By Casey Neill
A Burnside teen is making her mark on State Government policy.
Neerja Singh, 18, is one of the newest Victorian Youth Congress members, inducted by Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman in April.
The advisory body is made up of Victorians aged 12 to 25 who want to share their views and experiences to create meaningful change.
“Young people are the future of this state, and it’s essential that they have a voice in policies and programs that will continue to impact their lives into the future,” she said.
Neerja is in her first year of a neuroscience major at the University of Melbourne.
“I found out about the Youth Congress through my involvement in the Melton City Council’s Youth Advisory Group,” she told Kids.
“The prospect of making a meaningful difference immediately captured my interest, and I was eager to participate.
“It offered a unique opportunity to channel my passion for advocacy into meaningful action.”
She was excited about working and learning alongside a diverse group of passionate young people.
“The collaborative environment was particularly motivating, allowing me to learn from my peers and work together to make a difference,” she said.
“I also wanted to develop my leadership skills and gain insights into the complexities of policy development, which aligned with my commitment to advocacy and my future goals in health policy.”
Neerja participates in discussions and meetings to provide feedback and recommendations on policies and programs for young people.
“I aim to create an environment where youth perspectives are integral to decision-making and drive significant change in areas that affect their lives,” she said.
“I hope to join the healthcare and medicine field one day and contribute to Australia’s health policy, focusing on initiatives that enhance healthcare accessibility and quality for all populations, including young people.
“I am particularly interested in developing policies and programs that address the unique health needs of youth, promote mental health, and ensure that young people have the support and resources they need to thrive.”
It’s hard to believe, but Neerja said she was quite shy throughout her schooling, even though she had ideas and passions to share.
“My parents have always supported me, making me feel that my ideas are valued and encouraging me to try new things without worrying about the outcome,” she said.
“Their belief in me gave me the courage to take on advocacy roles at school and in the local council, eventually leading me to join Raise Our Voice Australia as the Deputy Head of School Engagement, CMY, and the Victorian Youth Congress.
“Their support has been a huge motivator, helping me stay committed to making a positive impact through advocacy.”
