Exeter student Lola Stravoskoufis encourages students to come together and raise issues impacting youth in regional NSW with the Regional Youth Taskforce.
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The Moss Vale High School student was selected as a member of the taskforce along with 17 other students across regional NSW to express what services and support were needed by young people in the regions.
Students met and collaborated with the the Minister for Regional Youth, Hon. Bronnie Taylor MLC.
The Year 8 student who is passionate about issues that impact the LGBTQIA+ community, women, the environment and mental health, said she enjoyed the experience.
"I had such a great time through the taskforce and gained so much confidence," she said.
The student noticed her public speaking skills strengthen during the meetings, and said the taskforce was about unity and collaboration.
"You don't need to come with a massive issue, we can come together," she said.
The four key pillars outlined in the Regional Youth Taskforce Framework were different priorities for more opportunities for youth that were discussed throughout the year.
These pillars were the importance of being 'work ready', 'wellbeing', 'connectivity' and 'community'.
Some of the issues discussed were the possibility to implement mental health nurses into regional schools, translating QR code signs into different languages, and specialised classes for sex and consent education.
Miss Stravoskoufis brought forward the need for specialised classes that had more "education and understanding" of the LGBTQIA+ community.
"[It was] important for me because I know a lot of people [who are] part of the community," she said.
The Year 8 student said she noticed more education support for the community in the cities.
"[I would] love to see that more represented," she said.
Students in the taskforce had their final meeting in Sydney at the end of November, and Miss Stravoskoufis said the group "really achieved things".
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"I reckon if the opportunity arises, [people] should put up their hand and have a go, it has been such a fantastic experience," she said.
Highlanders can learn more about the taskforce here.
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Briannah Devlin
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
