's time as a Youth Councillor, her advocacy and connection to the City of Greater Bendigo has continued, especially in the areas of the environment, inclusion, and advocating for marginalised groups.  

Jemille lives and works in Bendigo. She currently supports the community's most vulnerable people as a Homeless Outreach Worker for Haven Home Safe. Working alongside the City of Greater Bendigo, DEECA, and community organisations, Jemille supports individuals experiencing rough sleeping through advocacy, material aid, and linkage to services.  

In addition to her main role, Jemille is also actively involved in a plethora of things. Jemille runs a gardening program with people who are in transitional housing, allowing people to obtain skills to grow and harvest their own vegetables.  

Using her advisory skills, Jemille actively informs her organisation in areas of environment, diversity and inclusion. She is currently championing energy hardship awareness across the organisation, looking into opportunities for the workforce to identify at-risk individuals.   

Outside of her professional life, Jemille was one of the Bendigo Nature Steward's inaugural alumni. An opportunity that would not have been possible without the networks established through the Youth Council. She now uses the knowledge gained to conduct citizen science and share knowledge with others in the Greater Bendigo community.  

The various professional and volunteer experiences that Jemille has had, were shaped by her time as a Youth Councillor. The networks, information, and advisory skills gained have made her a passionate advocate and community member.