LOCAL LIFE
Blacktown City ’ s 2024 Youth Ambassadors
Two incredibly talented and community spirited high school students – 17-year-old Jamison Dustin from Norwest Christian College and 16-yearold Annacemone Nashid from Plumpton High School – have been announced as Blacktown City Council ’ s 2024 Youth Ambassadors .
Both Jamison and Annacemone triumphed after going through an exhaustive selection process that culminated in seven finalists presenting their views on youth engagement to a gala dinner hosted by Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM .
“ As Mayor , I ’ m incredibly proud of the role that our Youth Ambassador program
plays in the moulding of our city ’ s future leaders . Both Jamison and Annacemone will be agents for positive change for the youth of our city .” Mayor Bleasdale said .
Annacemone Nashid is a gifted maths and science Year 10 student , who has won a number of academic competitions , as well as being a member of her Student Executive Council . She has spoken at Harmony Day and Remembrance Day events , and volunteers with a number of community groups , including Plumpton Community Church .
“ In my role as Youth Ambassador , I would like to work on a number of youth issues including bullying , substance abuse , pornography and an overall lack of
Blacktown City Youth Ambassadors for 2024 Jamison Dustin and Annacemone Nashid with Mayor Tony Bleasdale ( centre ), the Member for Riverstone , Warren Kirby MP ( left ), the Member for Mount Druitt , Edmond Atalla MP , Councillors and finalists .
awareness among young people of major international issues ,” Annacemone said .
Jamison Dustin is also a member of his school ’ s Student Council , a keen debater , public speaker and Corporal in the Australian Air League . Jamison is also an accomplished cricketer both with his club and school and also takes time out to help the NSW Blind Cricket Team with training and game assistance .
“ I would like to see a program designed to equip senior school students with the knowledge and skills they need to enter into broader society such as day-to-day finance , how to find housing , education opportunities and communications skills . In short , a crash course in life ,” Jamison said .
The Blacktown City Youth Ambassador program has provided students with the opportunity to be the voice to Council on youth affairs for more than 40 years .
Blacktown City Youth Ambassadors speak at Citizenship Ceremonies and Civic Receptions , they have the chance to attend a Local Government Conference and are members of Council ’ s Sister Cities and Youth Advisory committees .
The seven finalists were selected by a panel of judges consisting of Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM , Deputy Mayor Chris Quilkey and Mrs Addy Kaur , lecturer in Nursing at ACU . Mayor Bleasdale also thanked outgoing Youth Ambassadors , Darshanik Aryal and Giovanna Tabanag for their service to Blacktown City over the past 12 months .
“ Giovanna and Darshanik have been
Blacktown City Youth Ambassadors Jamison Dustin and Annacemone Nashid with Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM .
excellent role models for the youth of Blacktown City displaying enthusiasm , interest and compassion in all their tasks .”
“ They have shown people in our community , both young and old , what true service looks like . I am very proud of the success of the Youth Ambassador Program and the opportunities it has offered the young people of Blacktown City since 1983 .
“ Many of the more than 70 ‘ Graduates ’ from the program have gone on to be leaders in their chosen field including doctors , lawyers , teachers , community workers , business and communications and even valued staff members at Blacktown City Council ,” Mayor Bleasdale said .
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Making the move to an independent retirement village can be a big adjustment in itself , but what happens when one partner has greater care needs ?
Adventist Aged Care Kings Langley and Wahroonga offer co-located Residential Aged Care and Independent Living , which provides tailored care to meet individual ’ s needs .
For Arthur and Cheryl Piper , this has allowed them to get tailored care to match their different levels of independence while still remaining close by .
“ We came to Adventist Aged Care because Cheryl fell sick last year , and we looked around for some options . That ’ s when we found Adventist Aged Care ”, said Arthur .
“ I live in the Retirement Village and for Cheryl living in residential care , it gives us both peace of mind .”
“ If I need something I can buzz for the nurse and there she is . My meals are provided to me , everyone is friendly and knows who you are - it ’ s a nice experience . I feel very well looked after here ,” said Cheryl .
To find out more about Adventist Aged Care Independent Living and Residential Care or to arrange a tour of our facilities , contact our staff on aacsyd . org . au .
8 ISSUE 37 // APRIL 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT