The impacts of social media, bullying and destigmatising mental health were just some of the key topics of discussion at the NSW Youth Council Conference.
More than 100 young people from across New South Wales came together for the three-day conference at Western Sydney University Bankstown Campus last month, to share ideas and have their voices heard.
Delivered in partnership with City of Canterbury Bankstown, Liverpool City Council and Fairfield City Council, the event was organised by young people, for young people, as it was planned by members of the three council Youth Advisory Committees.
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said the conference provided a fantastic opportunity for young people to engage in meaningful discussions and contribute to the shaping of their communities.
“It was great to see so many young minds connect over the issues that matter most to them,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“It was also a chance for young people to gain experience in leading and delivering a state-wide event.”
The conference included workshops and panel discussions on leadership, youth participation and social storytelling.
Member of the Canterbury-Bankstown Youth Advisory Committee and one of the event organisers, Rayann Serhan, 21, said at times the voices of young people are not heard in society.
“This conference was a great opportunity to give our perspectives and show [Government agencies] the ideal things that we want to see,” Rayann said.
“At the bullying workshop we discussed the importance of finding ways of expression and knowing where to reach out to for support. We also discussed the need for more opportunities to improve on skills, especially the transition through high school to graduating.”
The NSW Youth Council Conference is a bi-annual youth-led event inviting young people across the state to network, build skills and discuss issues affecting them. Outcomes from the conference will be provided to the Department of Communities and Justice and may be used to shape the three Council’s Youth Action Plans.
For more information on Council’s youth programs and services, visit cb.city/Youth
This event was proudly sponsored by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice.
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