Twelve young leaders from across NSW have been appointed to the NSW Government’s 2026 Youth Advisory Council (YAC).
The new Youth Advisory Council will convene its first meeting on 9 November and work directly with the Minister for Youth, Rose Jackson on issues which are front of mind for young people across the state including mental health, cost of living, and climate change.
“When young people are genuinely empowered to shape the decisions that impact their lives, we can create programs that truly deliver real and relevant outcomes for the next generation of NSW,” said Minister Jackson.
“I’m excited to work with the new members of the Youth Advisory Council and hear about the issues that are front of mind for them.”
The appointment of the young leaders follows the establishment of the first dedicated NSW Office for Youth in August this year.
The Office for Youth is engaging young people on their terms and ensuring their leadership is formally recognised, respected, and integrated into decision-making processes across government.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to listening to young people – it’s why we established the Office for Youth and it’s why the Youth Advisory Council is so important,” said Minister Jackson.
Each year, a dozen young people between the ages of 12 and 24 will be appointed to the YAC, giving them a platform to have their say on government policies, programs, and legislation concerning young people.
Members of the inaugural Youth Advisory Council represent a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and CALD members, members living with a disability and members from both regional and metropolitan communities.
The 2026 Members are:
- Fayra Petriaton, Tamworth
- Hafsa Faizan, Leppington
- Daphne Hutchison, Wollondilly
- Amelia Hines, Maitland
- Romone Dunlop, Port Macquarie
- Ahmad Chatah, East Hills
- Lara Ristic, Riverstone
- Nathanael Guo, North Shore
- Chloe Richards, Murray
- Josua Relf, Castle Hill
- Keziah Cameron, Epping
- Thomas Norman, Junee
“I continue to support the YACs work across the state, ensuring that they are given opportunities to influence policy development,” said NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, Zoë Robinson.
“Young people deserve a genuine seat at the table when it comes to the policies, laws, and services that shape their world. The YAC serves as a direct connection to government, amplifying young voices and empowering the next generation of leaders to create lasting change across NSW.”
