Investing in young people is something I care deeply about. Their ideas, aspirations and creativity play a crucial role in shaping the future of Kempsey, and so do the opportunities available to them. When young people are given access to the right support, pathways and encouragement, they flourish and our whole community benefits. Youth bring fresh thinking to the challenges we face and offer innovative ways to keep our community vibrant and future focused.
On Thursday, Councillors and I held our third School Leaders Forum with 25 students from four local high schools. It was fantastic hearing their ideas for the future of our community. Their clarity, optimism and commitment was inspiring, and I look forward to seeing what they bring when they stand before a Council meeting in the near future.
Another powerful reminder of the importance of creating opportunities for young people was this week's Year 11 Clontarf Dinner. The Clontarf Foundation supports young First Nations men to stay engaged at school and transition confidently into employment, creating real pathways across our region. In 2025, fourteen boys completed the program and achieved their HSC, with pride, purpose and stronger foundations supporting them into the future. It was empowering to meet the next group moving through the program. Programs like this matter, when a community shows up for its young people, great things happen.
For me, it wasn't just education that changed my life; it was the people and the community that backed me. We are fortunate to have community groups, sporting clubs, arts organisations, education providers and local employers all contributing to that shared goal.
Growing up, I counted the days until I could leave Kempsey, and I did. I moved away, I studied, I worked and learned a lot along the way. But coming home meant so much. The sense of community, belonging and familiar faces matter. Like every regional community, we face challenges, but life in Kempsey keeps getting better, and I am proud to call this place home.
