Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP)

Meet Maddi, 2025 Youth Advisory Council member. Maddi is passionate about politics, history and making a positive impact. Maddi applied to the YAC to advocate and amplify the voices of people in NSW, especially the voices of young people in her community in the Central Coast. Maddi wants to ensure that when she is reflecting the voices of her community, she is amplifying a wide range of opinions and not just her own. What do you advocate for? If you are eager to make a difference on issues that matter to you, apply now to the 2026 YAC. Find out more about the application process at the link below: 🔗https://bit.ly/3DvGxUz

Today marks International Women's Day, a global celebration of women everywhere. Since its establishment, IWD has been a beacon for those passionate about women's equality, honouring achievements, spotlighting discrimination, and driving action towards gender parity. Every IWD initiative is significant, contributing to its inclusive spirit. This year, be part of the gender equality movement - let's #AccelerateAction to swiftly bridge the gap, shatter barriers, and spark worldwide transformation. #IWD2025

Today the Advocate and ACYP team were privileged to attend the NSW Women of the Year Awards. We are so proud of the girls and women honoured at the event for their incredible achievements. We can't wait to see what incredible things they will continue to accomplish in the future.

We’re on the lookout for the next 12 young people who will make up the 2026 NSW Youth Advisory Council! Anyone aged 12-24 living in NSW who are interested in advocating for the voices of children and young people across the state is encouraged to apply. Find out how to apply here: https://bit.ly/3QIvw5m Applications close on Sunday, 20 April 2025.

Today the Advocate released the NSW Strategic Plan for Children and Young People Tracking Report 03. The final tracking report highlights the changes in children and young people’s experiences in the last 12 months compared to 2021 results and identifies recent trends across three of the six core commitment areas of the Strategic Plan. This report highlights the persistent impact of the high cost of living and ongoing concerns surrounding mental health and wellbeing. Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/4bhYUca

Yesterday, the Advocate appeared at the Community safety in regional and rural communities Inquiry, focusing on the drivers of youth crime across regional and rural NSW, and what action the government can take to improve community safety. The Advocate spoke about the importance of providing children and young people with opportunities and access to a variety of long-term programs in schools and communities to provide a sense of belonging for children and young people in regions and rural areas.

Meet Riley, 2025 Youth Advisory Council member. Riley applied to the YAC to help young people and give them a voice. Riley looks forward to making a difference and making positive change that lasts.

ACYP is looking for a Policy Manager to lead a high performing multi-disciplinary team in the development, delivery and implementation policy initiatives.   The Policy Manager works in partnership with diverse stakeholders, including across NSW Government, non-government organisations, advocacy groups, private sector leaders, researchers, and people with lived experience.   As an experienced manager you will bring your leadership and expertise to a complex environment to deliver impactful advocacy outcomes across multiple portfolios that are in the best interests of children and young people in NSW. See the link below for more information about the role. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g9im8PeC

As part of the Advocate’s Tour, the Advocate visited the Central Coast to be a guest on YOUTH VIEW: a podcast by Skilled Creative, run by young people aged 16-18 years old. This episode was hosted by students from Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College, who asked the Advocate about her journey over the past five years, and what her advice to young people is looking to take the next steps in their education and career journey. Her advice to her 17-year-old self? “Take a gap-year, calm down and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.” Watch the podcast here: https://bit.ly/4hXrqlu

Meet Deena, 2025 Youth Advisory Council member. Deena is passionate about sustainability and persevering the environment for future generations. Deena applied to the YAC as she saw it as a great opportunity to have her voice heard and amplify the voices of other young people in her Tea Gardens community.