From the Classroom to Parliament

MacKillop College student Hunter Davis is making his mark as a youth advocate, representing his community at the United Nations Youth Conference in New Zealand and the NSW Youth Parliament, while championing education reform and youth engagement. (17 July 2025)

Congratulations to MacKillop College, Port Macquarie, Year 10 student Hunter Davis, who continues to shine as a youth leader on both national and international stages.

Hunter was one of just 15 young Australians selected to attend the prestigious United Nations Youth New Zealand Conference, where he participated in Model UN debates, educational workshops, and consultations with advocacy organisations and government officials. His preparation included speaking with NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar and TAFE NSW Managing Director Chloe Read.

Back home, Hunter was also one of 89 young people chosen to take part in the YMCA Youth Parliament Sitting Week in Sydney from July 14 to 17. As a Youth MP, he spent months working in committee to draft and debate legislation, focusing on education and TAFE topics inspired by his mother’s career in the education sector. His bill addressed stigma around vocational education, the educational pathways program, and the vocational training assistance scheme.

‘Youth Parliament gave me the chance to speak in Parliament and be a voice for my local and wider community,’ Hunter said. ‘It was an unreal opportunity.’

Now a member of the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC), Hunter is committed to improving outcomes for young people through policy, engagement, and representation.

Hunter’s journey is a powerful reminder of how young voices can help shape the future, and he encourages others to get involved. ‘If you’re even a little bit interested, just go for it.’