First Nations youth leaders converge in Dubbo

Over 100 young First Nations leaders from across New South Wales recently came together for the NASCA NAIDOC Youth Conference. NASCA, an Indigenous-led education organisation, works to support young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be proud, strong and successful.

Over two days, the conference engaged participants in leadership and cultural workshops. The conference culminated in an inter-region Traditional Indigenous Games competition.

In her opening address, NASCA CEO Alison Bentick spoke about why the conference is being held in Dubbo: “It's important that we get to know each other's country, and get to know each other on country. As a Torres Strait Islander and someone who for many years lived in Dubbo, I'm proud that we are all gathered here today to get to know each other, learn from each other, celebrate culture, and have fun.”

A central component of the conference was a workshop facilitated by proud Torres Strait Islander Carla McGrath, exploring ways that young First Nations people can step up into leadership positions within communities. In the workshop young people were asked: ‘What does it feel like when decisions are made that affect you and you don’t have a say?’ This prompted a lot of discussion on the importance of young people having a say on issues that affect them directly.

NASCA student Kalani, who is from far north Queensland and goes to school at Tempe High School in Sydney, joined in a youth panel during Carla’s workshop and had this to say about the conference: “The experiences and the enjoyment we gain from these activities are something that we can take everywhere, they help us to develop our confidence, leadership and communication abilities, which in my opinion are as important as anything we can learn from being at school.”

In the keynote address, former rugby league and boxing chamption turned mental health advocate Joe Williams shared the following: “Every single young person has the capacity to be their best version. It doesn’t matter who they are, every kid has the ability to dream and in turn chase that dream. It is so important to provide young people with a culturally safe space to be able to be at their best, no matter the subject setting. Giving young people opportunities to learn, connect, and inspire is vital in helping them to grow into the next generation of leaders.”