Around 40 young Novocastrians have met together today to attend the 2019 Newcastle Youth Forum at the University of Newcastle's NewSpace campus.
Shadow Minister for Young Australians, Terri Butler joined local Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon at the event in addition to Youth Mayor Monique Aganovic.
Young people were encouraged to discuss ideas and raise issues important to them at the Forum, including those surrounding climate change, and mental health.
Ms Claydon said it was important for Novocastrian youth to have continual ways for their voices to be heard.
"There is a strong, vibrant youth culture here in Newcastle, and making sure that there are avenues for young people, so they're not feeling as frustrated... is really important."
Shadow Minister for Young Australians, Terri Butler said she wanted the concerns and interests voiced at the Forum to have a significant place within government discussions.
"Something we want to do is make sure that young people's voices, concerns and interests are front and centre decision making and considerations of government," said Ms Butler.
Ms Butler also noted the hopes she had for the diversity of the group involved in the discussion.
"What I'm really excited about is the chance to listen to a range of views and a range of perspectives and to really understand some of the conversations that are happening here in Newcastle about what young people need."
Sharon Claydon said she hoped the different community groups involved would be able to collaborate in their endeavours.
"It's good to bring everybody together, there will hopefully be some alliances formed... where people discover they can help each other out in projects that they're trying to pursue."
Ms Claydon also noted overall significance of young people being involved in politics in Newcastle.
"It is very, very wrong to make the assumption that young people are not engaged in the political process.
"They are frustrated, and they do need assistance to figure out how to navigate that political system, and that's what this forum is a part of today" she said.
Monique Aganovic said she was grateful for the opportunity for youth to discuss issues that were bothering them, and have their opinions voiced.
"People think there's a disconnect between young people and politics, and it's just not true.
"We are here, we do care, we're screaming out to be heard, and we've shown that through our words and our actions."
 |
| Image Meghan Richardson/2NURFM News |
