The NSW Government has marked the first anniversary of the Office for Youth, highlighting its work on youth consultation, policy development and community funding over the past 12 months.
The office was established in 2025 under Youth Minister Rose Jackson and is intended to give children and young people a greater role in informing government policy and decisions that affect them.
According to the government, more than 12,000 children and young people have taken part in consultations, surveys, events and training sessions during the office’s first year.
The Office for Youth has also released research on issues affecting young people, including mental health, bullying, housing affordability, cost of living pressures and the growing use of artificial intelligence. Twelve new members were appointed to the 2026 NSW Youth Advisory Council, which provides advice to government on youth-related issues.
The government said the office has published seven reports on topics including mental health, education, e-bike safety and community connection, and contributed to 19 parliamentary inquiries and statutory reviews covering areas such as youth justice, housing, racism and early childhood education.
Katherine McKernan was appointed Advocate for Children and Young People during the year, with a focus on improving outcomes for children and young people across NSW.
More than $3 million has been distributed through grants supporting almost 1,500 free community events and activities, while a further $2 million has been allocated to the Connect IRL program, which aims to reduce social isolation by encouraging young people to connect through in-person activities.
Jackson said the government had established the Office for Youth to strengthen the role of young people in government decision-making.
She said the past year had focused on listening to young people and responding through funding, opportunities and policy initiatives.
Jackson said the government wanted consultation with young people to lead to practical outcomes and accountability across government.
McKernan said young people had consistently called for greater involvement in decisions affecting their futures.
She said the Office for Youth had worked with communities across the state to create more opportunities for young people’s views to inform policy and practice, and would continue focusing on improving safety, wellbeing and opportunities for children and young people.
The anniversary comes as governments across Australia place greater emphasis on youth mental health, housing access, education and social participation, with consultation mechanisms increasingly being used to shape youth policy.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
