Inverell High School Year 10 student Declan Drake has been selected as a member of the 2014 NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC), the state’s main youth advisory body.
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Declan was one of only 12 people under the age of 25 from across NSW chosen to serve on the council this year.
He was selected because of his outstanding work ethic, community engagement and drive to make a difference.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall and Inverell shire mayor Paul Harmon caught up with Declan on Friday to congratulate the young leader.
Mr Marshall is a former YAC representative, so he also took the chance to pass on some advice from his years on the youth body.
“I am absolutely delighted that a young person from the Northern Tablelands has been chosen for this challenging and exciting role,” he said.
“Declan is a very impressive young man who, despite his youth, already has an outstanding record of achievement and service.
“I know he will do a magnificent job representing rural and regional young people, but also contributing to the important discussions and recommendations the YAC will make to the NSW government.”
Declan is a member of Inverell High School’s Student Representative Council and has been involved at a regional level.
“He’s has also been selected to participate in the North West debating team to compete at the state championships and is a member of the Inverell Junior Soccer Association,” Mr Marshall said.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Declan and as one of the youngest members of the YAC, I’m looking forward to following his achievements this year and offering any assistance I can.”
Mr Marshall said the YAC was one of the NSW government’s key vehicles for conversation and consultation with the state’s young people.
“These 12 young people will now be in a position to have their say on NSW government policies and strategies that matter to young people,” he said.
