Coffs Harbour’s John Palencia has been selected among 18 young leaders from across the State to represent their community on the fourth official Regional Youth Taskforce.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh congratulates Mr Palencia on his appointment to the ministerial advisory group that will provide operational and policy advice to the NSW Government on behalf of their peers.
“The Taskforce has been selected from more than 140 applicants from each of the State’s nine regions and will officially meet four times throughout the year to discuss issues impacting regional youth,” Mr Singh said.
“During these meetings they’ll meet with NSW Government representatives including the Minister for Regional Youth and cabinet members, to share their thoughts on the NSW Regional Youth Framework pillars: work ready, wellbeing, connectivity and community.”
Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the Regional Youth Taskforce connects young people from regional NSW with their community and engages them on issues including employment, mental health and public transport.
“The Liberal and Nationals Government knows there’s no better way to be informed on matters affecting young people living in regional and rural NSW than to hear those issues and concerns directly from this exceptional group of young people,” Mr Franklin said.
“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 in the NSW Government.
“I congratulate the members of the new 2023 Taskforce and look forward to working with them and hearing their views on how the NSW Government can continue to serve young people across regional NSW.”
For more information on the Regional Youth Taskforce, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/RegionalYouthTaskforce
