FREMANTLE council is resurrecting its youth advisory council after being lobbied by 19-year-old Liam Carter.

More than 60 people applied to be on the new FYAC and it will hold its inaugural meeting at PSAS Art Space in Pakenham Street this weekend.

“I had a gap year travelling in Europe and China, and when I came back I had a different perspective and really appreciated what Fremantle had to offer,” says Mr Carter, who lives and grew up in South Freo.

“I wanted to give something back, but realised there was no real vehicle for me and other young people to do that.

“Subiaco has the Voice of Youth and other councils have different bodies, but we don’t have much at all.”

• Liam Carter at South Beach in Fremantle. Photo by Stephen Pollock

Carter is hopeful the FYAC be an advocate for issues like mental health and affordable housing, two problems which preoccupy young people in society.

He also wants FYAC to facilitate events like Night Hoops, an outdoor basketball event designed to engage youths that are at risk.

“The YAC in the 90s didn’t last long and I think it was run with a sort of top-down approach,” says Carter, who studies urban planning and communications at UWA.

“I’m hoping this one can be run for young people by young people, with a more fluid approach.”

Carter, who works part-time at Missy Moos and was involved in the Save Freo Beaches campaign, says the young and old in Freo must learn to rub shoulders.

“I’m aware the Sunset Events concerts at Arthur’s Head caused a bit of friction, but I’m hopeful that a compromise can be reached that allow young local bands, like Sans Cisco to play at concerts, and people in the community to not be adversely affected,” he says.

“It’s a delicate balancing act for sure.”

Carter will share his vision for Fremantle at a talk at the National Hotel, 7pm, on August 2.