NSW Parliament Regional Roadshow

DEMOCRACY ON THE MOVE: NSW PARLIAMENT'S REGIONAL ROADSHOW COMES TO TAMWORTH

The Parliament of NSW is hitting the road throughout 2025 to amplify the voices and showcase the leadership of young people in regional communities. Tamworth has been chosen as one of six regional centres across the state to host a special outreach roadshow on Thursday, 22nd of May.

High schools in Tamworth and the wider region, have nominated outstanding students to participate in a Public Speaking Competition and a Youth Forum. The Public Speaking Competition gives senior students a platform to showcase their public speaking skills, while the Youth Forum invites discussion on key issues important to them. Together, these two events will provide the region's young people with an invaluable opportunity to develop skills, participate in democracy and build networks that will support them as future leaders in their community.

The NSW Legislative Council – the Upper House of the NSW Parliament – introduced the roadshows in 2024 during its Bicentenary. Last year's roadshow visited Lismore, Port Macquarie, Armidale, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga and Batemans Bay and highlighted the desire of young people to be heard and engage in the democratic process.

 President of the Legislative Council, the Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, said the Regional Roadshows present a fantastic

opportunity to engage youth across regional NSW in shaping the future of our state.

“Investing in our regional youth is investing in the future of our democracy in New South Wales. Our Regional Roadshows will empower tomorrow's leaders by providing the platforms and networks they need to advocate for their communities.” Mr Franklin said.

Member for Tamworth, the Hon. Kevin Anderson MP, added that the Tamworth region’s youth deserved to have their voice heard.

“We are fortunate to have some very strong, bright young leaders throughout our communities who continue to astonish with their wisdom beyond their years.

This is an outstanding opportunity to amplify the voices of local youth, giving them a new platform to showcase their skills while making the case for the issues they are passionate about”.

NSW Parliament's 2025 Regional Roadshow has already travelled to Grafton and Queanbeyan. The next stops are Griffith, Cessnock and Orange.