Young Territorians who champion their community are encouraged to apply for a seat at the NT Youth Round Table 2022.

Up to 16 positions are available for Territorians, ages 15 to 25.

The Round Table gives young people a direct line of communication with the Northern Territory Government and provides a platform to share their views about issues and interests relevant to their peers.

It also offers the opportunity for members to develop skills that support their capacity to initiate and encourage change within their communities.

Past members from the Barkly include Bronson Plummer (2020) and Tshanka Storey (2019).

Round Table members:

• meet face-to-face four times a year in Darwin across two days and attend monthly video conferences;
• consult and advise various government departments, community groups and other organisations on key initiatives and strategies;
• undertake intensive skill development including media training, public speaking and communication skills, project management, team building and report writing workshops; and
• lead a community-based project throughout their 12-month term.

The Office of Youth Affairs works with Round Table members to help them identify their passions, set goals, and scope ideas for their action-based community projects which are presented to Government at the final meeting.

Round Table members consult and advise various government departments, community groups and other organisations on key initiatives and strategies.

During 2021, Round Table members have been involved in eight consultation sessions including:

• Education Engagement Strategy – a new plan to meaningfully engage students in learning throughout their education journey;
• Ten-Year Generational Strategy for Children and Families in the Northern Territory – a shared vision and policy framework to improve services for the wellbeing and safety of all children, young people and families; and
• Youth Employment Rights which provided Round Table members with the opportunity to explore employment topics and discuss ways that Youth Law Australia could communicate and connect with young people about workplace rights.

Young people who are interested in joining the Youth Round Table 2022 can apply online via youth.nt.gov.au. Recruitment closes 7 November 2021.

Minister for Youth Lauren Moss said the NT Government values young Territorians and this forum provides an important opportunity to engage with dynamic youth who are our future leaders.

“Youth Round Tables provide interesting insights into what it means to be a young person in the Territory and we genuinely value members’ ideas and views which we use to shape our policies, programs and strategies,” she said.

“Further, the NT Youth Round Table supports young Territorians by providing them with leadership and advocacy skills that enable them to effect positive social justice changes into the future.

“I was a member of the NT Youth Round Table in 2010 and 2011 and the experience played a huge role in where I am today.
“I am excited about the NT Youth Round Table 2022 and look forward to meeting the next group of amazing young advocates.”

Quotes attributable to Ruizhe Zhao, member of the NT Youth Round Table 2021:

“It has been a great honour to be a member of the Northern Territory Youth Round Table 2021, I have enjoyed working with the Government, the Minister for Youth and all other members.

“I am passionate about my responsibility to deliver services in demand to all young Territorians with respect and trust. Alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much.”

Young people who are interested in joining the Youth Round Table 2022 can apply online via youth.nt.gov.au. Recruitment closes 7 November 2021.

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 15 October 2021.