STUDENT Sam Harris has earned a top role in YMCA NSW Youth Parliament for 2018.
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There were 100 passionate young people from across NSW who converged at the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament last month debating a range of issues that matter to our youth across regional and metropolitan areas.
Over four sitting days, students aged between 13-18 debated bills on topics including youth mental health, the environment, housing affordability and education – in the chambers of State Parliament House in Sydney.
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said she was impressed by the talent of young people selected to be part of this program.
“This year’s Hastings Secondary College Student Sam Harris has shown exemplary qualities chosen for this important program that continues to break new ground every year,” she said.
“At the end of the sitting week, all pieces of youth legislation were presented to all NSW MPs for consideration.”
Sam was incredibly proud of his appointment of YMCA NSW Youth Parliament Governor for 2018.
“I’m looking forward to the impact that I can continue to have a hand in shaping policy in this state,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing what next years talented Youth Parliamentarians can achieve.
“As a proud Public Education student, the program and the role of Governor is a platform to vocalise the needs and wants of Youth of News South Wales.
“Public Education is my passion and I look forward to being part of the debates in this area. I also look forward to seeing College students walk in steps of previous students providing mentoring and support.”
Sam is described a well-grounded young man, who is passionate and committed to support and lead a diverse student body who can use the Youth Parliament as a direct avenue to create change – both at a legislative level and within our communities.
“As YMCA Governor for 2018, I intend to advocate for equity in regional and metropolitan student representation, public education, environment and health issues with our youth,” he said.
The Youth Governor is the face of the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament program. They represent the views and opinions of all young people of NSW through advocacy, media interaction and liaising with relevant stakeholders.
The Youth Governor role will also act as a bridge between the participant body and the Taskforce representing the participants on a range of program based matters.
The Youth Governor will actively represent the program and the YMCA values through their participation in the program.
Sam will participate in Education Day with the NSW Governor and make addresses to the opening and closing ceremony of Youth Parliament as the welcoming party to the NSW Governor.
The program is managed by YMCA NSW and coordinated by a volunteer task force aged between 18 and 22 who facilitate youth-led advocacy, community leadership, and education about the parliamentary process.
For more information on the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament, visit http://www.ymcansw.org.au/centres/youth-government/ymca-nsw-youth-parliament.