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Disclaimer: The comments of columnists and contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the Independent magazine group. The Independent nor any person acting on their behalf, may be held responsible for the use to which the information contained in this publication may be put, or for any errors which, despite careful preparation and checking, may appear.

Two driven and community-minded students have been chosen to represent the voices of young people across the region, after being named Blacktown City’ s Youth Ambassadors for 2026.

Laura Corvalan Sotomayor and Sardip Guha were officially announced in their new roles at a recent Blacktown City Council ceremony, marking the beginning of a 12-month term where they will advocate for youth issues and contribute to civic life across the city.

As Youth Ambassadors, Laura and Sardip will take part in a range of Council activities, including citizenship ceremonies and civic receptions. They will also play an active role in shaping local decision-making through their involvement with the Blacktown Youth Advisory Committee, ensuring the perspectives of young people are heard and considered.

Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the pair stood out from a highly competitive field of 88 applicants, praising their leadership qualities and commitment to their community.

“ Our Youth Ambassadors give young people a stronger voice in the decisions that shape our city,” Mayor Bunting said.

“ They play an important role in informing Council on the issues and services that matter most to young people. Laura and Sardip are wellspoken

, motivated and positive young adults who I am confident will represent our community with pride.”

Both ambassadors bring impressive achievements and a passion for community service to the role.

Laura, a prefect at William Clarke College, has previously served on the Blacktown Youth Advisory Committee and has a strong track record of volunteering for charitable causes. She has also completed the Duke of Edinburgh’ s International Award, demonstrating her commitment to personal development and community involvement.

Sardip, a student at Penrith Selective High School, has shown strong initiative and leadership through founding his own tutoring business and participating in his school’ s Student Representative Council. Like Laura, he has also achieved the Duke of Edinburgh’ s International Award.

Both young leaders said they are eager to use their positions to create meaningful change.

“ I am really honoured to be selected as a Youth Ambassador and look forward to making a positive impact through initiatives that support young people and strengthen our community,” Laura said.

Sardip echoed her enthusiasm, highlighting the importance of

Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting with Youth Ambassadors Laura Corvalan Sotomayor and Sardip Guha.

providing young people with a platform.

“ Young people in Blacktown have strong ideas, but not always the opportunity to express them,” he said.“ I am grateful for this role and hope to ensure their voices are heard.”

Mayor Bunting also took the opportunity to thank outgoing ambassadors Caiden Bond and Jiyaa Sahdev for their dedication and contribution over the past year. The Blacktown City Youth Ambassadors program has been running since 1983, providing generations of young people with the opportunity to develop leadership skills, engage with their community and play an active role in shaping the future of Blacktown City.