Wednesday, 3 December 2025

 Anasina GRAY-BARBERIO (Northern Metropolitan) (09:49): I was also proud to attend the Pasefika Career Expo last week in Broadmeadows, where I met many Pacific Island students in public schools in the north who were curious about politics as a tool for change and impact. This was an environment where young people actually felt seen and embraced, a beautiful example of culture and community as protective factors. I want to especially thank community and faith leader Tony Naea, an absolute champion for young people from diverse backgrounds and someone who understands that if you want to empower Pacific Island young people, you link them with their culture. Young people are powerful, and they need to be given every opportunity to lead. I want to thank all of them for the opportunity to listen and share space with them.