As the current 2023 Youth Member for Gladstone in the Queensland Youth Parliament, it is essential to be a diverse, flexible and strong leader. Being a young leader, I am able to bring forward representation to marginalised groups within my own rural community. I am able to represent various backgrounds, ethnicities, genders and perspectives, ensuring that the needs and concerns of the youths in my community are heard and acknowledged. I work alongside the Gladstone Regional Youth Council, to use my role and resources to accommodate the concerns that youth face in the region. As a young leader, I am able to bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to the table. Being a diverse young leader means that I can act as a role model and mentor for other young individuals in my community. As a tutor, I connect with students one on one to foster their education and provide support in all their academic endeavours.

Young leaders frequently have a strong passion for tackling problems that have an immediate impact on their generation and the future of the community. They can promote advancements in rural areas’ infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic prospects. They are able to develop focused solutions that meet the particular demands of the community by concentrating on local problems. The distinctive cultural history of rural communities can be preserved and celebrated with the aid of diverse young leaders. They could plan festivals, events, and activities to promote the culture, history, and customs of the area. They do this to support the local economy as well as the preservation of their heritage and to draw tourists and visitors. Younger leaders are frequently better at connecting with people through social media and digital platforms. They can create networks that reach beyond their immediate area and collaborate with institutions, companies, and governmental bodies to pool resources and support. These alliances, cash, and knowledge can be obtained through these collaborations, which will increase the effect of their projects. Economic, environmental, and social changes frequently affect rural areas, necessitating resilience and adaptability.

Diverse young leaders can help rural communities become more resilient and future-proof because of their capacity to embrace change and seize new possibilities. Their dexterity in overcoming contemporary obstacles enables communities to survive and prosper. Having a broad group of young leaders facilitates a smooth transfer of authority and expertise as older generations hand off leadership roles. They serve as a link between the past and the present, maintaining priceless customs and aspects of cultural history while also adding modern concepts that address the changing demands of the neighbourhood.

Young leaders from various backgrounds contribute a range of viewpoints to the decision-making process, including viewpoints from a variety of backgrounds while developing policies and strategies for the community aids in developing well-rounded and comprehensive answers. This strategy produces more efficient government and beneficial policies for the whole neighbourhood. Diversity and economic prosperity are frequently linked in today’s globalised society. Young leaders from varied backgrounds are more likely to bring talent, capital, and businesses to rural areas. These leaders can attract more followers by emphasising the distinctive characteristics of their communities, such as their rich cultural diversity and strong feeling of community.