Chatham High School student Marylyn Sendah takes part in youth camp in Sydney

The camp ran for two days and acted as an introduction to the world of politics.

"Going to the camp was a new environment,” she said.

"We learnt what a bill was and how to write it, had different arguments and debates, learning how to speak and act in parliament.

"I felt like I was thrust into the world where the thoughts and opinions of young people matter,” Marylyn said.

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Her original idea for a bill was to discuss the contrasts between public and private school education in NSW.

She had to rethink her topic due to its Federal Government connotations.

"At the camp I realised that while public school funding is something that is supposed to be controlled by the state, it is something that has to be taken into a federal level,” Marylyn said.

Marylyn conceded that it would be difficult to chase a career in politics as she is a dual citizen of Zimbabwe and Australia.

"But I would like to do what I can to be a voice for youth,” Marylyn said.

With a career in medicine in mind however, Marylyn discussed with other students at the camp how training opportunities for doctors and nurses can be more difficult in regional areas.

If that’s not enough to keep her busy, Marylyn has spearheaded a youth program in partnership with the PCYC and Manning Youth Action Team (MYAT). 

“We just get together, we have meetings and we run events,” Marylyn said.

One event was opening the Manning Aquatic Leisure Centre on a Friday night for children to have a free swim and dinner.

The PCYC provided free transport to the venue.

“Kids can have the opportunity to do something on a Friday night,” Marylyn said.

"It gives them a place to go where they are supervised and safe.”

Marylyn is the 2018 Rotary Club of Taree youth ambassador. 

She also won the public speaking section of the Lions Region Three Youth of the Year final in March.