Rious, who will now participate in the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament Program, said he was very much looking forward to the experience.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to be able to develop my leadership skills and public speaking skills and to have the chance to visit NSW Parliament House to represent this area is a real privilege,” he said.

“I look forward to the first camp week in April followed by the sitting week in September when we will develop and debate policy items in Parliament House, as part of the Youth Parliament program.

“Thank you very much to our local Member Gareth Ward for this tremendous opportunity he has given me to represent our region as the Youth Member for Kiama.”

Kiama MP Gareth Ward said the program aims to promote youth-led advocacy, active community leadership and legal and parliamentary education.

“Sebastien has proved himself as an outstanding student leader at Nowra Anglican College and is thoroughly deserving of his nomination,” he said.

“I look forward to monitoring Sebastien’s contribution throughout the 2018 Youth Parliament Program, with the first training camp happening in Sydney in April and the residential camp in July which includes a sitting week at NSW Parliament House.”

As a former participant in the National Youth Parliament, Mr Ward recalled his experiences. 

“I enjoyed the experience of putting forward ideas and debating issues which matter to young people and ensuring that these ideas, views and concerns were heard at the heart of government,” he said.

“I’m very pleased that every year since I was elected in 2011, I have had the opportunity to nominate a Youth Member for Kiama, because it is important for us as members of parliament to encourage and help develop our leaders of tomorrow.”

Mr Ward said every participant’s potential to lead, learn and connect was nurtured through parliamentary education, community engagement, confidence building and teamwork.

“They develop their skills in creating social impact and positive change in a safe and supportive environment,” he said.

“Since its beginning in 2002, over half a dozen pieces of YMCA NSW Youth Parliament youth legislation have been passed into NSW Law, including the recent Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.”