Members of the 2021 Regional Youth Taskforce have met for the final time to tackle issues impacting rural and regional communities following one of the toughest years in NSW’s history.
Joined by Nationals Minister for Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor in Sydney, the Taskforce had a focus on ‘community’, one of the four pillars outlined in the Regional Youth Framework that ensures young people feel connected to and valued by their local communities.
Mrs Taylor said the leadership shown by the 2021 Taskforce is a highlight of the year, with members providing advice about the impacts of lockdown on young people, recommending a youth endorsed mental health providers list, and running an online event encouraging young people to be more involved with local government.
“The regional youth local government event was a roaring success with 45 attendees and the Minister for Local Government actively listening to Taskforce members’ ideas about how to get more involved and why it’s so important to be a voice for your peers,” Mrs Taylor said.
“I’m also thrilled to confirm the NSW Government will be launching an Alumni Events program thanks to our Taskforce members. This wonderful initiative will support schools across rural and regional NSW to host a breakfast or afternoon tea involving former students speaking about life after school.
“This valuable experience will help school students navigate the post-school path and give them an insight into what sort of career opportunities lie ahead of them.”
Mrs Taylor said the 2021 Taskforce also discussed adapting to life after lockdown, with the group creating videos with ideas, fundraising and proposing ways in which the NSW Government could support young people as the state reopened.
“The pandemic has thrown many curveballs at young people, and I’m so proud of every single Taskforce member for not only meeting these challenges, but also devoting their time and energy to advocating on behalf of young people in the bush,” Mrs Taylor said.
“The Taskforce provides young people from all corners of rural and regional NSW with a unique opportunity to meet with government and inform decisions that will help make their communities even better places to grow up in.
“I want to thank each and every one of our outgoing members, and I look forward to working with next year’s Taskforce.”
For more information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/RegionalYouthTaskforce.
