Source: NSW Legislative Council’s Communications and Engagement Unit
LISMORE has been chosen as the first of six regional centres across NSW to host a special outreach roadshow on 3 and 4 April that the Parliament of NSW is holding to hear directly from regional communities, imagine a robust parliamentary democracy for the future, and empower young people in their leadership journey.
Headlining the roadshows is a special Community Forum on 4 April led by a panel discussion between Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP, Member of Legislative Council Sue Higginson, General Manager of the Koori Mail and local Indigenous leader Naomi Moran as well as soccer legend, broadcaster and Lismore local Craig Foster.
President of the NSW Legislative Council and Northern Rivers local Ben Franklin MLC said that this year’s Bicentenary of the Legislative Council – Australia’s very first legislature – presented a fantastic opportunity to bring together Parliament, local community leaders and emerging young voices in our regions to join a conversation to forge democracy’s future in NSW.
“Our vibrant and diverse regions are the heart and soul of democracy in NSW, whether through councils, schools, community groups, small businesses or youth organisations,” Mr Franklin said.
“We are taking Parliament to regions across NSW to hear your ideas, hopes and aspirations for parliamentary democracy now and into the future. While the roadshow will culminate with this community forum, the roadshow will also include a school public speaking competition and youth forum. This suite of events will provide the region’s young people with the valuable networks and platform to support them as future leaders and as a voice for their community.’
Ms Saffin said this Forum is an opportunity for the community to come together for a forward-looking and inspiring dialogue about democracy, leadership and local representation.
“The incredible resilience, leadership and optimism within communities across the Northern Rivers region makes Lismore a perfect host for such a vital discussion about building a robust democracy of the future. I encourage everyone to come along, share your voice and be part of the conversation,” Ms Saffin said.
NSW Parliament’s Lismore Community Forum is free and takes place on Thursday 4 April 2024 at 6:30pm at the Whitebrook Theatre, Southern Cross University (Lismore Campus).
For more information about Community Forum and to reserve a spot, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/nsw-parliament-regional-roadshows-lismore-community-forum-tickets-864254196567
A file photo of politicians Janelle Saffin MP and Ben Franklin MLC at the opening of Laurel Lodge social housing units in Lismore.
