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Designed for 16 and 17-year-olds, the National Youth Parliament aims to equip young Australians with the knowledge, confidence and leadership skills to actively participate in the nation’s democratic system through real-world parliamentary experiences.

Bronte, who will represent regional New South Wales, described the selection as both exciting and humbling.

“The application process involved submitting an online application addressing leadership experience, community involvement, and our vision for the future of young Australians,” she said.

“From more than 2,200 applications across the country, only 150 students were selected, so it was incredibly exciting and humbling to be chosen to represent regional NSW.”

As part of the program, Bronte will travel to Canberra in August for a five-day residential experience held across Australian Parliament House and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

Throughout the week, participants will take part in simulated parliamentary debates, workshops with political leaders, leadership sessions and real-world policy discussions, gaining firsthand insight into how laws are drafted, debated and passed through Parliament.

“There’s also talk of meeting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, which would be an incredible experience,” Bronte said.

“We’ll also have the opportunity to visit Governor-General Sam Mostyn at Government House.”

Importantly, Bronte said the experience extends beyond the Canberra program itself, with participants remaining involved in the Youth Parliament network for a further 12 months through conferences, leadership events and functions in both Sydney and Canberra.

For Bronte, the opportunity to represent regional young people is particularly significant.

“For regional students especially, opportunities like this are so important,” she said.

“They provide young people with a genuine platform to share their perspectives and ensure country communities are represented in national conversations.”

The National Youth Parliament was established in response to growing concerns around declining engagement with traditional politics among young Australians and aims to strengthen civics education by giving students direct exposure to Australia’s democratic processes.

Bronte has already built an impressive record of leadership and community involvement both within Calrossy and across the Tamworth community.

Alongside her role as Vice School Captain, she serves as Vice President of the Interact Club of Tamworth Sunshine, is a member of the Tamworth Youth Council and Headspace Youth Advisory Group, coordinates Calrossy’s R U OK? Committee, and was recently recognised as Lions Youth of the Year.

A passionate advocate for youth wellbeing, Bronte hopes to use the opportunity to help address issues facing young people in regional communities, particularly surrounding mental health and suicide prevention.

“One of the biggest issues I personally feel as a young person that we are facing in a regional community is the stigma surrounding difficult and often ‘taboo’ conversations, especially around suicide, mental health struggles, addiction and seeking help,” she said.

“In country towns, these issues can sometimes be brushed aside or left unspoken, which only increases isolation for young people who may already be struggling.”

“I’m passionate about advocating for stronger support services and ensuring regional communities are not overlooked when it comes to youth wellbeing and suicide prevention. Access to support shouldn’t depend on your postcode.”

While Bronte is still exploring her future career direction, she said the experience would provide valuable insight into areas she is passionate about, including advocacy, politics, journalism, media and communications.

“At 17, I’m still figuring out exactly where I’d like to head in the future,” she said.

“I’ve always been passionate about advocacy, communication and leadership, particularly surrounding mental health awareness, so I could definitely see myself pursuing something in that space.”

Following the completion of her HSC, Bronte plans to take a gap year before commencing university in 2028, while continuing to volunteer and promote mental health awareness within the regional community.

Calrossy Anglican School congratulates Bronte on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to seeing the positive impact she will continue to make both within the School and beyond.