The Parliament of NSW’s 2026 Regional Roadshow will visit Macksville on Wednesday, 12 August, giving students from across the region the opportunity to engage with Parliament and learn more about the democratic process.
Now in its third year, the Regional Roadshow is an initiative of the NSW Legislative Council that gives young people meaningful opportunities to share their views, build civic knowledge and connect directly with members of Parliament.
Macksville is one of seven regional centres hosting a roadshow in 2026, alongside Tweed Heads, Ulladulla, Scone, Bowral, Cowra and Albury. Students from surrounding communities will come together to participate in a public speaking competition and youth forum.
High schools across each region have been invited to nominate students in Years 10 to 12 to take part. The public speaking competition gives students the opportunity to develop and showcase their communication skills and confidence, while the youth forum encourages participants to discuss issues that matter to them, exchange ideas and contribute to conversations about their communities and future.
President of the Legislative Council, the Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, said the Regional Roadshow continues to highlight the strong interest regional young people have in civic participation.
“These Roadshows help young people be heard and to engage directly with Parliament in their own communities,” Franklin said.
“They are about recognising the leadership potential of regional youth and ensuring they have opportunities to develop skills, build confidence and contribute meaningfully to our democracy.”
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp MP said opportunities like this are incredibly valuable for young people in our regional communities, giving students the chance to develop skills, connect with others and gain a greater understanding of our parliamentary system.
“Experiences like this can help inspire the next generation of leaders and I encourage students from across the Mid North Coast to get involved, challenge themselves and share their ideas.”
Winners of each regional public speaking competition will progress to the state final, to be held in the Legislative Chamber at Parliament House in December.
The 2026 Regional Roadshow continues the Parliament of NSW’s commitment to strengthening civic participation and creating opportunities for young people in regional communities to engage with the parliamentary process.
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