Shirine Nehme displays another public speaking award with Marion Catholic College principal Dr Penny Ludick. Photo: Facebook.
A Marion Catholic College student who wowed crowds at the inaugural Griffith TEDx event in August has been chosen to represent the region on a committee that advises the NSW Government on youth issues.
Shirine Nehme, 16, who is also a member of Griffith City Council’s Youth Advisory Group (YAG), was selected as a member of its statewide equivalent, the 12-member NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) for 2025.
Ms Nehme said she was encouraged to apply for the role by council’s youth advisor, Ellie Andreazza.
“The YAC and YAG mean a great deal to me. As someone from a multicultural farming town, it is an opportunity to represent my community and amplify the voices and concerns of rural youth. I hope to advocate for my community to the best of my abilities,” she said.
The YAC provides advice to the NSW Government on issues affecting young people across the state. It meets regularly throughout the year to convey its views to NSW Youth Minister Rose Jackson and the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, Zoe Robinson, on matters concerning young people.
Shirine Nehme was a hit at TedX. Photo: 9941 Parlour Studios.
The Year 11 student has already gained a reputation on both junior and adult public speaking circuits, on which she has raised the issues of rural equality and social justice.
In July, she represented the Riverina in both the local and regional rounds of the Plain English Speaking Award, a statewide program that encourages students to communicate important topics in simple language. She spoke about the mental health crisis impacting farmers and Indigenous men.
Two years ago, she made the semis of the nationwide Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award, presenting on the mistreatment of women when giving birth in rural hospitals – a talk based on the personal experience of her mum Lama.
Griffith Council’s youth advisor Ellie Andreazza encouraged Shirine to apply. Photo: Supplied.
She presented on the same topic as the youngest speaker at the public speaking event TEDx, held in Griffith for the first time in August, where she received huge accolades.
“Shirine was one of our talented TEDx speakers showing a maturity well above her years,” event organiser Sara Pixley said.
“The TEDx Griffith audience found her insights engaging and thought-provoking. I’m excited to see the influence she will have on the NSW Youth Advisory Council – she will make our region proud.”
Griffith Mayor Doug Curran congratulated Shirine on her achievement, noting the importance of youth representation in decision-making processes.
“Shirine’s involvement highlights the talent and leadership of our youth. We are proud of her efforts to advocate for the young people of Griffith,” he said.
Griffith City Council’s YAG provides a platform for youth engagement within the community. For more information on how to get involved in the group, visit the Griffith City Council website or contact council’s youth advisor by email at [email protected].
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