The Parliament of NSW is once again hitting the road in 2026, taking its Regional Roadshows across NSW to strengthen engagement with young people from regional communities.
Now in their third year, the Regional Roadshows are an initiative of the NSW Legislative Council designed to give young people meaningful opportunities to engage with the democratic process, share their perspectives and connect directly with Members of Parliament.
Seven regional centres will host Roadshows throughout the year, with students travelling from surrounding areas to participate in a Public Speaking Competition and Youth Forum.
The 2026 Regional Roadshows will be held in Tweed Heads, Ulladulla, Scone, Bowral, Cowra, Albury and Macksville.
High schools across each region have been invited to nominate students in Years 10 to 12 to take part.
The Public Speaking Competition provides students with a platform to showcase their communication skills and confidence, while the Youth Forums give young people the opportunity to discuss issues of importance to them, exchange ideas and contribute to conversations about their communities and their future.
President of the Legislative Council, the Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, said the Roadshows continue to demonstrate the strong appetite among regional young people to engage in civic life.
“These Roadshows help young people be heard and to engage directly with Parliament in their own communities,” Mr Franklin said.
“They are about recognising the leadership potential of regional youth and ensuring they have opportunities to develop skills, build confidence and contribute meaningfully to our democracy.”
Member for South Coast, Ms Liza Butler MP, added, “Democracy on the Move encourages students to build public speaking skills and confidence, and I’m so glad that the opportunity the roadshow offers is coming here to the South Coast this year. I look forward to spending the day listening to the leaders, movers and shakers of the future.”
Winners from each Public Speaking Competition round will be invited to compete in the State Final, to be held in the Legislative Chamber at Parliament House in December.
