Member for Barwon, Roy Butler recently addressed parliament about the alarming drop in understanding of schoolchildren around civics.

This is certainly not the case in Narromine where they actively engage youth in local politics and hosted local students at council just last week.

Narromine Shire Council gave Narromine Public School Year five and six students a unique opportunity to see democracy in action, inviting them to visit the Council Chambers during Local Government Week.

The visit was designed to give students an understanding of the role councils play in the community and within the three tiers of government.

They were even able to sit in the chairs that councillors use at their meetings.

General Manager of Narromine Shire Council, Jane Redden, said it was a fantastic way to connect with young people.

She explained that Council wanted the students to learn “how local government works, from providing essential services and infrastructure to supporting community development and planning for the future.”

Deputy Mayor Stacey Boehm described the morning as excellent and perfect timing as students are preparing for a trip to Canberra to learn about federal politics.

“We were filling in the gap about local politics,” Ms Boehm said.

“Some amazing questions came through.

"I think I’d rather go in front of state legislation than sit through some of their questions!”

Students wanted to know if Ms Boehm was happy being Deputy Mayor or would rather be Mayor and how she managed her role while also being a mum.

“They even asked what would happen if someone came to a meeting without reading their business papers and would people laugh at you?" she said.

Narromine Shire Council Deputy Mayor, Stacey Boehm, is proactive about engaging local youth and welcomed local school students to the Council Chambers last week.

"I said no, but they would find it difficult to make informed decisions, and explained the importance of reading agendas, participating in debate, and making their votes count.”

Narromine Shire Council is proactive in engaging local youth and earlier this year, they established a Youth Council with two representatives from each local primary school and eight from the high school.

“We talk about Youth Week, NAIDOC activities, bridging the gap between the elderly and the youth, and holiday activities for all age groups," Ms Boehm said.

"We’ve even put in an application for a ‘dolly disco’ for the Dolly Parton Festival in October."

Ms Boehm said it was important for young people to feel comfortable approaching councillors.

“On Sunday after the visit, one of the students stopped me in the supermarket and said, ‘I know what we could do – have an adults versus kids water fight on Australia Day.’"

"She remembered our talk and felt she could share her idea,” Ms Boehm said.

“That’s what we want – kids knowing their say is just as important as anyone over 18.”

Ms Redden said holding the school visit during Local Government Week made it even more meaningful.

“It’s a great time to highlight the vital role councils play and inspire the next generation to take an interest in their community,” she said.

Ms Boehm agreed, adding that engaging with youth is about ensuring a strong community in the years to come.

“No matter what career you have or how long you’ve been somewhere, you can still help the community.," she said.

"Involving young people now means they’ll remember it in 10 or 15 years – and maybe even become our future leaders.”