Phoebe Hooper and Leah Sharp aspire to be future leaders.
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That is why the pair were chosen to represent Katherine on the NT Youth Round Table this year.
Established in 1997, the Round Table is a direct communication avenue between young Territorians and the NT Government.
The Round Table consists of 15 members aged 15 to 25 years.
Ms Sharp said she speaks with young people in the community and brings their concerns to government and other community stakeholders.
“One of the big issues concerning youth in Katherine at the moment is the lack of activities,” Ms Sharp said.
“We are such a diverse group of people so it is about finding ways to engage us all and not just a small group of people.
“I think keeping kids engaged in positive activities keeps them away from negative influences,” she said.
Mr Hooper said more work needed to be done to encourage youth to participate in activities.
“People say there is nothing to do, but then when something is on they do not go to it,” he said.
“I planned Katherine’s first LGBT pride week this year. We had a colour run and a movie night.
“The LGBT community in the NT is large, but it isn’t really recognised in Katherine. I wanted to celebrate it and we got a really great response.”
Ms Sharp identified mental health as another major concern for Katherine’s youth.
“Mental health is another big one, there is a lack of information and support. It is a big problem in rural places around the NT,” Ms Sharp said.
“Headspace is coming to Katherine soon which is amazing, we have been pushing that a lot.”
Ms Sharp said she would like to see more counsellors in Katherine schools.
“We need to support young people, kids need someone they can talk to where they are in a safe environment,” she said.
Mr Hooper said he had learnt new skills through the Round Table.
“I learnt how to plan my own event, apply for grants and speak in front of groups. I got a lot of positive personal growth and confidence from it.”
The pair encouraged other young people in the community to “take a leap” and apply for the Round Table.
Nominations are now open for the 2018 Youth Round Table and the NY Youth Week Ambassador.
Territory Families CEO Ken Davies said the agency is committed to providing more opportunities for young people to build stronger connections with their local community and to offer platforms where their voices and views can be heard.
“According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the age group that is predicted to grow the fastest over the next four years is young Territorians between the ages of 15 and 29 years of age,” Mr Davies said.
“Both the NT Ambassador roles and membership of the NT Youth Round Table are exciting and rewarding opportunities for young Territorians to take advantage of, and I encourage families, schools, sporting clubs and cultural groups to encourage the many outstanding young person they know, to nominate for one of these positions.”
For more information and details on how to nominate go to the www.youth.nt.gov.au website.