Youth Week interview with Liverpool Youth Councillor Tamisha Matara
Published 29 April 2024
As we celebrated NSW Youth Week this month, we spoke with a member of Liverpool Youth Council (LYC), Tamisha Matara. LYC is a group of 12 people aged 12-24 years who live, work or study in the Liverpool local government area. Established by Liverpool City Council in 1999 as part of its Youth Strategy, LYC provides a voice for young people.
Can you tell us about Liverpool Youth Council?
The youth council is a platform that shows and emphasises care for the concerns, struggles and wants of youth in Liverpool. I use it as an opportunity to be the voice and leader for young people in my community, which is very important as there are many young people who feel as though their thoughts and concerns are not paid attention to and as though they are not free to confidently express themselves. The youth council facilitates a safe environment that wants to know more about young people in Liverpool and the changes they would like to see in the future to make Liverpool a better place.
What motivated you to apply to be part of the Youth Council?
Initially my main focus was around the mental health and wellbeing of young people. I felt as though mental health and self love was a major topic that many young people in my community struggle with, therefore I wanted to advocate for the mental health and wellbeing of youth in my local area.
As a young person living in Liverpool, what types of discrimination do you think young people face?
I moved to the Liverpool region at 6 years of age. I attended both primary and high school here and I believe young people in my community face different kinds of discrimination and judgment. You may find an individual being discriminated against for the way they speak, their body shape or religion.
Why is Youth Week (11-21 April) important and how do you get involved?
Youth Week is important because it emphasises the importance of the youth, and why they must be catered to and cared for. Youth Week focuses on young people, their ideas, what they believe in, and what affects them most in society.
The Liverpool Youth Council and I suggested that there be a focus on providing educational workshops for young people during Youth Week.
To get involved in Youth Week in 2025, visit www.nsw.gov.au or contact your local council.
Last updated:
29 Apr 2024
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