Bendigo has a new Youth Mayor. BSSC Year 12 student, Levity Camilleri, arrives into the role with a year’s experience on the Bendigo Youth Council, and wants to focus on issues impacting Central Victorian youth.
“I see Youth Council as a place of opportunity and a chance for councillors to build numerous skills, and when I think about what young people need, I’m inspired by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.”
Maslow’s survival needs—such as clean water, good food and safe shelter—are where Levity begins too.
“There is enough food to go around in this very rich country,” they point out, “yet so many suffer food insecurity.”
Other needs identified by Maslow—such as security, social connection, self-esteem, and a meaningful life—also concern Levity.
As Bendigo’s first non-binary person to be Youth Mayor, Levity joins a long line of BSSC students and alumni who have previously held the role. Aged 17 throughout their term, Levity also breaks the ‘youngest youth mayor’ record.
During the last few years Levity has recognised and grabbed numerous opportunities—and can now see how far they have come. They also acknowledge how support from others has encouraged “me to be me” with no need to pretend to be someone else.
And they have found plenty of opportunities at BSSC.
“I have been able to break out of my shell at this school and feel completely comfortable and accepted. This college makes me think of the word, ‘optimistic’ because everyone’s story is valued.”
“I sense the college trusts and believes in us and—maybe this sounds surprising—the closeness of town has actually encouraged me to take more responsibility for my learning.”
Levity places huge value on their teachers, describing them as “so important” because they are “such experts in their subjects”.
“I’ve also enjoyed connecting with peers and feel appreciated as a valued member of my classes.”
Being enrolled with the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) through La Trobe uni is giving Levity a genuine taste of tertiary education. This year they have taken on the combined CHES subject: Politics, Philosophy and Economics.
BSSC subjects are Art Fashion, French, Literature, and Maths Methods.
Motivation can be an issue at times, but Levity thrives when working with others.
“Teaching other people what I’m learning is the very best way to get knowledge into my head,” they say, “consequently, my little sister knows almost as much as me!”
Levity’s sister is a source of inspiration as well. “She perseveres and insists on being openly herself no matter what—she’s really easy to spend time with.”
Despite pressure to get the best ATAR possible, they are conscious that obsessing about it can add unhealthy stress, and like many BSSC students, Levity de-stresses by listening to music.
In fact, they listen to music almost all the time—especially punk, Ska and Riotgrrl. Alternative music has been part of Levity’s life since childhood.
If Levity could revisit their younger self, they say they would be meeting with a thirteen-year-old struggling severely with depression and anxiety, who felt a profound disconnection from peers.
“I want to tell them this:
‘You are incredibly valuable exactly as you are. Don’t build your identity on others’ expectations—instead work hard to build confidence and know that hard times pass. Stigma and discrimination will not be central forever. Make space for possibilities and hope’.”
The past six years or so have seen Levity overcome some pretty impressive challenges that send a strong message about the value of ‘making space for possibilities and hope’.
They have faced up to and found a path through mental health challenges; conquered an eating disorder; accommodated an autism diagnosis and embraced a non-binary gender identity.
All of which has left Levity feeling freed and able to be true to themselves, despite an awareness that in some circles being queer is still seen as a moral failing.
Levity believes such judgements force some people to stay closeted.
They are also conscious of how the socialisation process of girls in our culture makes it hard to pick those with autism.
“Females also tend to be more socially flexible which can mask neurodiversity. Despite claims of progress, girls are still raised to be quiet and compliant.
“It feels good to not take on cultural—often objectified—expectations of what a female shape signifies.”
Levity had initially wondered if they might be trans.
“Once I got my autism diagnosis, I realised I was non-binary. I still feel quite connected to feminine identity, and because I was raised as a girl, I share and can understand many of the struggles most women and girls in our society face.
“Despite challenges, I’m grateful for so many things—including seeing people who are queer in leadership roles who have paved the way for me. They built my confidence to get involved with the Student Ambassador Program at BSSC and join Bendigo’s Youth Council.”
The positivity with which Levity seeks to live their life is also informed by issues that anger them.
“There are so many marginalised people who aren’t able to take up opportunities right in front of them. For example, the recent overturning of the right of many US women to access abortions.
“I’m also disappointed The Voice didn’t get up. We think we’re not racist, but we’re still against allowing our Indigenous Peoples to have a say about things that directly impact them.
“My passion to be an agent of change and a voice for those who are voiceless, leads me to imagine a future that involves politics and philosophy.”
