The Youth Environment Council (YEC) is an annual program run by Green Adelaide that facilitates environmental and leadership skills workshops for South Australians aged between 11-17.

Council members get to participate in a camp, workshops, online forums and also deliver an end-of-year project focused on an environmental action such as creating tools that can be used to reduce waste or a smart recycling station for their school (pictured left).

One of those participants is Year 9 student Astyn (pictured below), from Millicent. Astyn has been interested in the environment since she was a little girl and particularly enjoyed watching Steve Irwin and David Attenborough on TV.

"I didn’t really know why I thought everything was so interesting at the time, it sort of just intrigued me, and I have tried my hardest to follow that passion ever since," she said.

Astyn first joined the YEC as a Year 7 student, to develop her leadership skills while raising awareness of a cause close to her heart. 

In this year's program, Astyn will return as a mentor to guide new members. "I really want to be a welcoming figure to people that might be feeling uncertain, someone that can help if someone gets stuck, and overall be a leader," she said.

Astyn encourages young South Australians who are considering applying to go for it. "It is an incredible opportunity," she said.

"It might be scary for a start, but it is absolutely amazing in the end. It is perfect for meeting like-minded students, helping our environment and developing leadership skills."

Green Adelaide Nature Education Team Leader Christy Spier said the program provided young people with "an opportunity to take action to achieve a more environmentally sustainable future".

"Participants have said the YEC program helps to give young, passionate people that helping hand they need to make a change,” she said.

Applications are open until Thursday 29 February, and applicants need permission from a parent/guardian to participate and an endorsement from a teacher or principal to represent their school. For more information or to apply visit Youth Environment Council South Australia.