Media release - 5 April 2023

Calling all young people who are passionate about addressing the issues affecting themselves and their peers - applications for the 2024 NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) are now open. 
Throughout their 12-month tenure - commencing at the end of 2023 - 12 YAC members will have the opportunity to engage with NSW Government and provide advice on the development and implementation of youth related policy.

Advocate for Children and Young People, Ms Zoë Robinson said that it is more important now than ever for young people to come forward to have their say on the policies and services that affect them. 

'In the last few years young people in NSW have been at the centre of a rapidly changing environment. It’s important that they are a key part of decisions that affect their lives and being on the YAC is one way of doing that,' Ms Robinson said.

‘All NSW young people, aged 12 to 24 years, who want to advocate on behalf of their peers are encouraged to apply. We want to hear from people with diverse backgrounds and a broad range of life experiences that reflect the diversity of the 2.5 million young people in our State,’ Ms Robinson added.

The Chairperson of the 2023 Youth Advisory Council, Melik Ibrahim believes it to be a great opportunity to represent the children and young people of NSW. Mr Ibrahim explains 'I get to share my voice with different government agencies, non-government agencies and directly to the Advocate'.

'As a member of the YAC, I have had opportunities to sit at the table with the Advocate, Ministers and government leaders and talk about solutions for issues that impact the lives of young people in NSW,' Mr Ibrahim added.
 
'We live in a diverse state and each and every young person can bring value to the YAC, I encourage everyone aged between 12 and 24 years to visit the ACYP website to find out more about how to apply,' Ms Robinson said. 

The YAC provides a direct avenue of communication between the children and young people of NSW and the NSW Government. YAC members work together with Government and non-government agencies to better understand and work on issues that affect children and young people in NSW.

Application forms can be completed online before 21 May 2023 at https://bit.ly/3lhPyYt 

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact 0439 346 249 or 
Ruby Riethmuller, Communications Officer - ruby.riethmuller@acyp.nsw.gov.au  
Una O’Neill, Director – una.oneill@acyp.nsw.gov.au