The group of 13 were chosen from 22 applicants and met for the first time in the council's chambers last week.

It's the largest youth council yet and includes young members like Jack Kelso and Jessie Lord, who impressed interviewers so much they were elected despite being only 13 and not usually eligible.

Jack said climate change was an issue he wanted to work on, while the council's oldest member Libbity Alexander, 18, said she wanted to be an advocate.

"For me, it's the ability to help others speak out who might not have the ability or confidence to be here," she said.

"I've enjoyed networking with people while being on the Retro Youth Management Committee.

"I joined the committee in 2016 and earlier this year I was the recipient of the young citizen of the year award."

Meeting the group last week, councillor David Thurley had some valuable advice: "Don't try to change the world".

In other news:

"I got into council seven years ago, because I wasn't happy with some of the things I saw happening," he said.

"There's no point moaning - you have to get in there and do it yourself and support the others who do.

"It's great to see you are all keen to have a go.

"I believe council does a fantastic job with youth services but we can always do better, if you tell us how."

Council's youth development officer Mandy Wilson said the mayor and deputy mayor would be elected on Wednesday evening.

"We will run the meetings as they do for council, to give them an idea of the processes involved, but also to give them a voice on local issues," she said.

"The youth council will get to be part of the budget review and work on projects like Winter Solstice and the Graffiti Clean Up Day."

With Libbity and Jack, the council's members are: Jessie Lord, Isabella Rose Towner, Lois Beloved, Paige Double, Zachary Reid, Caleb Safari, Libbity Alexander, Tabitha Macdonald, Jack Jorgenson, Genevieve Child, and Stefany George.