Riverstone Youth Forum
Kids are our future, they are the champions of change. Hearing from them and their ideas gives us a chance to see things from a fresh perspective. Earlier this year I initiated a Youth Forum designed to bring together students from both public and private schools across the Riverstone electorate with one purpose in mind – to have their voice heard.
As Parliamentarians we implement policies that directly affect the lives of young Australians yet all too often they are not involved in the process. In an area like Riverstone which is home to the most youth in NSW and is undergoing a seismic change both in terms of size and demographics I think it’s vital to engage with the people who will inherit the choices our government makes and the legacy we leave behind.
The opinions of these young leaders were thoughtful and insightful. Far from the common misconception that teenagers are disengaged, the participants offered strong opinions on issues ranging from cost of living, housing affordability, mental health and social connection. The students pointed out how pressures on the household budget affected their families and how that was impacting on their own mental health.
They worried about how housing affordability was impacting on their desire for independence as they prepare to embark on their careers. They identified the effect social media was having on disconnecting them from their peers and the antisocial nature of platforms that have such a negative effect on their mental health yet have become so integral to their lives. They yearned for more direct, interpersonal relationships. Above all, they proved the importance of engaging with the next generation and valuing the way they see the world.
It was a great pleasure to host some of these students in the NSW Parliament, where they had the opportunity to engage directly with ministers and other MPs. Students attended question time, spoke directly with Premier Chris Minns and Youth Minister Rose Jackson about their experiences during the forum, and had the chance to present their report to the Premier and ministers. It was an honor to facilitate direct consultation between our youth and the state’s top decision-makers, ensuring that Riverstone’s next generation has a say in their future.
I wish to thank North West Community Services, in particular CEO Angela Van Dyke and Child and Youth Counsellor Team Leader Vanessa Sokalik. This initiative could not have happened without their assistance. NWCS’s enthusiasm and guidance ensured the students felt empowered to put forward their thoughts, no matter how controversial or uncomfortable.
The Riverstone Youth Forum was a resounding success. It has given me a greater insight into the issues that matter most to our young people and, importantly, ideas on ways to create a better future for them.
