Calvary College year 12 student Taylor Birtchnell recently met with the State Minister for Communities, Women and Youth, Child Safety, and Multicultural Affairs Shannon Fentiman to air her views on what she would like to see from the Minister for Youth.
Taylor was one of 10 young Queenslanders who were invited to the minister's office in Brisbane earlier this month.
Taylor's mother Cathie Birtchnell said her daughter was invited to the meeting as a result of her dedication to community service.
"Taylor is committed to her community and regularly volunteers at Ormiston House, along with participating in various community groups such as Quota International and Rotary Debating," she said.
Cathie said Taylor was also the Lions Club of Twin Rivers Beenleigh Youth of the Year for public speaking for 2015 and was a guest speaker at a combined services club meetng, also this year.
"Taylor is also passionate about youth mental health." Cathie said.
"Because of her involvement in both her community and youth mental health, she was invited to attend this meeting, which focussed on discussing issues facing young people, how to connect with young people, how to improve Queensland for young people and other aspects associated with youth in our community."
Cathie said she was very proud of her daughter, who "has a passion to help others".
The minister said the youth afternoon tea was an opportunity for her to "meet with engaged young Queenslanders and talk about the issues that matter to them".
"It was important for me to hear what our young people want from their Minister for Youth," she said.
"We covered a lot of ground, such as youth mental health, LGBTI issues, young people with disabilities and how to get active in your community."
