Thursday, 16 October 2025

 Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (09:57): I rise to acknowledge the Hume young mayors program, a terrific initiative by the Foundation for Young Australians. This program empowers young people aged 12 to 17 to stand for election and serve on a youth council working with Hume City Council, giving them a real voice in shaping their community. Right now candidates are actively campaigning across Hume, sharing their ideas and engaging with their peers. It is an exciting time for youth democracy, and I commend every young person who has stepped forward. Their participation reflects a deep commitment to civic life and a desire to make a meaningful impact.

I especially want to recognise the south ward candidates who reside within the Kalkallo electorate: Aekam Arora, Ahmed Yehia, Areej Amir, Bhagavada Bhattarai, Bianca Barbaro, Maha Sajid, Nethuki Prematilaka, Rushil Raina, Tehreem Lughmani, Zainab Jabbar, and a special shout-out to Ammar Mahmoud. Ammar has been a valued member of my Kalkallo youth advisory council since April 2023, and I am very pleased to see him taking this step. The decision to stand for election is testament to these young people’s passion, courage and leadership. I wish each of them the very best during the election period and encourage our community to support and celebrate these future leaders, whether elected or not. Their involvement is already a win for our democracy and a sign of a bright future ahead.