Flying to Sydney for the day, Imogene met with students from all over the state to talk about issues concerning young people today.

After having a tour and going behind the scenes at Parliament House Imogene and 92 other students were able to present speeches in front of their peers and a number of state politicians.

“It was an amazing experience being able to meet people from all over the state and talk about issues concerning young people,” Imogene said.

“It was really fun to meet a bunch of politicians and talk to them about what they are doing to help young people across the state. They also talked about how important juggling work and having a life outside of school is.”

She said coming back to school she has really tried to be aware of what other students in her classes were thinking.

“A number of the speeches were talking about all students finding their voice and I found that really resonated with me.

“I am a very outgoing and bubbly person and coming back to school I have really tried to make an effort to speak to the people in my class who are quiet because what they have to say matters also.

“Giving everyone the opportunity to speak and be heard is important and that is probably the most important thing I learnt.”

Imogene’s speech was all about youth wellbeing and specifically their inability to access information about medical care when they leave home.

“Youth are not taught in schools how to live life as an adult and are more or less pushed into adulthood,” she said.

“We are not being taught basic knowledge about medical care when were younger, such as the differences between private and public healthcare, what our rights are when it comes to medical services are, what bulk-billing is how it works, or if it’s useful to us.

“This is very important to as I struggle with understanding how many of these things work and know it would help many of my peers and myself.

“This information is very important especially with the surge of mental illness within our age group. It is absolutely crucial that this medical information be easily accessible and taught in schools seminars or classes.

“Knowing this information will increase the likelihood of youths getting the medical care they need, as well as easing the stress and anxiety that may come with not knowing.”

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