"It’s important to keep calm because that’s how you help the person to stay calm."

"I love this program as it provides the ability to be able to engage with young people in a discussion about mental health."

"In the last six months, he has gone from a child who hated swimming lessons and was behind the level of his same-aged peers, to a boy who looks forward to his lesson"

"I look around and think: ‘It’s lovely to be part of something so friendly and worthwhile’."

"The boys have responded very well to the teachers ... we have been lucky with the Y."

"It’s a huge opportunity for me to be able to advocate for young Indigenous people where I can be a voice for their voices."

"Youth Parliament has given me so many learning experiences - from adopting different ways to see the world to connecting with others."

"I really enjoy the people I’m meeting. It’s another big benefit of being here. You can make connections and have a chat."

"Rather than thinking ‘I wish I could make an impact’, I am making a difference."

"It has been the best investment to see him enjoying his swimming lessons and to see how the staff interact with him positively."

"It’s such a good atmosphere here. It’s easy for the whole family to be together and we love the coaches."

"This program is run by youth for youth and allows us to shine a light on what is important to us."

"I feel good about the Y being inclusive of people with a disability like me because it gives us an opportunity to have fun, learn new communication skills ... and make new friends."

"I feel super privileged to be in the position I am. The YAC team welcomed me with open arms and I absolutely love what I do, I don’t think I would look back."

"My team came from Gladesville and having the Ryde Community Sports Centre nearby provides a social way to see each other and keep fit."

"I was worried about fitting in at first. But it didn’t take long to adjust. They all accepted me for who I was"

"The Youth Parliament program is such a great way for young people to learn how politics works and learn how to advocate for issues that are important to them."

"Everybody goes through tough stages. It’s not fair if people have to go through them but don’t see the upside to things as well."

"Swimming is really important because I get to have goals and have something to reach for"

"I want to be able to help the younger kids, because that's what our culture is about"

"My objective is to provide young people with a safe space to be, just be."

"I’ve grown up in the Y NSW, personally and professionally. I simply wouldn’t be the person I am today without this amazing community."

"My life mission is to change the atmosphere and be authentic about it…"

"I want young people to think of the Y as theirs through which they can achieve their ambitions"

"I have a passion for making changes, as many changes in Broken Hill that need to be heard and known…"

"Once you finish your career as a competitive gymnast it’s not over, you go into the mentor program, become a coach..."

"Ever since coming and introducing myself at the Y, no one batted an eye that I was non binary which was amazing…"

"He is the type of person who will go to all lengths just to see you smile. He is our local hero."

"I like making new friends and getting to know each other. I have been training with some of my friends for 15 years!"

"As a young boy it was my dream to be a part of Cirque Du Soleil. The Y helped me achieve that goal."

"We’re in the business of equipping young people to be the absolute best that they can possibly be…"

"We notice now at playgrounds Josh is getting more confident and is less afraid to try new things."

"I’m not as shy as I used to be before Streetgym – meeting and talking to new people really helps"

"I think everyone’s story is significant. I work with younger people and even a 92-year-old who does our ‘Living Longer, Living Stronger’ program. There are varying fitness levels and the instructors are great at managing that."

"“It’s important that Youth Parliament reflects our society. Young people with a disability should get the same opportunities as everyone else and their opportunities are no different. Everyone has a right to advocate for issues that are important to them.""