The Territory Labor Government is providing a platform for young Territorians to raise issues and communicate their ideas direct to Government.
Seventeen outstanding young Territorians (aged 15 to 25 years) have been appointed to this year’s NT Youth Round Table. This year’s members represent the geographic, cultural and ethnic diversity of the Territory and are taking on leadership roles in their communities.
The 2019 NT Youth Round Table Members are:
• Zhengxiong (Sean) Xiao, Alice Springs
• Samuel Roussos, Darwin
• Isabel Blundell, Nhulunbuy
• Hayden Dale, Palmerston/Rural
• Pauline Papajua, Palmerston/Rural
• Emma Angstmann, Nhulunbuy
• Tahlia Gronn- Nolan, Nhulunbuy
• Benjamin Angstmann, Nhulunbuy
• Enoch Strickland, Alice Springs
• Fletcher Austin, Darwin
• Augustine Gapinski, Alice Springs
• Hannah Maljcov, Alice Springs
• Eric Withnall, Darwin
• Emily Dollar, Darwin
• Tshanka Storey, Tennant Creek
• Mitchell Ford, Katherine
• Tahnita Birch, Katherine
The Round Table members held their first meeting this weekend. Discussions included: collaboration with the Boundless Possible team, International Women’s Day, youth diversion and youth justice, NT Government program and policy development.
The NT Youth Round Table will meet four times throughout the year and participate in monthly teleconferences to continue discussions and information sharing.
The members will undertake research into youth issues of interest and concern to them and other young people in their local community. This work will culminate at the final meeting of the year where recommendations will be presented to the Territory Government for consideration.
Quotes from Minister for Territory Families, Dale Wakefield
“Young people are the future leaders of our nation. We need to invest in the future of the Territory by giving young Territorians a voice and an opportunity for them to shape current and future policies, programs, and services.
“This year’s NT Youth Round Table members are outstanding young Territorians who are part of the future of the Territory. I’m looking forward to working closely with these young Territorians, hearing their concerns, and also their ideas for a brighter Territory.
“Throughout their 12 month term, they will consult and advise various government departments, community groups, other organisations and lead a community project.”
Quotes from Members of the 2019 NT Youth Round Table
“The Youth Round Table is finally my chance to continue developing new skills and capabilities to become a strong young indigenous advocator for my community, by being a part of the Round Table I will receive the opportunity to open doors for improvement and changes within the youth groups and to provide effective, education tools and resources to the other communities to build a strong youth foundation in our the whole of the Barkly region. I hope to gain new skills, capabilities and challenges to take on board, to learn how effective the Chief Minister’s Round Table can be for its participants to ensure that we return to our communities with an Idea on how we continue to improve and close the gap on the priority issues that our youths face daily through implementing a youth table again, programs, activities, health and community promotions, youth service providers and a lot more.” - Tshanka Storey, 20, Tennant Creek
“I joined the Round Table because I am passionate about empowering my community and the youth residing here! Whilst on the committee, I hope to communicate and collaborate with leaders to implement positive changes in my community and hopefully throughout the Territory” - Isabel Blundell, 16, Nhulunbuy
“I joined the round table because I believe this is a good opportunity for me to help my community by using my point of view as a young person. And share my idea to improve the community. I hope to gain more knowledge about youth, working with others, and grow leadership skills.” - Zhengxiong (Sean) Xiao, 16, Alice Springs
"After reading up on the NT Youth Round table, I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to meet young like-minded people from around the NT. I hope to learn as much as possible about the other members perspective and what they feel needs the most attention in the NT" - Mitchell Ford, 18, Katherine
"I joined the Youth Round Table as it provides a fantastic avenue to come together with like-minded young individuals from all across the Territory, to discuss the most important and prominent issues facing the Territories’ youth today. It’s a great privilege and honour to be a member of the Youth Round Table for 2019, and I hope to gain a sense of pride in that I have been a strong voice for all young Territorians.” – Samuel Roussos, 17, Darwin
Media Contact: Paige Nguyen
Paige.Nguyen@nt.gov.au
0428 727 244