TWO Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) students lent their voices to address pressing issues facing today's youth at this year’s Queensland Family and Children's Commission (QFCC) Youth Summit (10 to 11 April) during Queensland Youth Week. Shraddha Makkar and Ruby Allen are calling for stronger measures and increased awareness around bullying and family and domestic violence to protect and empower young people.
The pair joined 33 other youths from across Queensland at the Summit, where they engaged in discussions on actionable strategies for fostering positive change.
St Thomas More College Year 9 student Shraddha Makkar spoke within the Identity and Culture category, addressing issues of racism and bullying.
“Racism and Bullying are not just words, but barriers that inhibit countless individuals from reaching their full potential,” Shraddha said.
“One in every five people are bullied, discriminated and experience racial slurs, including me.
“When people are discriminated against, they start to feel ashamed of where they have come from and don't feel accepted.
“I believe everyone deserves to feel valued and safe in this world.”
When speaking about the Summit, Shraddha added that it provided an opportunity to meet and interact with government and community leaders.
“These types of events are important as they give the chance for the youth to raise their voices, sharing ideas, concerns and opinions that will affect their future,” she said.
“I loved speaking in front of an audience and hearing the voices of other young people.”
Marymount College Burleigh Waters Year 12 student Ruby Allen also presented within the Valued, Loved and Safe category, speaking on the gap in resources for youth affected by domestic violence.
“I chose to speak on this topic because domestic violence is one of Australia’s most prevalent social justice issues and not enough is being done to ‘break the cycle,’” Ruby said.
“In fact, the people who have the most power to end the cycle – youth – are not being provided with resources to seek support when exposed to domestic and family violence, nor are we being adequately educated on what a healthy relationship looks like, or how to escape toxic relationships.”
Ruby adds a highlight of the Summit was meeting The Honourable Yvette D'ath and Commissioners of the Queensland Police and Child Protection Officers.
“I hope to continue to develop my advocacy in the future,” she said.
“Getting to speak with a variety of industry leading professionals has boosted my confidence and made me more motivated to continue advocating for justice in all that I do.”
Marymount College Principal Martina Millard said she is very proud to have Ruby represent MaryMount College at QFCC.
“Ruby is a mature and considered voice for the issues that impact on young people today,” she said.
“She is a voice that demands to be heard, because she takes on the most significant and key areas of concern, not simply the trendy, shallow, or transient matters.
“Ruby thinks deeply and considers carefully how such matters affect youth, and she speaks with empathy and compassion.”
The participation of Shraddha and Ruby in the QFCC Youth Summit exemplifies BCE’s commitment to nurturing engaged, compassionate, and proactive young leaders.
About QFCC Youth Summit:
This event amplifies the expierences of young people aged under 25 years from across Queensland, providing a platform to voice ideas for positive change.
St Thomas More College Year 9 student Shraddha Makkar. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2024).
Marymount College Burleigh Waters Year 12 student Ruby Allen. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Marymount College, Burleigh Waters (2024).