The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe has labelled the Shepparton Electorate inaugural Youth Leadership Forum a great success.
“I would like to congratulate Safa Zahir, the Youth Advisor and Youth Community Engagement Officer in my office for bringing together the youth school leaders of our region and also to the student leaders that participated with such enthusiasm,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
More than 28 School Captains and Student Leaders from across the Shepparton District electorate participated in the forum.
Youth Advisor and Youth Community Engagement Officer, Safa Zahir said that the Youth Leadership Forum was a great opportunity for student to participate and interact with other student leaders from different schools, coming together for a night full of networking, brainstorming and having their voices heard.
“Young leaders play an important role in our community and the forum highlighted their opportunity to share their lived experiences, the challenges and also the opportunities.
“It is incredibly important to understand the issues of our youth and the issues they are facing today,
“Students presented a broad range of topics, including opportunities for younger people, equity, social awareness, social cohesion, relationships, leadership, communication and economic literacy,” Mr Zahir said.
Ms O’Keeffe said that she was incredibly “inspired” by the strong attendance, contributions and the diversity of students who participated and the issues that they put forward as young leaders in their communities today.
Students in attendance also got to hear from other inspiring leaders, including Leading Senior Constable, Leigh Johnson from Victoria Police sharing his leadership and community experience. And Jack Norris, a former School Captain and current University Student and Electorate Officer in Ms O’Keeffe’s Office, sharing his journey.
“As their local Member of Parliament, I want to be connected to the issues that our youth face today and I will continue to listen and advocate for our youth.
“I would like to thank and congratulate each and every leader who participated in the forum.”
Photo Caption: The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe pictured with participants of the 2026 Shepparton Electorate Youth Forum
