Student eyes council

SHAUN INGUANZO
KNOX City Councillors look out, Alarna Power is eyeing your seats.
At 20yearsold the Ferntree Gully receptionist and Deakin University arts student aspires to teach visual communications in a secondary school.
But on Tuesday nights twice a month she can be spotted in the front row of Knox City Council’s public gallery for both ordinary meetings and strategic planning committee meetings.
Alarna admits her interest in local government is unusual for her age but her enthusiasm has recently seen her rise to become a member of Knox City Council’s 2005 and 2006 youth council which has been kept under wraps until all winners are notified.
However, her dedication has tested friendships, including one which deteriorated after her council ambitions increased.
“Some people are jealous that I have big ambitions that I want to achieve,” she said.
“I suppose some people in this world will try and stop you from achieving them but I have not let it get to me.”
The appointment to Knox City Council’s youth council means Alarna will have a powerful say on issues affecting young people throughout the municipality.
“I have been brought up to respect people and it annoys me when others do not respect other peoples’ views and rights,” she said.
“I would like to make a change to how matureaged people perceive youth.
“Some see us as thugs or trouble makers and I would like to change those perceptions.”
Alarna said she would achieve that goal by encouraging other young people to show respect for more senior citizens.
Alarna said she would like to join the Knox City Council following her two year stint with the youth council.
She said she used current councillors as role models to improve her personal development.
“I hope to get better at public speaking.
“It is an important quality any councillor has to have.
“I would love to be able to be a bit more confident and go up and talk to people, to stand up and have my say.
“I would love to have the traits of all the (current) councillors.
They are fantastic, brilliant role models and I have a lot of respect for them.”