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.
Meika played a pivotal role in shaping the summit, not just as a participant, but as a key member of the Youth Summit Working Group, 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 Queanbeyan's 2024 Young Citizen of the Year, Meika is celebrated for her passionate advocacy for young people in NSW, and as a proud Biripai Bundjalung woman she is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Indigenous youth.
Her advocacy has spanned multiple roles including serving on the NSW Youth Advisory Council, the NSW Regional Youth Taskforce and the NSW Department of Education Skills and Pathways Council.
Currently studying a Bachelor of Primary Education, Meika also champions equitable education and works to ensure that all young people, especially Indigenous youth, have access to the opportunities they need to succeed.
Meika serves on the NSW Department of Education’s Skills and Pathways Advocacy Representative Committee, where she focuses on ensuring culturally appropriate and successful pathways into careers for Indigenous students.
Additionally, as founder and president of the Queanbeyan Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, Meika has helped establish Aboriginal support groups in 20 schools across the region, significantly improving educational outcomes for First Nations students.
The NSW Youth Summit allowed Meika to further amplify her advocacy by participating 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 Meika Lindsay from Royalla said:
“Being part of the NSW Youth Summit Working Group emphasises the willingness of decision makers to give young people a seat at the table. Hearing what truly matters to young people and their solutions is the only effective way to create positive social change and I am extremely proud to help facilitate this process.
“I am particularly passionate about careers and post-school pathways for students. As an Indigenous, regional young person, accessing information or even a belief that you can achieve something outside of what we know is extremely difficult.
“I would love the opportunity to advocate for a world where there aren’t barriers, instead a belief that any young person, no matter their experience or background, has the support and resources to achieve their goals in life.
“I hope that the Youth Summit will be the beginning of much larger change to the issues we all agree affect young people across NSW.”
