I think that one of the greatest ironies (and I’m never too sure if I’m using this word correctly) of this whole project of sharing the voices of young Australians is that I’ve been constantly inspired by what is out THERE.

Now, just before the project enters a new stage and takes all of this stuff to the UN in New York - I have reflected a little bit more.

The irony comes in that perhaps (and I only say perhaps) the most inspiring about this whole project - is indeed the ACTUAL project.

Let me start from the beginning. The whole concept of sending a youth representative to the United Nations was cooked up by the United Nations Youth Association (UNYA to those in the know). These guys are an incredible group os 15 to early 20 somethings, that simply believe in the power of the United Nations. So, after much hard-work, this organisation successfully entered into a partnership with the federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to create the youth rep position. This year’s project is (I think) the 7th Aussie youth Rep to be sent to the General Assembly. This whole project only occurs due to UNYA’s vision.

But, I think (and I’m a bit on the parochial side), this project’s specialness goes further than that.

The position is sponsored by DFAT, which means that the youth rep is a fully accredited member of the Aussie Mission to the UN. It also means that they sponsor accommodation costs, which aren’t minimal in New York. The rest, however is up to the project.

Everything that has been done has been dreamt up, organised, created and fundraised by young people. When I say young people, I mean that at 23, I am the oldest person who has been involved (besides my beloved Mum). EVERYTHING! The workshops, the travel, the Big Thingy, the youth services expo, the documentary (filmed, edited and directed), the organising, the passion - all of it! All while people have either been working or studying full-time. Whilst it’s all been happening, no one has really thought about it - we were just doing it. But, on reflection, I am blown away by what has been happening.

I’ve never been involved in anything quite like this, with such an inspiring concept of bringing those voices - many never ever heard before - to those that should be listening (and that’s not to say they aren’t). To see something like this actually happen, all of young people’s bat - is (for me) totally disco!

The interesting thing is that everyone who has helped (and check out their names on the side of the page) have been people who couldn’t afford the time, or the money - but still helped, because they saw the inspiration and the power of the project.

If I’m being a bit wanky and sentimental, please excuse me - I just want to recognise the incredibly inspiring achievement of the small group of people who have made all this happen. As I have said before - I’m just the lucky bugger who gets to go to New York and advocate on behalf of Aussie young people. This has been everyone!

I do want to specially recognise my mate Naomi - who has been in the thick of it right from the beginning and has put in more than anyone. I don’t think anyone realises how much she has put in, never asking (or getting) anything in return. Shanks very much!

So this is the end of this phase. It has seen thousands of young people from all over over wonderful country share their extraordinary lives, with the one hope that those that make decisions on their behalf - whether locally or globally - hear what it’s like to be them. They are extraordinary not for dong anything inparticular, but just by being them. Wyndham, Kununurra, Warmun, Halls creek, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby, Broome, Perth, Esperance, Kalgoorlie, Brisbane, Sydney, Albury-Wadonga, Barellan, Wangaratta, Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Batchelor, Jabiru and more. Thanks for having the courage to inspire!

We (and i include you guys reading this) have heard a few of the challenges, strengths, joys, hardships and fun of what it’s like to be a young chick or fella in Oz. What a wonderful privilege for us all. What a wonderful privilege for the UN to hear.

Stay tuned for NY…