Leeton High School’s Jack Clark and Madeline Glenn on the steps of parliament. Photo: NSW Parliament.
Students from Leeton and Balranald attended a leadership program in NSW Parliament this week and expressed their views on issues that matter to country people, such as the need to improve access to rural health services.
Baranald High School’s Ayla Campbell and Rhiannon Lanteir and Leeton High School’s Madeline Glenn and Jack Clark took part in the Secondary Student Leadership Program in Sydney. The long‑running civics and leadership initiative for Year 12 student leaders from across metropolitan and regional NSW is designed to build practical understanding of the NSW system of government, parliamentary proceedings, the role of the governor, and the work of Members of Parliament.
Established in 1975, the program enables students to travel to Parliament House to engage directly with democratic institutions and their local representatives.
“As a student leader from a remote town in NSW, visiting state Parliament House shows me how important representation is,” Ms Lanteir said.
“In our community we are facing issues like fuel prices, attracting teaches and accessing services like health. Remote communities deserve to have their voices heard just as much as anyone in NSW.”
Baranald High School’s Ayla Campbell and Rhiannon Lanteir travelled more than seven hours to get to NSW Parliament. Photo: NSW Parliament.
Leeton High captain Jack Clark said the program gave him a new perspective on politics in Australia.
“It’s my first time visiting the Parliament of NSW; I wasn’t sure what to expect from the experience, but I think it’s given me some great tips on how I can lead the school,” he said.
“I found the tips given around leadership, that if you want the change you need to be the change, to be most helpful.”
The students were joined by more than 120 other Year 12 pupils who travelled from metropolitan, regional and remote communities across the state to take part in the program.
Seven Secondary Student Leadership program days have been scheduled across terms one and two.
Eight hundred and seventy-five students are expected to participate across the seven sessions this semester.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said a strong democracy depended on an informed and engaged community.
“The NSW Parliament education programs gives students a deeper understanding of how laws are made, how parliament operates and how citizens can participate in shaping their society. It is an important investment in civic education and the next generation of leaders,” he said.
Original Article published by Oliver Jacques on Region Riverina.
