The summit brought together participants from diverse regional and metro communities, cultural backgrounds and life experiences. Together, they engaged directly with Ministers and Commissioners on critical issues that define their futures, including the cost-of-living pressures, mental health, housing availability, climate change, education and employment.
This milestone event was a collaboration between the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Office for Regional Youth, the Advocate for Children and Young People and the NSW Department of Communities and Justice.
The event highlights a transformative shift in how the NSW Government values youth input, moving beyond traditional consultation to hands-on, real-time dialogue with decision-makers.
Molly played a pivotal role in shaping the summit, not just as a participant but as a key member of the Youth Summit Working Group, which was made up entirely of young people. This group co-designed the event to ensure it truly reflected the priorities and perspectives of NSW youth.
As Dubbo’s 2024 Regional Citizen of the Year and ambassador for organisations like the Kids Cancer Project and Ronald McDonald House, Molly is no stranger to advocating for youth issues, particularly those involving young people living with chronic illnesses.
Molly’s dedication to advocacy stems from her personal experience. Diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 12, she turned her battle into a mission to help others by founding The Tie Dye Project, a charity that has raised over $1 million for cancer research and support.
Beyond her charity work, Molly’s advocacy includes serving on various committees, including Dubbo Regional Council’s Disability Access & Inclusion Advisory Committee and the NSW Youth Advisory Council, where she has worked to drive positive policy changes.
The NSW Youth Summit provided Molly and her peers with the opportunity to participate in dynamic panel discussions, interactive workshops and networking sessions with NSW Government Ministers and leaders.
A pivotal workshop, led by NSW Minister for Youth Rose Jackson, gave young participants a platform to express how they want to engage with government in the future, emphasising the importance of authentic, ongoing youth input. By involving young people in direct discussions with government ministers, the summit reflected NSW’s commitment to empowering young voices and demonstrates a real investment in their role in shaping NSW.
Thousands of young people have been a part of the NSW Government’s Your Voice, Our Future consultation ahead of the summit and the online survey will remain open until Tuesday 31 December. To complete the survey, go to: https://bit.ly/YourVoiceOurFuture-NSW.
NSW Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said:
“The Youth Summit is a historic moment for NSW. Today, young people from every corner of NSW have the chance to speak directly to government leaders, making sure their voices are heard loud and clear on the issues that affect their lives and futures.
“We’re here not just to listen but to learn from young people and to bring their ideas into action. The NSW Government is committed to making young people genuine partners in shaping policies that impact their communities.
“This summit is the beginning of a stronger, ongoing relationship between young people and the NSW Government. Today’s conversations will lead to be an important step on determining how the NSW Government engages with young people into the future.
“As Minister for Youth, I am committed to amplifying young people’s voices, empowering them to play an active role in shaping government policies on the issues that matter most to them.”
NSW Youth Summit Working Group member, 18-year-old Molly Croft from Dubbo said:
“Being part of the NSW Youth Summit Working Group was an incredible honour. It was a chance to ensure that the voices of young people, particularly those from rural and regional areas, were heard on key issues affecting us all.
“I am particularly passionate about addressing the challenges faced by young people with disabilities, including those living with chronic illness.
“As someone who has lived with the effects of cancer and a disability, I understand firsthand the barriers to inclusion and access that exist. Whether it’s education, employment, or simply feeling a sense of belonging, these barriers can be significant.
“I hope to see tangible outcomes that address key issues raised during the Summit, including policy recommendations that promote inclusion, mental health support, and better access to services for rural and regional youth.”
