Diverse young leaders strengthen rural communities through the unique experiences, perspectives and gifts that we share with others and the impact which we have on the people we encounter. Ultimately, it is our young people who will be leading Australia through future challenges, and it is therefore critical that our voices are heard and valued in decision-making which impacts our future. Diversity throughout this process is essential in ensuring that these solutions are meaningful. The success and strength of our communities today comes from our willingness to accept and celebrate our own diversity. We are the first generation who have been able to proudly use our diverse gifts in a context where difference is celebrated. We hold a responsibility to carry out this legacy, further strengthening our rural communities for generations to come.

As young leaders from rural communities, we look at the challenges facing our world today with fresh eyes. We study the mistakes of the past, watch the mistakes of the present unfold and learn the skills needed to prevent these mistakes from reoccurring. We know that there are significant disparities in the opportunities provided to people who live in rural communities when compared to people who reside in cities and metropolitan areas. It is through sharing our own unique stories of success, and overcoming challenges associated with our rural settings, that we empower our community members and inspire their future. When diverse young leaders are successful and connect with fellow young people within our rural communities, we act as role models and represent what all young people can achieve. We give young people the opportunity to witness diversity at the forefront of leadership, change-making and real action on issues that are affecting themselves and their communities each day.

Through media on a national scale, we observe our diverse young leaders’ collective commitment to service and equality. Our youth today are engaged with non-governmental organisations, government agencies, charities and local grassroots organisations through working in volunteer positions, coordinating community events and running programs and workshops. Our young leaders are also actively raising awareness of the issues facing their communities’ most vulnerable people. Diverse young leaders use their platform to create change in all levels of society: locally, state and federally. The result is increased access to essential resources, improved facilities and services and policy and legislative changes. I myself have witnessed diverse young leaders come together through the Y NSW Youth Parliament Program. Together, we wrote youth bills which followed the format of current New South Wales legislation and debated these bills in front of politicians in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. I felt the power in the chamber as we collectively called for real action for the communities which we represent in a mock NSW Legislative Assembly. When young leaders work together, as I have seen in my lived experiences, real change can and does occur.

When young leaders harness their unique identities, experiences and history to power their voices, our communities generate the most action. Young leaders today take to the streets in protest of climate inaction and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander injustice and stand in solidarity with workers across various sectors demanding fair pay. Young leaders demand the protection of the rights of people in the LGBTQIA+ community, the rights of women and the rights of people of colour. Diverse young leaders are not only our future but are the change-makers of today. As a proud Birpai woman living on Country in my strong Port Macquarie community, I am excited and privileged to be a part of this.