Year 11 student Cadence has been selected as a representative in the Queensland Youth Parliament and will be the voice of youth in the Nudgee electorate.
After a competitive selection process of 500 applications, Cadence was one of only 93 young people chosen for the program.
“Throughout the six-month program, I will work in a committee to write and debate a Bill proposing a law, including amendments.
“We will then have the opportunity to debate the Bill in Brisbane’s Parliament House.
“Our goal is to raise awareness and create meaningful change for a range of stakeholders across Queensland. Although we haven’t finalised our focus yet, we will be addressing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) — a condition that can only be diagnosed after death but still has serious, often overlooked effects on the lives of athletes. We hope to shine a light on this important issue and advocate for better recognition and support.
“I will also be fortunate to attend community events with my MP, the Hon. Leanne Linard, including a tree planting day, walks for mental health and the Queensland Day Citizenship Ceremony,” Cadence said.
Community-minded Cadence is passionate about making a difference in the community, inspired by her time at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School.
“The school offers lots of community engagement opportunities. I am involved in TOC H, the Environmental Committee and several other fundraising initiatives. I’ve also volunteered with Nundah Rotary,” the Year 11 student said.
Cadence is looking to the future and how she can combine a career with her drive to make an impact, aspiring towards a pathway in either humanitarian law or as a diplomat.
Living in Vanuatu for five years, Cadence observed human rights issues and humanitarian aid firsthand.
“There were a lot of difficulties over there which were really brought home to me when I moved back to Australia. They are lacking in basic human rights, like access to water.
“In Vanuatu, a lot of our family friends or my friends’ parents worked for the UN and DFAT, and I was really inspired by them and the work they were doing,” Cadence said.
Cadence’s understanding of global cultures was also nurtured through exchange, attending school in Montreal, Canada.
“It was a great experience learning about a different culture and different way of life. Although I learn French at school, it was still a challenge communicating in a different language but one that really broadened my horizons,” Cadence said.
Through St Margaret’s careers program, Cadence is being supported to pursue her desired career.
“The program provides access to a lot of guidance and opportunities to hear from women working in various industries, and through the mentoring program, I will be matched with a past student working in a similar career to what I am aspiring towards.
“I attended the recent Past Student Awards and had the chance to hear from and speak with one of the awardees who served as a diplomat in Vanuatu at the same time that I was living there. It was such a valuable opportunity to hear her journey and consider how I can pursue a similar pathway,” Cadence said.
“What I am most looking forward to about the Youth Parliament experience is making a real difference in the community,” Cadence said.