Youth Council Lockdown Blog

Published on 24 August 2021

The City of Ryde Youth Council allows local young people to share their opinions, ideas and views with Council.

Our Youth Council is passionate about mental health issues in our community and recognises this is a difficult time for many people. If you’re struggling, check out Council’s list of mental health resources to help you find support.

We asked our new Youth Council members to share ideas on how they are staying calm, creative, curious and connected this lockdown. Below are 15 ideas to try out at home.

Bowen Ren

Bowen-Ren.jpg “Keeping in touch with my mates via voice chats and social media and studying together has brought back a sense of normal school life and improved my mental health. I also often go out for a walk in the park nearby to take in some (much needed!) fresh air, escaping briefly from remote learning during lockdown.”

About Bowen
Bowen is a Year 11 student at Epping Boys High School. He is passionate about advocating for youth wellbeing, multiculturalism and anti-discrimination, and has contributed to school and community initiatives such as Student Wellbeing Team and The Push-Up Challenge. 

Annie Zhu

Annie-Zhu.jpg “Learning languages online is a fantastic activity to stay creative and excited during lockdown. Calling friends in different languages is both great fun while also catching up with the people most important to you.”

About Annie
Annie is a university student who loves living in the City of Ryde. She is passionate about listening to others, sharing ideas and learning about the community.

Jonathan Ma

Jonathan-Ma.jpg “Having a warm night supper meal after a walk at night is something that's keeping my motivation to work or study at night.”

About Jonathan
Jonathan is a University student who lives in the Eastwood area. He has a passion for tennis but when he's not playing tennis or other sports he'll be binge watching your trending Netflix series particularly sit-com genres.

Alessandro Romeo

Alessandro-Romeo.jpg “I have been keeping my mind active through activities such as studying, reading, and watching movies. By structuring my days in this order, I can maximise my productivity while providing meself with something to look forward to at the end of the day.

Bonus study tip for those of you preparing for your HSC: At the start of your revision sessions take a moment to brainstorm what you know and don’t know about your topic and work backwards to fill your knowledge gaps – study smarter not harder.”

About Alessandro
Alessandro is a student who studies Law/Arts at Macquarie University. He is passionate about justice and is looking forward to contributing to the improvement of youth employment opportunities and conditions in the area.

Salma Al Husban

Salma-Al-Husban.jpg “I like to go for walks in my neighbourhood while listening to mystery podcasts and music. After I finish my walk, I like to go to a local bakery and reward myself with a cup of coffee.”

About Salma
Salma is a high school student who lives in Ryde. She’s passionate about art and design as well as youth mental health. In her free time, she loves to bake healthy cakes and cookies.

Sewon Kim

Sewon-Kim.jpg “Get curious about culture. Fill your day by exposing yourself to new languages or by discovering a different cuisine. Perhaps you might like to learn the history and understand the complexities of a culture of your interest. Go broad, the possibilities are limitless.”

About Sewon
Sewon is a student who is actively involved in the Ryde area. He advocates for mental health by participating in charities and promotes for an equal society.

Lucy Fang

Lucy-Fang.jpg “In a time where our physical freedom is restrained, why not explore the realms of intellectual freedom? I've been immersing myself in books of philosophical and political thoughts, escaping to times when our ancestors roamed freely in discourse and movement. Most recently, I enjoyed Rousseau’s take on State of Nature.”

About Lucy
Lucy is a Econ/Law student at USyd, and the founder of Australia's first free online platform that focuses on the power of students helping each other to improve educational equity. She is passionate about creating positive changes for our world through innovative-thinking and entrepreneurial-actions.

Isabelle Bartlett

Isabelle-Bartlett.jpg “During this isolating time, I have discovered a sanctuary in cooking for my family. I find it relaxing and enjoyable. You could make choc chip cookies or a more savoury like scrolls, they are both easy to whip up and delicious. Alternatively, if cooking isn’t your style you could enjoy taking one of your pets for a walk or going for a bike ride as the fresh air is so lovely to enjoy during a difficult time.”

About Isabelle
Isabelle Bartlett is a 17 year old, currently in Year 11. She loves learning, and is very interested in human rights as well as social issues and climate change and sustainable development issues. Isabelle also enjoys cooking in her spare time.

Cosmin Luca

Cosmin-Luca.jpg “I go to Ryde's Youth Theatre every Tuesday off-and-on. We act how we feel, and together we make cool performances. From improv to puppetry, we push the limits of theatre and make a space that's truly ours. It's a great place to get dramatic and break the fourth wall when I'm surrounded by them IRL :D”

About Cosmin
Cosmin (19) has lived in Ryde ever since he moved to Australia. He joined Youth Council again to advocate for adopting youth-led solutions, more youth services, and building age-appropriate facilities for young people in Ryde.

Josh Zubak

Josh-Zubak.jpg “I have taken up yoga and meditation using YouTube and various apps. I practice first thing in the morning as I find it helps me to orient myself for the day. I find taking time to myself in the morning, to exercise my body and mind, provides a positive platform for each day.”

About Josh
Josh is a student at Macquarie studying Law and Philosophy. He is passionate about learning and self-betterment and enjoys reading and physical exercise.

Cameron Last

Cameron-Last.jpg “Why not organise a weekly or fortnightly trivia night? You could focus on the history and culture of Ryde. You could teach people about the history of our area and give them a fun thing to do in lockdown.”

About Cameron
Cameron Last is a year 11 student at Marist Eastwood. His passion is helping people in whatever way he can and improving people’s lives.

Aarzu Patni

Aarzu-Patni.jpg “One way to stay creative during lockdown is to dance! Whenever stress, or even claustrophobia, settles in, I turn up the music and forget all my worries! Following dance tutorials or Just Dance videos on YouTube are also great for staying active.”

About Aarzu
Aarzu is a high-school student who lives in the Ryde area. She is passionate about finding climate solutions for her community and beyond, and volunteers at The Habitat.

Andrew Caramanis

Andrew-Caramanis.jpg “I always try and keep my studies and sport balanced, so when I clock off every afternoon from school I make sure to go for a run and play a game of soccer. After all, it's all about being balanced. A healthy mind is the way to go!”

About Andrew
Andrew is 14 years old and currently studying at St Aloysius' College. He has lived in Ryde since he was born and absolutely loves its multiculturalism and way of life. Hanging out at local sports grounds, library and shopping centres makes him appreciate how lucky he is to be raised in a community filled with atmosphere and vibrance.

Hannah Young

Playing-a-puzzle.jpg “During lockdown my family and I have been completing puzzles and exercising to keep sane.”

About Hannah
Hannah is a high school student who lives in the Ryde area. She is passionate about youth physical and mental health wellbeing and enjoys being involved in the school community.

Other Members

Shweta Dalal, Dustin Dao, Ava Henderson, Lia Kwon and Abinaya Krishnaswamy are also members of Council’s current Youth Council.

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