Kylie takes national role

Umina resident Kylie Cassidy has just travelled to Canberra as one of just 15 young people in the National Youth Indigenous Leadership Group.

The group is a federal government initiative to enable collaboration on issues that impact on Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander youth.

"Denise Markham nominated me, and I had to compete against the whole of Australia, and show that I was already involved in community projects and education," Kylie said.

Kylie said that the Canberra trip was full-on, starting with training in leadership and media skills.

"After those workshops, we held a conference with the Commonwealth leaders of government and answered their questions," she said.

"We also found out the different avenues of funding for community projects, both for community and the individual."

On the final day, which was International Youth Day, Kylie said that the group went to Parliament House, and she volunteered to introduce the group to the parliament.

"Then each young person presented the issues of their local area to the politicians," she said.

"For example, there were stories about remote communities that made me feel very emotional.

"Although they have the same issues as we have, their issues are more intense.

"Also they're often too afraid to speak out because their communities are so small."

Kylie said that the best part was just meeting other strong proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

"It was very inspiring, and there were all types there, including for example a medical student and someone who worked with the Bringing Them Home project," she said.

Kylie said the most challenging part of the week away had been getting on the aeroplane as she had never been in one before.

Kylie said that Denise Markham "has inspired me since Year 2 at school, and I don't think I could have done this without her help. She rocks."

Denise said: "I met Kylie when she was six, and I've watched her grow into an amazing leader. I know she'll make a difference in the world."

Kylie said that her job between now and the next meeting of the group next year was to collaborate with local youth about the issues they wanted the Federal government to address.

Kylie's message to other young people is to find out where they belong, and be proud of it no matter who they are.

Denise Markham, September 1