South West students to represent region in inaugural West Australian Student Council

Four of the South West’s brightest students have been selected to represent public schools across Western Australia in an all-new government initiative.

The inaugural WA Student Council was announced last Tuesday, featuring 38 students from public schools across the State including four from the South West region.

Kiya Gray from Newton Moore Senior High School, Austin Bates from Collie Senior High School, Lilla Brampton from Denmark Senior High School and Tessa Rowell from Cape Naturaliste College will join students from the State’s other regions and metro areas in the State-first program.

The council aims to advise Education Minister Sue Ellery and the department on education policy and reform, while representing the interests of students across the State and serve as student leaders.

Ms Ellery described the initiative as an “exciting first” saying she is looking forward to “hearing their views”.

“The council will help us to develop a more responsive and agile education system that acknowledges the accomplishments and challenges that young Western Australians face in our schools,” she said.

Participation in the council will see the chosen students attend various ministerial and online council meetings, working with staff in their respective regions and provide feedback on initiatives from the education department.

Council member and Year 10 student Tessa Rowell, said she felt “privileged” to join the council.

“I have always wanted my voice, and the voices of my community, to be heard,” she said.

“I believe the council is the perfect opportunity for these voices to be not only heard, but listened to, and impact change around the State.”

Lilla Brampton, 17, said she wanted to help create a “bright future” for student generations to come.

“I’m excited to see the change we can make and can’t wait to see all our ideas created into reality,” she said.

“When the chance to become a State student councillor appeared I was quick to think about the voice of change I could represent.

“This is a large advancement in leadership and WA has never seen a State student council, so there is pressure to do it justice.”