“When people share their personal story, change happens. Being brave enough and courageous enough to put yourself out here [at Youth Parliament] is one of the most powerful things you can do.” Hon Rose Jackson MLC (NSW Government Minister including Minister for Mental Health and Minister for Youth).
The Hon. Lachlan Miranda, Youth Member of Parliament for the electorate of Coogee, was fortunate to be selected to be part of the YNSW Youth Parliament 2023. This annual event brings 90 students from across New South Wales together, representing all electorates across the State, to participate in civic leadership, policy development and nuanced debate.
Lachlan represented Waverley College and the wider electorate of Coogee with aplomb.
The generosity of the Old Boys Union (OBU) in gifting Lachlan $750.00 to participate in this flagship youth leadership program was greatly appreciated. As was the time of Dr Marjorie O’Neill (Member for Coogee) who met with Lachlan and discussed youth leadership, mental health and his time at Waverley College.
Congratulations, Lachlan!
During the training Camp in April, Lachlan was elected leader of the Youth Mental Health Committee, an incredible honour. He is passionate about mental health, advocating for his peers and supporting boys who silently struggle with the stressors of school and socialisation. Lachlan intends to be a psychologist post-school, and the opportunity to lead the committee has proven a great launchpad for his future endeavours.
Lachlan’s Summary
Being a Youth Parliamentarian was an honour. I represented Waverley College and my electorate (Coogee). Through an intense week, filled with late nights writing speeches, I was able to learn more about the parliamentary process and how advocacy works on a larger scale. It was an emotional and insightful week, hearing everyone’s private members’ statements. The mental health debate was intense with the government pushing for amendments to the bill (to strengthen existing mental health legislation to better support youth) and the opposition attempting to publish it in its present condition. Then, moving to open floor debates which were filled with personal anecdotes about how an individual was touched by mental health.
Throughout the week I made new friendships with people from all over the state and from all backgrounds. Moving forward I wish to raise awareness for some of the issues that were addressed within the chamber as well as continue to advocate for mental health. Throughout my time as a Youth Parliamentarian, I displayed the skills and behaviours expected of leaders representing their school. Whether it was through collaborating with my committee or attempting to provide solutions to international issues through critical thinking, I am eternally grateful for this opportunity and will continue to display the skills I was able to develop through this program.
Image: courtesy YMCA NSW – YNSW Youth Parliament 2023
His success is of his own making. On a personal note, I want to congratulate Lachlan on his application, commitment and energy he brought to the Youth Parliament Program. I was privileged to attend the Mental Health Debate at NSW Parliament House and I was in awe of Lachlan’s ability to debate challenging and complex issues with such empathy and understanding. Witnessing the leaders of tomorrow in action assured me that we are in incredibly capable hands.
We can’t wait to see the next generation of leaders make meaningful change.
