The Regional Youth Taskforce will get a brand-new look with Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin announcing 18 new young leaders from across regional NSW who will advocate for their peers and deliver positive outcomes for young people.
“This group has been selected from more than 140 applicants, and includes two young people from each of the State’s nine regions who will meet throughout the year to focus on the NSW Regional Youth Framework pillars: work readiness, wellbeing, connectivity and community,” Mr Franklin said.
Cowra local, Poppy Starr has been selected to represent the Central West and Orana region of the Regional Youth Taskforce for 2023.
Poppy applied for the Regional Taskforce position to help advocate for rural youth on a grander scale.
“I enjoy being an active member of my local community and feeling like I can make a difference,” said Poppy.
“Last year I was on the Cowra Youth Council and I really enjoyed this role. However, I am heading to boarding school this year so I had to step down from the Cowra Youth Council and felt that the Regional Youth Task Force would allow me to advocate for youth on a larger scale.”
The Taskforce allows members to have their say on ways the Government can improve outcomes for young people in regional NSW and better deliver services.
“In the role, our 18 new members will hone their skills in driving policy change, advocate for real outcomes for young people, and provide a voice for regional youth within the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government,” Mr Franklin said.
When asked what her focus would be during her time on the Regional Youth Taskforce, Poppy responded, “I am passionate about regional Australia and the agricultural industry. I believe to ensure sustainable regional communities into the future it is really important to keep young people in rural areas. This includes ensuring there are opportunities for further education and employment.”
Mr Franklin thanked the outgoing 2022 Regional Youth Taskforce for their input guiding major NSW Government policy decisions.
For more information on the Regional Youth Taskforce, visit: nsw.gov.au/RegionalYouthTaskforce.