Young people are often told they are the future, but Deena Clemson believes they should also be part of the conversation right now. 

The Year 12 student from Catherine McAuley Catholic College at Medowie has been named the Member for Lyne for the 2026 National Youth Parliament. She will travel to Canberra in August to represent young people from the region. 

It is another step in Deena’s journey, shaped by advocacy and a determination to create positive change. 

“For quite some time I’ve been interested in politics. Over the last 18 months, I’ve really gotten into spaces of advocacy and politics,” she says. 

“I was a member of the NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) last year and really that pushed me into spaces where I was actively making change within my community. 

“I was also the Youth Member for Port Stephens last year in NSW Youth Parliament. I really enjoy feeling like I’m making a tangible change and being able to also make those connections and networks in those spaces.” 

Deena speaks with a level of maturity and self-awareness that is hard to ignore. 

“It’s definitely important that young people’s voices are being heard,” she says. 

“Every issue affects us, maybe not in the same way but always in some way. And so, when we’re discussing these issues, we need to make sure that we are including young voices in the discussion.” 

That belief became even stronger during her time on the NSW Youth Advisory Council, where young people were regularly consulted. 

“We had government stakeholders and agencies specifically asking to come talk to us when they needed a youth opinion on things. We spoke to NSW Legal Aid, the NSW Ombudsman, NESA etc. We really were making a tangible change.” 

Growing up in Tea Gardens has shaped much of the way Deena sees the world. She says she has noticed a disconnect between generations and a lack of opportunities for young people. 

“Tea Gardens has the oldest age demographic in the country; the average age is 66.2 years old. I’ve often seen young voices not only not included but completely disregarded.” 

She believes the answer is connection. 

“I’ve watched a program on the ABC called ‘Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds’. And they highlighted the intergenerational elements in that,” she says. 

“So, I think it’s not only presenting young people with services and spaces to expand their views and their community but also being able to bridge those intergenerational gaps.” 

Environmental issues are another area she cares deeply about, particularly after growing up near the coast and seeing the effects of climate change. 

“Bushfires have blocked me from getting to school. We’re seeing it firsthand and I know there’s red tape, but we need to be doing more, and we can be leaders in Australia.” 

Her passion for advocacy started young. At primary school, Deena discovered that leadership could be practical and local, something that could directly improve the lives of people around her. 

“I’ve always said since then I want to be a Prime Minister,” she says. 

“I don’t want to leave the world the same as it was when I got here. If I can make a change for at least one person at some point in time, then I’ve done something right.” 

Despite her confidence, Deena says stepping into leadership spaces can still feel intimidating. 

“It’s always confronting when you’re about to stand up and speak in front of people no matter how much you do it,” she says. 

But she has learned that growth often comes with the discomfort. 

“I build up all these nerves beforehand but then, right before, I go into some random state of complete calm,” she says. 

“I think recognising that I’m going to do it anyway and, whatever the outcome, having a go is a great part of it. And growing is scary.” 

After school, Deena hopes to study international relations at the Australian National University after being inspired by a recent United Nations young diplomats tour through Europe. 

For now she’s focused on continuing to speak up, not just for herself, but for other young people who want to be heard. 

“I want to make positive change for someone, somewhere.”