"I've never had so much fire in me": Young Blak leaders step into Parliament for groundbreaking program

Twenty young Indigenous leaders from across NSW gathered at Parliament House for a four-day leadership program, building skills, cultural pride and lifelong connections.

Young Aboriginal leaders from across NSW stand together at Parliament House after a powerful week of connection, culture and leadership.

Malek Lyons, from Narrandera, says participating in a Young Aboriginal Leaders Program has inspired him to advocate for his community.

"I've never had so much fire in me to get home and just rip in," the proud Yorta Yorta Wiradjuri man said.

Malek is one of 20 young First Nations leaders from across NSW who gathered at Parliament House in Sydney for a four-day leadership initiative designed to inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers.

The Young Aboriginal Leaders Program brought together participants aged 18 to 25 from communities spanning the state - from Narrandera to Dubbo, Eden, Grafton, the Blue Mountains, Kiama, and Greater Sydney.

For many of the participants, stepping into Parliament House was an experience filled with emotion, pride and purpose.

“It’s uncomfortable walking into NSW Parliament – but it’s powerful,” Malek said.

“I’ve never been so interested or engaged in learning about the politics of Australia as I have over the last few days."

Malek Lyons, from Narrandera, says the Young Aboriginal Leaders Program sparked a fire in him to return home and advocate for his community.

Reflecting on the week, Malek said the experience had ignited a deeper sense of purpose and drive to create change in his community.

"I’ve learnt a lot from the program and from the other participants, and I leave with an understanding of how I can better advocate for our people," he said.

That sense of empowerment was echoed by Wiradjuri woman Eliza Darney from Tamworth.

“The week made me feel strong, grounded, and connected to Country,” she said.

“I’ve always struggled with confidence within my own identity, but this program helped me grow as an individual and become more confident in who I am."

Eliza Darney, from Tamworth, says the program helped her feel more confident in her identity and grounded in her connection to Country. Credit: WAYNE_QUILLIAM

Delivered by the Parliament’s Aboriginal Engagement team, the program gave participants the chance to learn how the state’s democratic systems work, tour the Legislative Council and Assembly chambers, and meet with political leaders including NSW Premier Chris Minns.

It also offered rare opportunities to learn directly from Aboriginal trailblazers.

Among the speakers were Professor Jack Beetson from Literacy for Life, Shane Hamilton from Aboriginal Affairs NSW, Clare McHugh from the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, and sporting great Timana Tahu.

“Hearing from those leaders showed just how powerful it is when experience meets aspiration,” MLC Ben Franklin MLC, President of the Legislative Council, said.

“These 20 young people came ready to share their stories, connect with each other and grow - and it was truly inspiring to witness.”

The program culminated in a moving final day, as each participant stood in the Legislative Council chamber to deliver a personal speech on an issue close to their heart and the future projects they want to lead in their communities.

These speeches were recorded and will be shared with all members of the NSW Parliament.

For Wailwan Wiradjuri man Jai McEwen from the Central Coast, the strength of the connections formed during the program was a powerful reminder of the excellence that exists within young Blak communities.

“The relationships we’ve built over the last four days are going to last for the rest of our lives,” he said.

Jai McEwen delivering his speech in the Legislative Council Chamber.

Surrounded by fellow young leaders who were proud, driven and culturally grounded, participants found not only friendship - but a collective vision for a stronger future.