A 23-year-old farmer from Illabo has been named as one of 12 young leaders appointed to the NSW government’s 2026 Youth Advisory Council (YAC).
Tom Norman, who attended the council’s first meeting on November 9, said he was passionate about bringing a regional focus to the new role.
“I’m someone from regional NSW and I know how these communities rely on each other in times of crisis,” Mr Norman said.
“I want to promote the opportunities the young can have through volunteering. I got a lot out of the Rural Fire Service and have been to a conference, done a leadership course and learned a lot.”
Mr Norman said he decided to apply after his father sent him a flyer for the council.
“The application was a written one plus a video. Then I got shortlisted and had to go to Sydney to a recruitment event,” he said.
The YAC works directly with the Minister for Youth, Rose Jackson, to advise on issues that are front of mind for young people, including mental health, the cost of living, and climate change.
“The meeting on November 9 was to meet the other 11 council members, the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People Zoe Robinson, and get a rundown of when we would meet,” Mr Norman said.
“I’m also interested in hearing what issues there are in the other regions of NSW – how can we come up with solutions and work things out?”
Minister Jackson said the government was 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,” she said.
Each year, 12 young people aged 12 to 24 are appointed to the YAC to provide their views on government policies. Members of the inaugural council represent a diverse range of backgrounds, including regional and metropolitan communities.
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