She studies a Bachelor of Social Work, Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), has a casual job in hospitality and – when she gets time – advises the NSW Government on issues affecting young people in the state.

She is the Chair of the NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC), a group of young people from across the state who meet regularly to advise the NSW Youth Minister John Ajaka on laws and policies shaping young lives.

The YAC has 12 members ranging in age from 12 to 24 who are all appointed by the Youth Minister.

A former member of Lithgow’s Youth Council, Brenella said she joined YAC because she didn’t see any representation on the council for kids from regional and rural areas.

“I thought it was really important to be the person to stand up and say, ‘I’d like to have something to say on behalf of the young people in my area,’” she said.

A big part of our local community, during high school Brenella was involved in leadership and volunteer activities such as Lithgow’s Legacy office, sport and more.

“That was kind of a foundation for what I’ve ended up doing, so it was an important step for me.”

The council meets once a month and regularly hosts meetings with a number of state government departments to share ideas and express concerns.

Applications for 2017’s YAC are now open and run until September 30.

Brenella encouraged young people from the Lithgow area to apply.

“It’s important to show representation for young people who live outside of Sydney,” she said.

Brenella said there’s a number of personal benefits to gain from working with YAC as well.

“You understand the way different people live their lives.

“There’s a lot of life skills to learn and it’s important see the foundation of how your world works.”

Further details on the NSW Youth Advisory Council can be found at http://www.acyp.nsw.gov.au/