A Wagga student has taken up the baton to give regional youth a voice in government.
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Marina Gabra, 16, was born in Sudan before moving to Australia 15 years ago.
"I live in Wagga with my parents and two sisters and attend Riverina Anglican College," she said.
"Youth homelessness and mental health are two issues I am passionate about, and that greatly affect young people because they are very prevalent in Wagga."
Marina decided that she would apply to be a part of the NSW Regional Youth Taskforce as it was an "incredible opportunity to instigate change".
"In my application, I wrote about mental health issues, youth homelessness and community engagement," she said.
"It was amazing when Minister Taylor called me and told me that I had been accepted.
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At the weekend, Marina was inducted as one of the members of the NSW Government's inaugural Regional Youth Taskforce.
"[I] met Minister Taylor and the Deputy Premier," she said.
"It was good to meet new people and identify common issues in regional areas.
"Then we had a meeting discussing issues and solutions with Minister Taylor and the Advocate for Children and Young People."
Marina said it was crucial young people had a voice so they can "have a positive future".
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said two people from each of NSW's nine regional zones were selected from the hundreds of applications.
"This is an amazing group of young people with diverse backgrounds who are united by their desire to improve life for their peers, from country to coast," he said.
"It's a big responsibility, but I am confident that every single young person chosen is committed to the task and I want each of them to know they have the support and backing of myself and the NSW Government."