The Parliament of NSW is hitting the road throughout 2025 to amplify the voices and showcase the leadership of young people in regional communities. Grafton has been chosen as one of six regional centres across the state to host a special outreach roadshow on 3rd of April.
High schools in Grafton and the wider region, have nominated outstanding students to participate in a Public Speaking Competition and a Youth Forum.
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest MP was delighted to share that the Tweed also had great student representation with students from Lindisfarne Anglican Grammer School, St Joseph’s College and Kingscliff High School attending.
“I am extremely pleased to share that Ben from Lindisfarne came away with the win, with Caleb from St Joseph’s tying for runner-up.” Mr Provest said.
The Public Speaking Competition gives senior students a platform to showcase their public speaking skills, while the Youth Forum invites discussion on key issues important to them. Together, these two events will provide the region’s young people with an invaluable opportunity to develop skills, participate in democracy and build networks that will support them as future leaders in their community.
The NSW Legislative Council – the Upper House of the NSW Parliament – introduced the roadshows in 2024 during its Bicentenary. Last year’s roadshow visited Lismore, Port Macquarie, Armidale, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga and Batemans Bay and highlighted the desire of young people to be heard and engage in the democratic process. President of the Legislative Council, the Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, said that Regional Roadshow present a fantastic opportunity to engage youth across regional NSW in shaping the future of our state.
President of the Legislative Council, the Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, said that Regional Roadshow present a fantastic opportunity to engage youth across regional NSW in shaping the future of our state.
“Investing in our regional youth is investing in the future of our democracy in New South Wales. Our Regional Roadshow will empower tomorrow’s leaders by providing the platforms and networks they need to advocate for their communities.” Mr Franklin said.
The next stops for the Regional Roadshow are Queanbeyan, Tamworth, Griffith, Cessnock and Orange