Tamworth’s Jack Lyon and Kentucky’s Katie Barnett have been appointed to represent the New England on the 2023 NSW Government Regional Youth Taskforce.
Members of the Regional Youth Taskforce advise the Minister for Regional Youth on issues that affect young people living in regional NSW. The Taskforce allows members to have their say on ways Government can improve outcomes for young people in regional NSW and better deliver services.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall joined Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin, Mayor Robert Bell, and Ms Barnett and Mr Lyon in Uralla yesterday for the statewide Taskforce announcement where Katie, Jack, and the 16 other members were revealed.
Mr Marshall said the 22-year-old Katie Barnett, who works as an assistant manager at Taylors Run (a large sheep station outside Uralla), had a good understanding of local issues that affect today’s youth.
“I’m incredibly proud of Katie and I know she will be an excellent ambassador for our region and young people across country NSW,” Mr Marshall said.
“In her new role, Katie will be speaking up and speaking out on issues and challenges confronting young people in our region and I look forward to supporting her this year achieve some positive changes.
“It is vital that young people have direct input into programs developed by the NSW Government and have a voice that speaks to the challenges faced by their peers in the bush.”
Ms Barnett said she was thrilled to be appointed as a taskforce member representing the New England & North West.
“I feel privileged to have this opportunity and am looking forward to my time on the 2023 Regional Youth Taskforce.”
“I’d like to see more opportunities for young people in my community including more employment, better housing and education,” Ms Barnett said.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said he had met with Jack Lyon, a former Tamworth Region Youth Deputy Mayor and Farrer boy, on several occasions and knew that his appointment to the ministerial advisory group great news for young people in this region.
“I know his experience on the Tamworth Region Youth Council will put him in good stead when it comes time to meet with the group to discuss issues impacting regional youth.
“Jack’s commitment to his peers is admirable and I’m thrilled he’s been given this opportunity to represent young people from across our region.”
Mr Lyon said he was keen to sink his teeth into the issues he was passionate about.
“Young people, no matter what walk of life they come from, deserve more opportunities and better outcomes in the future than they have now,” Mr Lyon said.
“I want to see more work ready outcomes, youth empowerment, a stronger sense of community and perhaps a different focus for how to prevent youth mental health problems.”
Minister Ben Franklin thanked the outgoing 2022 Regional Youth Taskforce for their input guiding major NSW Government policy decisions.
“Some of the 2022 Taskforce’s achievements include raising awareness of the need for more mental health support for regional young people, improving messaging to youth about the harms of vaping and inclusion and awareness for LGBTQIA+ young people living in the regions,” Mr Franklin said.
“I congratulate the members of the new 2023 Taskforce and look forward to working with them and hearing their views on how the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government can continue to serve young people across regional NSW.”
Top image: Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall (L) grabs a selfie with Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin (front) and taskforce members Jack Lyon and Katie Barnett. (Source: Facebook)
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