FROM the classroom to committee, YMCA Youth Parliament representative Gemma Weguelin is ready to tackle regional issues head on.
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The Year 9 student at Uralla Central School is the only member of the Rural and Regional Affairs Committee that lives in rural Australia.
“Youth parliament is incredible, I honestly feel like the little black duck out of everyone because I’m the only bush person here,” Gemma said.
“I think it’s good to be able to bring experience to it, and we have members of parliament that watch – if they think our ideas are worthwhile they might take it to parliament.”
Each committee is required to write a bill or report that addresses an issue in their sector.
Gemma and her group aim to improve population growth in rural and regional Australia.
“We’re thinking about giving tax refunds and government subsidies to people who live in rural and regional areas to promote job growth and population growth,” she said.
“I think it’s really important for young people to get involved because we have the knowledge, we are the future – there’s no point sitting back, letting it fall apart and complaining about it later.”
In addition to her involvement in the YMCA Youth Parliament, Gemma is in the debate team, a member of the Student Representative Council at school, a peer mentor and has been selected to participate in Youth Frontiers.
Mentored by Uralla Shire Council mayor Michael Pearce, Gemma is working on a Welfare Day that will benefit the whole community for the Youth Frontiers program.
“It will have activities and it teaches the kids without a professional level of help with how to cope if they’re having a tough time,” Gemma said.
“It’s really good having Mr Pearce as a mentor because he has a lot of experience with politics and getting out there in the community.”
And, mayor Michael Pearce seems equally impressed with Gemma.
“She’s a very bright young girl, very switched on and focused – I expect her name to go a long way in a few years,” he said.
“We’re hoping this project will succeed, her main aim is to see this Welfare Day be put on the school curriculum for NSW.”
The Welfare Day is on at Uralla Central School on August 31, and Gemma will head to Sydney for the YMCA Youth Parliament on September 23.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
