Student Voice Council Seeks New Members

FORMER MINISTER’S STUDENT COUNCIL (DOVES) members share their transformational journeys and encourage other students to seize the opportunity.

Minister’s Student Council (DOVES) alumni hail from a diverse range of backgrounds but they all have one thing in common: a fierce commitment to advocate for young people.

As a council of 27 students from across the state, the council members advise the NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, on students.

the issues that matter most tostudents.

Charli Grant’s experience took her from being disengaged with school to becoming school captain and now studying teaching at Newcastle University. “I hated the drastic change from primary to high school, I was not coping and my love for education was slowly fading,” the former Brisbane Waters Secondary College student said.

The Minister’s Student Council taught me to speak up for myself and others, how to facilitate meetings ensuring everybody had a chance to speak, and to connect with like-minded individuals who pushed you to be better.

The most important thing this council gave me was my spark and passion for education again, so much so I am now studying a Bachelor of Primary Education, striving to work within Special Education.

Tisha Bahri, who will study medicine at the University of NSW in 2025, said being on the council “was one of the most meaningful experiences” of her life. The 18-year-old former Wagga Wagga High student has a passion for helping young people get free access to mental health assistance. Tisha said -

This experience has driven me to never give up. At the end of the day, you can achieve what you want as long as you are passionate and put in hard work. That is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Doug Kench, who hopes to study law and go into politics one day, said being part of the student advisory body was a great experience. “The Minister’s Student Council helps foster an education system designed for students, by the students,” the Year 11 Rose Bay Secondary College student said.

To future council members, get ready for the most amazing opportunity you could ever think of—a chance to meet like-minded students from all walks of life in NSW with one common goal, to make the life of a student in NSW as good as possible.

Minister's Student Council (DOVES)

The Minister's Student Council (DOVES) is the peak forum for NSW public school students to engage with the Minister for Education and the Department of Education. Together they help shape the way education programs and policies are made and delivered.

The council is made up of 27 students in years 7 to 11 from across NSW who:

• Your education. Your voice!

• Provide feedback on NSW public education programs

• Meet quarterly with the NSW Minister for Education

• Represent and advocate for students at government events

• Host student forums to gather insights

• Find solutions to issues that matter to students

• Advocate for positive change

Applications open in Term 4.To find out more, visit https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/students/student-voices/minister-s-student-council/about-the-ministers-student-council