The Summit, co-designed by a Youth Summit Working Group made up entirely of young people, 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.
As a young person with disability, Caitlin played a pivotal role in shaping the summit, not just as a participant, but as the event’s Accessibility and Inclusion advisor. Caitlin used her lived expertise to ensure the summit was inclusive for all.
Caitlin is widely recognised for her advocacy work, having been named Tamworth’s 2023 Young Citizen of the Year for her ongoing contributions to youth, disability and inclusivity.
As a passionate advocate for young people with disabilities, Caitlin has held key roles with the NSW Regional Youth Taskforce, Children and Young People with Disability Australia and Project Rockit.
Caitlin’s work as a public speaker on disability, youth intersectionality and co-design has further amplified her commitment to positive change.
The NSW Youth Summit provided Caitlin with the opportunity to continue 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’s Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor, 19-year-old Caitlin from Tamworth said:
“Having lived in regional NSW my whole life and having exposure to the systemic, social and cultural barriers to society, I have developed a strong interest in achieving equity for people with disability.
“With a passion for intersectional policy making, co-design, research and organisational practice that values lived experience, I provided insight into how the government and other bodies can adapt similar frameworks that include youth at the forefront of decision making.
“I was excited to connect with other young people in a community-like environment that fostered meaningful conversation.”
