Seven inspiring young leaders have today come together as the Territory’s new NT Youth Week Ambassadors.
Representing the Top End, Central Australia, Barkly and East Arnhem regions, the diverse group has been chosen from a record number of applicants.
Ambassadors, aged 16 to 22, play a key role in the organisation and promotion of NT Youth Week and have chosen this year’s theme: “Break Free, Unleash Your Story”. The theme is a call to action to empower and inspire all young Territorians.
NT Youth Week events will take place across the NT, including Darwin, Palmerston and the greater rural area, Katherine and Big Rivers region, East and West Arnhem, Alice Springs and Central Australia, and Tennant Creek and the Barkly from 6-16 April.
Also announced today, the young Territorians appointed as the 2023 NT Youth Round Table.
They come from across the NT and from a range of backgrounds as athletes, station hands, artists, youth workers, aspiring lawyers and politicians, and school students. Their ages range from 15 to 24.
It’s the Territory’s 26th Youth Round Table, members of which will provide advice to the NT Government and inform the development of policies, programs and services that matter to young people.
The 2023 Round Table members will gather in Darwin for their first meeting on 11-12 March.
Quotes from Minister for Youth, Lauren Moss:
“I’m always inspired when meeting the young people who are ready to step-up and stand-up for what they believe will help to make a better future for the Territory.
“Youth week is a fantastic opportunity for young people to come together, celebrate and think about their own futures.
“Our Territory Labor Government proudly supports these young voices, and I look forward to watching them grow into their roles as young ambassadors and round table members, and as prospective leaders.”
Quote from Ms CJ Rankin, NT Youth Week Ambassador 2023
“I want to show that we have the capability to lead and inspire positive change in our community and be proud of our ancestors at the same time”.
Quotes from Mr Kobi Javier, 2023 NT Youth Round Table Member
“I want to give back to community by actively listening to the issues that are important to them and advocating for young people in the NT”
“The program will provide me with insights, and personal and professional development opportunities and experiences. Through my involvement in the program I would like to raise issues facing young people in the NT, and advocate for upskilling young people so they can achieve their best.”
Quotes from Ms Tayloraye Bailey, 2022 NT Youth Round Table Member
“I joined the NT Youth Round Table to bring about change for my community in Katherine. One of the changes I wanted was the opening of a drop-in centre in Katherine for young people which I will continue to advocate for as a Round Table alumni.”
“My experience in the program has taught me change doesn’t happen overnight but little changes do matter. The Round Table allowed me to voice my opinion on issues around mental health. Everyone we worked with, including the CEO of Territory Families, Housing and Communities, and the Minister for Youth, valued our voice, took our considerations seriously and actioned the recommendations.”
2023 NT Youth Week Ambassadors:
Armani Francoise – an Arrernte, Torres Strait Islander and Mauritian student from Alice Springs. She is involved in sports, particularly AFL, and the performing arts.Jordy Humphreys – a student from Alice Springs, is an advocate for people living with disability as well as youth rights. He has represented young Territorians at home and abroad on the NT Youth Round Table (Round Table) and at the Round Square International Conferences in London and South Korea.Amber Plumb – lives and works on a remote cattle station, she is a lover of the Territory lifestyle and has lived across the Territory and overseas.Shanae Kuo – a science teacher who grew up in Darwin and is of Chinese, Timorese and Taiwanese background, she is the President of the Good Games Social Club and is involved in many youth focussed activities. She was also a 2022 Round Table member.CJ Rankin – an Aboriginal woman who is completing her studies while also representing young Territorians on the Create Youth Advisory Group, Royal Life Saving and Junior Police Rangers.Taylah Mills – growing up in East Arnhem, she now works for a local council and has also been on the Nhulunbuy Youth Council. She is studying to pursue a career in teaching.Sophie Bedggood – in addition to her studies, Sophie also works at Howard Springs Veterinary Clinic and is passionate about rural life. She volunteers and represents young people in a range of activities including gymnastics.
2023 NT Youth Round Table:
Armani Francois – Alice SpringsCarly Dunnicliffe – Alice SpingsKinkade Lillie – Alice SpringsAmber Plumb – BarklyTyreake Banjo – BarklyAlicia Seccin – DarwinCecily-Jane Rankin – DarwinGurshan Dhillon – DarwinJai West – DarwinJulianne Gabor -DarwinKobi Javier – DarwinChloe Lamont – East ArnhemSophia Rogers – East ArnhemCarlito (Dante) Rodrigues – Palmerston & RuralIsabelle Craven – Palmerston & RuralJessica Porter – Palmerston & Rural
Northern Territory Government
