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Darren Chester urges young Gippslanders to apply for 2026 National Youth Parliament Leadership Program by 21 November 2025

Darren Chester is encouraging Gippsland students aged 16 - 17 to apply for the 2026 National Youth Parliament, offering a fully funded week-long leadership and democracy program in Canberra.

By news@gippsland - 9th October 2025 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is encouraging young Gippslanders with an interest in leadership, democracy and community service to apply for the National Youth Parliament 2026, with Expressions of Interest now open. The new initiative, delivered by the Department of the House of Representatives in partnership with Y Australia, will bring together students aged 16-17 from across the nation for a week-long program in Canberra.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP, who launched the National Youth Parliament in August

Inspiring future leaders

Mr Chester said the program offered a unique opportunity for young Australians to experience Parliament firsthand. "This is a fantastic chance for Gippsland students to learn how our democracy works, engage in real policy debates, and develop the skills and confidence to become future community leaders."

"Participants will take part in simulated parliamentary debates, workshops with political leaders and hands-on policy challenges, all while gaining a better understanding of how laws are made and how Parliament functions," Mr Chester said.

Youth parliament opportunity

The five-day (four-night) residential program will be held at Parliament House and the Museum of Australian Democracy in Canberra, with all travel, accommodation and participation costs covered. Mr Chester said the program was particularly valuable for regional students.

"I strongly encourage young people from Gippsland to apply, especially those from rural and regional areas. It's an incredible opportunity to represent our region, meet like-minded students from across the country, and see the inner workings of Parliament up close," Mr Chester said.

Expressions of Interest are open to young Australians who will be aged 16 or 17 in August 2026. No prior political experience is needed - just curiosity, commitment and a desire to learn. More information and Expressions of Interest are available National Youth Parliament website.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
  Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture.
• Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
  Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms.
• Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
  Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection.
• From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
  From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities.
• Cowes Primary students visited Berninneit, meeting Mayor Halstead, exploring community spaces, learning about leadership and environment
  Curious Cowes Primary students meet Mayor Halstead at Berninneit, exploring local government, community spaces and environmental leadership during community walk visit.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Register now for the 2025 Garage Sale Trail and join Australia's biggest secondhand treasure hunt this November
  Registrations are open for the Garage Sale Trail this November - host a sale, declutter, earn cash, or find amazing secondhand bargains.
• Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
  The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
• Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
  South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs.
• Latrobe Health Assembly wins 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year for excellence in community engagement
  Latrobe Health Assembly has won the 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year Award for Excellence in Community Engagement, recognising its innovative, community-driven approach to improving health and wellbeing across the Latrobe Valley.
• Spring flows planned to support native fish migration and river health across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's Environmental Water team is planning Spring river flows to support native fish migration, enhance river health, and balance environmental care with community enjoyment of waterways.
• Bass Coast Shire Council adopts 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, showcasing community achievements and future strategic direction
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, celebrating achievements, community progress, and the completion of the 2021 - 2025 Council Plan while setting a new strategic direction for 2025-2029.