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Young Aboriginal Leaders Honoured Through Historic NSW Parliament Program

Published on: June 2025

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-154920

Young Aboriginal Leaders Honoured Through Historic NSW Parliament Program

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore)

—I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the inspiring young Aboriginal leaders who participated in the inaugural Parliament of NSW Young Aboriginal Leaders Program, held from 17-20 June 2025 at Parliament House. Delivered as part of the Legislative Council's Bicentenary celebrations, this program empowers emerging Aboriginal leaders aged 18-25 from across NSW. I commend NSW Parliament for launching this meaningful program, which combines leadership development with deep respect for culture and Country. From learning about the legislative process to delivering speeches in the Legislative Council Chamber, participants are equipped to shape the future of their communities—and our state. To the young leaders who have taken part: Taylor-Lee Byrne, Stevie Carr, Eliza Darney, Arabella Flowers, Benjamin Harris, Sebastian Kelly-Toiava, Jayden Kitchener-Waters, Brittney Lavis, Braden Lyons, Malek Lyons, Jai McEwen, Billi Moss, Ieyesha Roberts, Sam Russell, Lachlan Sibir, Jacob Smeaton, Mea-Mei Stanbury, Axel Wellings and Dre Wicks – you represent the future of Aboriginal leadership in NSW, and your presence in Parliament this week is a moment of pride for all of us. Your voices matter, your journeys are important, and your leadership will leave a lasting legacy. Congratulations on this significant milestone!