By Casey Neill
A Narre Warren South teen is making his mark on State Government policy.
Wilbur Machado, 16, 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.
Wilbur was born in India and moved to Australia at age 3.
He developed a passion for leadership and change-making as the president of his high school’s student representative council and a Casey Youth Action Committee member.
The Nossal High School student’s teachers recommended he apply for the congress, and he thought it was an interesting opportunity.
“It’s primarily to advise the Minister for Youth on issues facing young people,” he said.
“While we all have our own specific areas of expertise or passion, we all come together for a common goal, which is the benefit of young people.”
Wilbur explained the congress was working on a one-stop ‘tools for life’ kit for young people.
“They can essentially learn all the skills they need to take on life – like taxes, how to vote, how to get involved in advisory bodies like the youth congress – to ensure young people feel supported,” he said.
“I’ve always had access to these types of things, but I know these types of skills and experiences are difficult, especially for minorities and groups living in regional areas.
“I feel an important thing for young people, regardless of where they come from, is education.
“Not just academics, but financial education, political education.
“School isn’t the be all and end all of someone’s life, but these things are really important for young people to ensure they can achieve their full potential throughout their life.”
Personally, Wilbur has several different interest areas when it comes to a career path, from policy making to project management.
“It’s important for me right now to keep an open mind and explore as much as possible,” he said.
“There are so many different possible pathways I could go down.
“Ultimately, though, I’d really like to find myself in a place where I’m happy and have a positive impact on people around me and society as a whole.”
Wilbur encouraged other young people to step up and be heard.
“I think it’s really important for young people to really take up these opportunities to share their voice,” he said.
“You might think it’s not really significant or important enough to be shared.
“I didn’t really think I had anything important to contribute, but just getting involved…helped develop my knowledge and experience.
“Visit your local council’s website and find out how you can get involved and make a positive impact on our young people.
“The young people of today are the leaders of tomorrow.”
