The Y NSW - Youth Parliament

24/08/2026

The Y NSW is still seeking applicants for its Young Directors Development Program to create a pathway for young people aged 18-25 to develop governance skills, learn from experienced leaders, and contribute their perspectives to organisational decision-making.

We’re looking for young people who:
✔ Care about their community
✔ Want to create positive change
✔ Are curious about leadership and governance
✔ Bring unique lived experiences and perspectives

Whether you’ve been involved in advocacy, volunteering, community initiatives, youth participation, or simply care deeply about issues affecting young people, we’d love to hear from you.

Previous affiliation with the Y is not required.

Your experience matters. Your perspective matters. Your voice belongs at the table.

📅 EOI applications close Wednesday 26 August. Link to apply is in our bio.

20/08/2026

Great to see 11 young people from the Y NSW Youth Parliament program attend National Youth Parliament in Canberra this week to connect with young people from electorates across the country, delivered by The Y Australia and Australia's House of Representatives.

It was an inspiring experience and as usual young people from NSW did an incredible job.

Extra special to see Imamah and Emma win the supervisor award, chosen from among their cohort of 150 for their dedication, passion, positive spirit, and care for others around them.

Keeping making us proud! Any young people in NSW who want to use their voice and continue their advocacy journey should sign up to our email list in our bio, or reach out directly to the team at [email protected]



The Y NSW

20/08/2026

If you are or know a young person who would excel in this space please apply!

The next generation of directors doesn't just appear overnight. They are developed through opportunity, mentorship, and real-world experience.
Through the Young Directors Development Program, participants will:
🔹 Complete accredited governance training through ICDA
🔹 Learn about strategy, finance, risk, and board responsibilities
🔹 Be paired with an experienced Y NSW Board Director
🔹 Participate in Shadow Board activities
🔹 Build networks with leaders across the sector
This opportunity is open to young people aged 18-25 who are ready to develop their leadership potential and contribute to meaningful change.
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, culturally diverse young people, young people with disability, LGBTQIA+ young people, and others whose voices are underrepresented in governance settings.
📅 Apply by Wednesday 26 August. Visit this link to apply: https://bit.ly/YoungDirectorDevelopment

18/08/2026

You heard it here, the scones at NSW Parliament are hard to beat!

08/08/2026

Home is more than a roof over your head. It’s safety, stability, belonging, and the foundation for a young person’s future.

This Homelessness Week, we’re amplifying the voices of our 2026 participants, who shared powerful insights, personal reflections, and policy solutions on housing and homelessness, particularly its impacts on young people experiencing homelessness.

Hear directly from young people on why housing stability matters, and why action must be taken now. Because young people should be focused on their future, not worrying about where they’ll sleep tonight.

Watch the full debates on our YouTube channel via the link in our bio.



Homelessness Australia

30/07/2026

Young people across Australia are leading change, breaking barriers and making their communities better every day.

If you know a young person doing incredible things, now’s the time to shine a spotlight on them. The Australian of the Year Awards are an opportunity to recognise their impact and celebrate everything they’ve achieved. Your nomination could help amplify their voice, connect them with new opportunities and give them the recognition they’ve earned.

Nominations close 31 July 2026 (tomorrow!) so don’t wait!

Nominate now: https://australianoftheyear.org.au/nominate


Australian of the Year

24/07/2026

25 years. Thousands of young leaders. One magical program.

Last week was an absolutely incredible week at the Y NSW Youth Parliament 2026. From passionate debates in the NSW Parliament chamber to late-night chats, new friendships, and unforgettable behind-the-scenes moments, this year’s program showcased exactly why young people belong at the centre of decision-making.

Over the week, young people in grades 10-12 from across NSW stepped up and brought their ideas for a better state to the floor, demonstrating the power of youth voice in action.

As we celebrate 25 years of the Y NSW Youth Parliament, we’re reminded that young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow, they’re leading conversations, creating change and shaping communities today.

From one of our 2026 participants:

“Participating in the Y NSW Youth Parliament has really broadened my perspective on civic engagement and leadership. It’s given me the confidence to speak up about issues I care about and has shown me that young people can truly influence change.”

A huge thank you to our partners NSW Parliament Office for Youth NSW and Scape Student Living , whose commitment to backing young voices continues to create opportunities for these changemakers.

Thank you to the many Members of Parliament for your support of our Youth Parliamentarians throughout the week.

Ben Franklin Greg Piper Chris Minns Natalie Ward Jordan Lane MP - For Ryde Judy Hannan MP Matt Cross MP Dr Marjorie O'Neill MP Nichole Overall MLC The Hon. Yasmin Catley MP Abigail Boyd Stephen Bali Felicity Wilson MP Charishma Kaliyanda MP David Saliba MP The Hon. Aileen MacDonald OAM MLC Jihad Dib MP Adam Crouch MP Tim James MP Wes Fang Kylie Wilkinson MP Mark Hodges Michael Regan MP Clayton Barr MP, Member for Cessnock Jenny Aitchison MP

To every young person, staff member, volunteer and supporter who made this week possible, thank you for being part of the legacy. Here’s to 25 more years!

Want to get involved in The Y NSW Youth Parliament in 2027? Visit the link in our bio!

17/07/2026

That’s a wrap on Youth Sitting Week 2026! 🤩

We’ve spent the last few days debating, advocating, learning, laughing, making memories, and most importantly, proving just how powerful young people’s voices are.

Our final day brought another incredible line-up of debates and one last chance for Youth Parliamentarians to take the floor and champion the issues they care about most🗣️

A huge thank you to the MPs and MLC who joined us today:

Jihad Dib MP for chairing our Youth Justice Debate, exploring how we can respond to hate-motivated violence amongst young people.

Greg Piper for chairing our Transport & Planning Debate, looking at ways to create more sustainable and liveable communities through transport.

The Hon. Aileen MacDonald OAM MLC for chairing our Private Members’ Statements, where Youth Members once again shared powerful personal stories and ideas for change.

Charishma Kaliyanda MP for chairing our Education Debate, exploring how student voices can have a greater impact on curriculum reform across NSW.

David Saliba MP for chairing our Families & Communities Debate as it went to the Legislative Council for review.

We also extend a massive congratulations to all of our award recipients, our outstanding Youth Parliamentarians and Taskies who were recognised for their contributions to the program this year.

Every single person in this program deserves recognition. From meeting 100 new people in April, to writing bills, delivering speeches, researching, and supporting your peers, you all stepped outside your comfort zone and simply showed up ready to learn and contribute, you all make this week the magic that it is.

We’re excited to announce we have selected a Youth Governor for 2027 and we can’t wait to share more about this fantastic young leader and see how they shine in this new role!

To our Youth Parliamentarians, Taskies, staff, alumni, partners, MPs, MLCs, and supporters: thank you for making this week so special!

Until next year...

16/07/2026

Another huge day of debates for Day Two of Sitting Week! 🌟🗣️

A huge thank you to the MPs and MLCs who gave their time to chair proceedings and share their experiences with our Youth Members:

Dr Marjorie O'Neill MP for chairing our Disability Inclusion & Accessibility Debate, exploring how we can create more opportunities for people with disability to access community spaces and build meaningful connections.

Nichole Overall MLC for chairing our Rural & Regional Affairs Debate, focused on tackling the causes and impacts of family violence in regional and rural communities.

The Hon. Yasmin Catley MP for chairing Private Members’ Statements, where young people delivered inspiring personal speeches on the issues they care about most.

Abigail Boyd for chairing our Families & Communities Debate, looking at expanding accessible third spaces where young people can find connection and belonging.

Ben Franklin and Felicity Wilson MP for chairing our Women’s Affairs Debate, considering ways to strengthen support and improve outcomes for women experiencing domestic violence.

Stephen Bali for chairing our Housing & Homelessness Debate, with proposed solutions to reduce youth homelessness across NSW.



A huge shout out to our young people, who continue to show up with courage and thoughtful ideas in every debate and speech. Watching young people advocate for the issues that matter most to them is what the Y NSW Youth Parliament is all about 🩵