Meet the Taskforce!

Ryan is a suit salesman, event emcee, facilitator and LGBTQIA committee director. Ryan has participated on Youth Parliament 3 times (COVID…) and was elected as the 2022 Youth Premier. He’s passionate about Formula 1, city planning, and public transport.

Hiya, I'm Ash and when not living and loving Youth Parliament, you can find me reading a book in the garden, wandering through a market or bookstore, or crafting on the couch (I'm teaching myself to crochet which is exciting)! Some things I'm really passionate about are mental health advocacy, disability/inclusion advocacy and awareness, youth empowerment, and systemic access to justice in our legal system.

Hi, I'm Alice, but friends call me Al! I am so excited to be joining Youth Parliament in my first time volunteering with The Y. I have 5 years of experience working in the education sector, spending the last couple of years working in Student Support in the TAFE sector. I am a strong advocate for student rights and the rights of young people to feel safe and welcome in their education, and I'm also passionately anti-greyhound racing, with two rescue greyhounds of my own.

My name is Declan, I use he/him pronouns and I'm a white settler living on unceded Boonwurrung Country; my ancestors are English, Scottish and Irish. I love playing and watching sports such as soccer, AFL, basketball and netball. I also like going out dancing, hiking, surfing and camping. To rest I really like watching sitcoms, comedies, stand up, improv and reading. I am passionate about First Nations justice as well as LGBTQIASB+ rights and accessibility.

Lily Trethowan is working in education and is also studying to be a secondary teacher, wanting to teach English, Drama, Legal Studies, essentially almost any Humanities subject possible, and endeavors to give every lesson some pizzazz. Lily can and will talk endlessly about how important the arts are in education and libraries. If you're in the program, ask her for book, movie, theatre and TV recommendations.

My name is Anna (she/her), I am a 20 year old Arts student at Monash University, doing a double major in Human Rights, and Indigenous Cultures and Histories. I am passionate about issues of social justice and equality, as well as animal welfare. I’m a stereotypical horse girl and Swiftie, and will talk about either for hours!

Hi! My names Ella Shelden, and I'm a first year uni student at Monash University. I work as a lifeguard, and I love to read and play hockey! Personally, I'm passionate about women's rights and youth mental health.

Hi, I’m Mills. I’m passionate about bringing communities together to create just solutions. With my current studies of law and criminology, I hope to bring a different perspective to the program. I’m interested in issues that impact people of a minority group too, particularly the LGBTQI community.

Hello! I'm Lucy. I am completing my Bachelor of Law, and previously completed my Associate Degree in Legal Practice (Paralegal Studies). I spend the rest of my time working as a hospo shift manager, looking after my mental health, and trying to keep my plants alive. Some topics I'm passionate about are the recognition of Indigenous Sovereignty for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Restorative Justice, and human-focused mixed urban planning.

I am thrilled to be a Parliamentary Training Leader and particularly excited about listening to our youth parliamentarians, fostering discussions, and empowering them to actively participate in parliamentary processes and address topics that they care about. I love living in and advocating for Regional & Rural Victoria, especially opportunities for young people, and better connecting our communities and the people that make them. This includes improved public transport, proper road funding and equitable infrastructure funding, but also building emotional resilience, social connection and mental health.

I’m currently in my third year of a Bachelor of Communications (majoring in journalism). I love Youth Parliament and Youth Press Gallery as a way to help the next generation of change makers and journalists. I’m constantly inspired by the amazing young people around Victoria. Causes close to my heart are Advocating for out of home care, in particular extending support for those over the age of 21 years old, active sibling contact and Youth Homelessness. When I’m not doing something journalism or advocacy related, I’m either reading a good book, spending time with my cat Paris or in search of the best hot sauce.

Nicolas currently works as Communications and Engagement specialist for a communication agency, where he passionately advocates for diversity and inclusion. Nicolas is a dedicated volunteer, currently lending his expertise to CMYs Employment Empowerment program, where he guides individuals from refugee backgrounds towards meaningful employment and community connections. Additionally, he serves as a Regional Advisory Council Member for the Victorian Multicultural Commission. Nicolas is a certified practitioner in public participation and holds a Bachelor's degree in philosophy, literature, and education from Santo Tomas University.

I'm Navi. I’m deeply passionate about youth empowerment and multiculturalism. With experience in education and community engagement, I advocate for causes like gender equity, refugee integration, and mental health awareness. Through volunteering and advisory roles, I work to create inclusive spaces where all young people can thrive.

Sam lives and works on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. He is a Youth Development Worker and recently graduated from a Bachelors in Psychology. Sam is a Youth Parliament Alumni having done the program in 2019 & 2022 as a participant. He sponsored bills regarding mental health and environmentally sustainable death care. This is his 2nd year of Task Force and he's thrilled to be in the Logistics Team once more. He is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodiverse people and young people experiencing homeless. Sam also loves creating films and all things arts & craft!

Hi I’m Ash, I am studying arts and global studies at uni. I’m super passionate about film and the way the world is reflected in our media. I joined Task force after 2 years of being a participant because I wanted to continue working with youth about issues that matter to them.

Hi I’m Scarlet, and I’m part of the camp experience team for this year’s Youth Parliament program. I am really passionate about young people’s rights and agency, especially those of the LGBTQIA+ community. Outside of Youth Parliament, I practise Karate, Tai Chi, Ba Gua, Xing Yi and Chinese weaponry. I am currently the youngest inner-door member of Cheng Ming Australia. I have a passion for film and literature, my favourite movie series being the live action Scooby Doo movies. If you’re looking to chat about how any of Youth Parliament works or want to debate on which Pixar movies are overrated, I’m your guy.

Hello, I’m Gek! I am on the Camp Experience portfolio this year. I have a great passion in accessibility, and ensuring everyone is having a fun and comfortable time. I have been on the Youth Parliament program since 2019, I have loved watching this program grow for the last 5 years. When I am not at work dishing out sick latte art or making delish pizzas, I enjoy swimming in open water, Throwing dinner parties and playing games with my friends.

Hey, I'm Amelia (she/her) and this is my first Youth Parliament. I am keen to learn more about the policy creation process and explore the issues that are meaningful to young people. Having volunteered for several years in the YMCA camps community, I am excited to help deliver a fun and engaging program with the Wreck team. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Youth Work and passionate about fostering safe and inclusive environments for young people to thrive! In my spare time, you'll find me playing footy, swimming laps or drawing.