Young Narrabri leaders reflect on Sydney trip

Two bright young minds from Narrabri had the chance to question politicians during a recent trip to Sydney.

NHS captain Jesse Weekes and vice-captain Eliza Dampney attended the Secondary Schools Student Leadership program and said they had the opportunity to meet and quiz politicians including Member for Barwon Roy Butler and Member of the Legislative Council Bronwyn Taylor.

“It was pretty amazing that we had a line-up of different politicians vying to answer any question we had,” said Eliza.

“A definite highlight of the trip was being able to stand up and ask questions.

“And receive meaningful answers as well as guidance and advice.

“Each member had their own story and advice to give, but a particularly common piece of advice was about the importance of giving things a go – step out of your comfort zone and use your voice and passions to push for what you believe in.

“It was also very interesting being able to sit in on question time in both the upper and lower houses.

“It gave us all an insight into what current topics and issues are being discussed, and that the questions we were asking about teacher shortages and the cost-of-living crisis were very relevant, with these subjects being raised in both houses whilst we were there.”

Jesse agreed meeting the politicians was a stand out moment.

“It was an absolutely amazing trip,” he said.

“I think the highlight for me had to be meeting all the politicians.

“Getting the opportunity to ask people like Roy Butler about their positions and how they’ve gotten to where they are now was really interesting.

NHS captain Jesse Weekes, Member for Barwon Roy Butler and NHS vice-captain Eliza Dampney.

“We had the chance to ask them deep, topical questions that directly affected us, which is something I wouldn’t have thought we would have been able to do.

“Visiting Government House (the official residence and office of Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC) was particularly memorable.

“It was sprinkling a bit as we headed in there. With the weather and the building, it felt just like England.”

Eliza described Government House, Sydney as “a very beautiful, intricate, old building”.

“The tour of Government House was awesome … and a little part of Sydney I haven’t seen before,” Eliza added.

“All in all, it was a fantastic trip and an incredible opportunity.

“We gained a lot, developing our communication and networking skills, along with learning more about how our parliament system runs and works.”

Reflecting on the trip and leadership program, Jesse added it was “a good chance to step back and get a new perspective on school life.

“I started to think about how school is like a crash course for life.

“School isn’t just about the brain knowledge you get, it’s about all the life skills.

“From social skills like working in a team to those work life experiences, learning to network and get along with your co-workers.”

The Secondary Schools Student Leadership program offers Year 12 student leaders the opportunity to develop their knowledge of government and parliamentary proceedings, and the role of the Governor of NSW.

Member of the Legislative Council Bronwyn Taylor, NHS vice-captain Eliza Dampney and NHS captain Jesse Weekes.

Stepping outside their familiar country classroom and into the hustle and bustle of Sydney’s busy working world was a valuable learning experience the local students will remember for years to come.

“It was really awesome,” added Jess.

“It was also a really good experience to be able to try new things.

“I had my first proper coffee, and got to try a lot of different foods and cuisines I hadn’t before.

“It also happened to be my first flight, which was an amazing, but weird experience for me.

“I wasn’t nervous in the lead up to the flight but then once we were starting to take off, I think reality hit me a bit.

“Past the first five minutes or so, I was fine though and was able to appreciate the views.”