Jack Lyon, a former Tamworth Region Youth Deputy Mayor and Farrer boy has been selected among 18 young leaders across the State to represent their community on the fourth official Regional Youth Taskforce.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said he had met with Jack on several occasions and knew that his appointment to the ministerial advisory group great news for young people in this region.

“More than 140 applications from each of the State’s nine regions applied to be a part of this taskforce and Jack is a deserving appointment representing our region,” Mr Anderson said.

“I know his experience on the Tamworth Region Youth Council will put him in good stead when it comes time to meet with the group to discuss issues impacting regional youth.

“Jack’s commitment to his peers is admirable and I’m thrilled he’s been given this opportunity to represent young people from across our region.”

Mr Lyon said he was keen to sink his teeth into the issues he was passionate about.

“Young people, no matter what walk of life they come from, deserve more opportunities and better outcomes in the future than they have now,” Mr Lyon said.

“I want to see more work ready outcomes, youth empowerment, a stronger sense of community and perhaps a different focus for how to prevent youth mental health problems.”

Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the Regional Youth Taskforce connects young people from regional NSW with their community and engages them on issues including employment, mental health and public transport.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government knows there’s no better way to be informed on matters affecting young people living in regional and rural NSW than to hear those issues and concerns directly from this exceptional group of young people.

“In the role, our 18 new members will hone their skills in driving policy change, advocate for real outcomes for young people, and provide a voice for regional youth in the NSW Government.

“I congratulate the members of the new 2023 Taskforce and look forward to working with them and hearing their views on how the NSW Government can continue to serve young people across regional NSW.”

For more information on the Regional Youth Taskforce, visit: nsw.gov.au/RegionalYouthTaskforce.