From Community to Cabinet: Amplifying Youth Voices in Policy

Many community spaces, or "third spaces," bring young people together based on shared values and activities. These spaces—whether student societies, hobby groups, or local initiatives—are deeply affected by environmental policy but are rarely considered in its design. Good policy should reflect the values and lived experiences of these communities, ensuring their perspectives shape environmental decision-making.

This panel explores how different actors—community organisers, climate activists, and policy and media professionals—can bridge the gap between grassroots experiences and policy outcomes. By recognising the environmental values embedded in these spaces and amplifying their voices, we can develop policies that are both effective and reflective of the communities they impact. Thoughtful engagement with these groups is key to ensuring climate policy is not just driven by institutions, but by the lived realities of the people it affects most.

• Rowan Clarke: Co-founder and current president of Macquarie University Biology, Ecology and Environment Society, and studying biology and information technology with a minor in earth and environmental science at Macquarie University.
• Owen Magee: Sydney Organiser for the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, volunteer surf life saver, former School Strikes 4 Climate National & Sydney Organiser, currently studying media and law at the University of NSW.
• Sophie Blair: Local Landcare Coordinator and Founder and Program Manager of Wildventure, an initiative of Greater Sydney Landcare designed for young adults aged 18-35 connecting eco-conscious individuals through fun, flexible activities like environmental restoration, outdoor adventures, and community-building events.
• Nishadh Rego: Head of Climate at UNICEF Australia and Co-Chair of the Sydney Alliance Board. Nishadh has more than ten years of experience working on humanitarian issues, forced migration and climate resilience working with organisations such as Jesuit Refugee Service, Australian Red Cross, Baptcare, and UNRWA, and has training in economics, political science and languages.
• Stephen Long: Senior fellow and contributing editor at The Australia Institute. Stephen is a highly acclaimed investigative reporter and economics journalist with a demonstrated history of breaking major stories at the ABC and Fairfax. Stephen is a Walkley Award winner, and a winner of the Citigroup Award for Economic and Financial Journalism and the Commonwealth Media Award.

Date/Time: Tuesday 11th March from 5:30pm to 8pm.

Location: (Macquarie University Incubator) 8 Hadenfeld Avenue, Macquarie Park

The panel will be moderated by YCPC Executive Director Ray Newland.

To see all events happening at Climate Action Week Sydney 2025  CLICK HERE