I recognise the outstanding young people who participated in the Northern Beaches Council Have Your Say Day event on Wednesday 20 May. It was a youth‑led initiative that brought together students from across the northern beaches to speak directly about the issues shaping their lives, futures and communities. Too often we hear that young people are disengaged, but after attending that event, one would have to say the exact opposite. We saw thoughtful, articulate, solutions‑focused leadership from young people who care deeply about their communities and want to help shape a better future.
This year the event reached more young people than ever before. Some 2,368 surveys were completed in 2026, which is up from 2,120 in 2025 and just 308 in the program's first year in 2023. That is huge. Some 57 per cent of participants were aged between 12 and 14, while 40 per cent were aged between 15 and 17. The event covered a broad range of issues affecting young people, including transport, addiction, mental health, cost‑of‑living pressures, education, the environment, third spaces and governance. Survey results showed that transport was the number one issue impacting young people in 2026, followed by mental health and the environment. That represents a significant shift from 2024, when mental health and cost of living dominated concerns, and from 2025, when social media emerged as the top issue.
On transport, students Ava, Georgia, Lily and Maya from Stella Maris spoke powerfully about unreliable bus services across the northern beaches. That is a passion we have in common. They highlighted overcrowding, cancellations, limited late‑night services and the impacts those issues have on safety, study, work and everyday life for young people. They also raised practical ideas around improving Opal engagement, expanding routes and addressing the shortage of bus drivers. On addiction, Cooper and Grace from Davidson High School addressed the growing issue of youth addiction to vaping, drugs and alcohol. They spoke about the need for greater awareness of existing support services, stronger education in schools and more open conversations around addiction and mental health to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention.
On mental health, Akshita and Harrison from Manly Selective Campus gave a deeply thoughtful presentation on the anxiety faced by young people during senior school and the transition into adulthood. They discussed burnout, the pressure associated with the HSC and the lack of practical life skills education available to young people. They proposed wellbeing days for senior students, student‑run wellbeing teams and expanded life skills programs for young adults. On the economy and cost of living, Cubby, Tyga, Kate and Mischa from the Balgowlah Boys and Mackellar Girls campuses spoke about the growing fear among young people that they will never be able to afford to remain on the northern beaches. They highlighted the impact that rising housing costs and living expenses are having on young people's wellbeing and proposed greater financial literacy education in schools and more affordable housing options for young adults.
On education, Callum, Haeum and Steffan from Killarney Heights High School raised concerns about worsening teacher shortages and the increasing reliance on substitute teachers. They spoke about the stress that places on students, particularly senior students preparing for the HSC, and proposed needs‑based staffing guarantees and stronger support programs for early career teachers. On the environment, Flynn and Mira from Narrabeen Sports High School focused on microplastic pollution in local waterways and the growing sense of environmental anxiety among young people. They spoke about the importance of moving beyond awareness into action by creating stronger opportunities for youth participation in environmental initiatives through schools, councils and community groups.
Charlie from St Augustine's College delivered an incredibly moving contribution on the importance of third spaces—places outside of home, school and work where young people can connect, socialise and support one another. He reflected on the role sporting fields, skate parks, theatre productions and community spaces play in supporting mental health, particularly for young men, and called for greater investment in protecting and expanding those spaces. Finally, Isaac from Northern Beaches Secondary College Cromer Campus spoke about youth engagement in governance and decision‑making. He challenged the idea that young people are disengaged from politics and instead argued that politics has become disengaged from young people. He spoke about the importance of civics education, genuine consultation and the creation of accessible pathways for young people to engage in democracy and public life.
What stood out most throughout the evening was not only the depth of understanding these young people have about the challenges facing their generation but also the quality of the solutions they propose. These students did not simply identify problems; they brought forward practical, constructive and community-minded ideas. They demonstrated empathy, leadership and an impressive understanding of policy and civic responsibility. I congratulate Northern Beaches Council, the youth advisory group, and every participating school and student involved in making Have Your Say Day a success. Most importantly, I thank the young people who stood up to share their experiences and advocate for positive change. Their voices matter. Love your work!
28 May 2026, 17:54.