Region's youngest candidate says it's important to have a "voice" at the table

The second year Bachelor of Environmental Science & Management student has lived in Port Macquarie since he was 15 and is the youngest election candidate running at the December 4 council elections.

His passion for the environment and nature has always been a priority in his life, however he said it was at university that he became aware of the major issues impacting the environment and how they can be addressed at a political level.

"I noticed that a lot of environmental issues can be created or resolved politically, even at a local level," he said.

"My interest in politics only came about during my last few years at high school and once I started university.

"I think that it's important to have a voice and use it when you're passionate about something."

The decision to run for a council election is something most people his age don't think too seriously about, but Mr Francis said he hopes more young people get involved in politics.

"We're the generation that will have to live in this community for the next few decades so it's important to have a say in what happens here," he said.

"I became more interested in the election when council started encouraging more young people to think about it."

Mr Francis is involved in the community through university and his work at Facade Escape rooms, allowing him to be engaged with the youth of the community on an everyday basis.

"I have noticed a shift in people around my age asking questions about council and starting to show an interest which is something I hope I can encourage people to do as well," he said.

"Even just being on a group ticket with people who have a lot more experience and knowledge has been really helpful and has given me a better understanding of how it all works which is really important."

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