The panel is part of the council’s youth strategy to target the more than 10,000 young people between the ages of 12 and 24 years who live in the Port.

A pilot advisory panel was established in 2013 and was made up of 22 young people who had an input into the youth strategy for the area and shared their opinions on council matters such as the Boomerang Park design and the Australia Day events.

‘‘It is a chance to not just sit and be told what to do but voice your opinion,’’ 17-year-old Ryan Cox from Raymond Terrace said.

‘‘We want to make sure it [council’s decision making] is not isolated to one social group.’’

Ryan was a member of the pilot youth panel and is now an ambassador, along with Rochelle Russell, 15, from Raymond Terrace; Adrian Solomons, 21, from Tanilba Bay; and Shantelle Marvin, 21, from Corlette.

The four ambassadors are encouraging people to fill out an expression of interest form, found at portstephens.nsw.gov.au.

‘‘Stop being the one that whinges about the way things are done and come and have a say,’’ Rochelle said.

The ambassadors said the main issues facing the Port’s youth are unemployment, transport, training, the need for more youth events and a way to keep young people in the area.

The youth panel is open to people aged 15 to 24 who can attend regular meetings.

For details contact the council’s community development and engagement team on 4980 0121.