Queensland Young Member
The Queensland Young Member is part of the National Planning Group and acts as a voice for Queensland youth in relation to Youth Week. The Young Member liaises with young people and community groups about Youth Week issues, events and activities, and provides feedback and input into the planning process. The Queensland Young Member also participates in promoting Youth Week events across Queensland and generating ideas to increase participation. The role of Young Member in Queensland is for twelve months.
Meet the Queensland Young Member
Ash Brosnan, a 23 year old student and volunteer, is the Queensland Young Member on the National Planning Group for National Youth Week 2010. Ash acts as a voice for Queensland youth in relation to Youth Week.
As Young Member, Ash will liaise with young people and community groups about Youth Week issues, events and activities, and provides feedback and input into the planning process. He will also participate in promoting Youth Week events across Queensland and generating ideas to increase participation.
- Why were you attracted to the position of Queensland Young Member?
- What experience will you bring to the role?
- Why is National Youth Week important for young people in Queensland?
- What do you hope to achieve during your time as Queensland Young Member?
- What issues to you hope to raise awareness for as Queensland Young Member?
- What are you looking forward to being involved in for National Youth Week 2010?
Why were you attracted to the position of Queensland Young Member?
I was involved in developing Youth Week events in Toowoomba and was able to develop a range of skills and be involved in my community. Through this role, I look forward to engaging other young people on issues affecting their community and supporting them in creating change within them.
What experience will you bring to the role?
I have a broad range of experience working in youth events, particularly the Eidecan Youth Festival and youth events for the Toowoomba Youth Centre, events management and promotion for the Birdee Num Numbs and Family nightclubs in Brisbane, and with the Oaktree Foundation.
I am currently the Communications Manager for the Oaktree Foundation in Queensland which involves regularly advocating for the power of young people in both Australia and overseas to create a positive impact on their world. I speak to media, as well as at schools and conferences engaging students, teachers and the community on issues affecting young people in Australia and overseas. These groups are keen to learn the various ways young people have implemented change within their own communities.
Why is National Youth Week important for young people in Queensland?
National Youth Week is a celebration of the power, talent, vibrancy and initiative of young people to make an impact within their world. It provides an opportunity to focus on the achievements, concerns and needs of young people. It gives voice to those who may feel lost in the mainstream and provides a platform for young people to contribute to the development of their community and speak up about issues affecting them.
National Youth Week is a positive way of offering information and guidance to young people in ways that engage them. It encourages young people to support each other to reach positive outcomes such as mentoring, problem solving and coping strategies. It's also a way of promoting all the above to the wider community for greater understanding and support for issues affecting young people and invites discussion on how we can best assist Australia's future leaders.
What do you hope to achieve during your time as Queensland Young Member?
I hope to expand awareness of the positive impact young people can have on their community, once given the opportunity to do so.
I also wish to further engage young men in making an impact on their own world and drawing attention to the ability and power that they have.
What issues to you hope to raise awareness for as Queensland Young Member?
Depression remains a common issue for young people in urban, regional and rural communities. Many young people, in particular young men, struggle to find direction, engagement and connection outside of school. Statistics demonstrate that suicide is the second most likely cause of death in young men. This is a devastating occurrence for individuals, families and society in general. Sadly the problem is not easily solved.
However, working towards shifting attitudes towards mental health is vital. When we encourage young men to seek support rather than solace in alcohol, we are taking positive steps in working toward a change. Removing stigma and increasing community awareness of mental health issues is an area I feel we are all capable of addressing.
Through acceptance and consideration of and of those around us, we can be attentive to the needs of others. Noticing changes in the wellbeing of others may encourage us to support them to seek professional support. I will support and advocate for strategies which focus on supporting young people to demystify mental illness, recognise concerns and engage in support services. I consider these positive ways to assist our community and reducing this devastating statistic.
What are you looking forward to being involved in for National Youth Week 2010?
I am most looking forward to meeting young people from a broad range of backgrounds in urban, regional and rural Queensland.
Last reviewed: 14 October 2009