Two ambitious and confident students will be a representative voice for young people in our community after being named Blacktown City's Youth Ambassadors.
Laura Corvalan Sotomayor and Sardip Guha were announced as the 2026 ambassadors at a Blacktown City Council ceremony last month.
Laura and Sardip will take part in Council events including citizenship ceremonies and civic receptions, and inform decision-making through their roles on the Blacktown Youth Advisory Committee.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the pair would be strong representatives after they were selected from a competitive field of 88 applicants.
"Our Youth Ambassadors give young people a stronger voice in the decisions that shape our city," he said.
"They play an important role in informing Council on the issues and services that matter most to young people.
"Laura and Sardip are well spoken and positive young adults who I am sure will be excellent ambassadors."
Laura has previously served on the Blacktown Youth Advisory Committee and is a prefect at William Clarke College. She has volunteered for charitable causes and achieved the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.
Sardip has founded a tutoring business and been a member of the Student Representative Council at Penrith Selective High School. He has also achieved the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.
The two Blacktown City residents are keen to make a difference.
Laura said: "I am really honoured to be selected as a Youth Ambassador and looking forward to making a positive impact through initiatives that support young people and strengthen our community."
Sardip said: "Young people in Blacktown have strong ideas, but not always the platform to express them. I am thankful for this opportunity and hope to ensure their voices are heard."
Mayor Bunting congratulated outgoing ambassadors Caiden Bond and Jiyaa Sahdev on their service over the past 12 months.
The Blacktown City Youth Ambassadors program has been running since 1983, giving generations of young people a platform to have their say and be involved in our community.
