Almost 80 students from 16 different Central Coast high schools came together last month to learn how to be a leader and provide innovative solutions to issues facing the Central Coast.
Hosted by State Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch, the Youth Leadership Forum saw students from across the region join together at the University of Newcastle, Central Coast Research Institute, to discuss the future of leadership.
They explored what leadership means to them and discussed how young people can be empowered to address issues that matter most to them.
They were given the opportunity to ask questions of Tesch and Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride, who spoke of their own journeys of leadership and the key issues facing the community.
Students also participated in a scenario where they were appointed as the government and had to identify their top priorities.
Tesch said the exercise provided valuable insight as to government policy and the innovative solutions young people have to community concerns.
Students raised such issues as cost-of-living pressures, mental health, housing availability, climate change, education and employment.
“As a former high school teacher, I feel it is so important to provide a space for young people to raise issues with me and for the government to learn about what the issues are for our future generation,” Tesch said.
“I continue to be absolutely amazed at the incredible talent of young people and by the drive and passion of the students on the day.
“The fantastic University of Newcastle, Central Coast Research Institute, provides a wonderful backdrop for the student leaders to dream about what the future holds, and I thank the university for hosting us.”
The forum was a predecessor to the NSW Youth Summit held on November.
With 100 students and more than a dozen key Ministers in attendance, the summit highlighted a transformative shift in how the State Government welcomes input from young people.
Thousands of young people have been a part of the Government’s Your Voice, Our Future consultation, with the online survey open until Tuesday, December 31.
To fill it out, go to bit.ly/YourVoiceOurFuture-NSW.
Tesch said that she would continue to work closely with schools and young people to ensure their voices were heard.
“I am committed to strengthening the voices of young people and empowering them to play an active role in shaping government policies on the issues that matter most to them,” she said.
“I look forward to an even better 2025 Youth Leadership Forum.”
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