Year 11 Student, Rockhampton State High School, Qld

With an uncertain smile and overall apprehensive outlook on the coming days, I boarded a plane bound for Brisbane. I arrived with my bag, my nerves, and a somewhat stereotypical expectation to see a foreboding old man with a clipboard and thin glasses. Instead I got a bright red Hawaiian shirt and eager grin, later to be known as GK. GK helped my nerves with his humour as he introduced me to the other Queenslanders who would be attending the Every Voice Counts Forum. All of us were quiet, subdued. Little did I know that this was just a façade brought on by the same nerves I was experiencing, particularly since this was my first time out of Queensland. Canberra, though I’d tried to fight it, felt like a towering demon pushing itself closer and closer to me. However, I soon learnt that this was anything but the case.

With the knowledge that we were facing three action-packed days, friendships quickly formed. I felt at ease among people my age who were friendly and interesting to talk to. It sometimes spun me out to think that the group of us came from every corner of the country, from the unbearable heat of Darwin to the isolated chill of Hobart. But we weren’t without our differences; I was intimidated by some people’s extensive knowledge of politics, but warmed by other’s down-to-earth nature. All in all it was a diverse bunch, who I was delighted to share the experience with.

The facilitator’s warnings of long days weren’t unfounded. We soon found ourselves on the steps of Parliament, staring up at the meticulous architecture and beautifully cultural area. The inside was an even more impressive combination of subtle detail and structural grandeur, with a smell that could only be described as 'government'. Our tour was loaded with impressive facts relating to Australian history, and the theme of bringing in all aspects of our country’s culture inspired me. I remember one moment of looking out from the Queen’s Terrace and seeing the Old Parliament House and War Memorial before me, and then being struck by the patriotism that hung in the air. A timeless story had been weaved all around me, and I wouldn’t forget it. Another participant described it much more accurately: 'righteous'!

Such inspiration didn’t end there; an array of excellent speakers delivered important messages that I would take with me for life. These were the people constantly surrounded by the electric atmosphere of politics, who spoke with utmost reverence for the law and democracy we live by, both of which weren’t easily obtained. I certainly knew that when we visited the War Memorial, standing in front of the Eternal Flame or feeling the engravings of the warriors' names. I felt it important that everyone in Australia should feel that connection to the framework of their society, and still do believe it to be a necessity.

When it was time to go, we realised just how strong the friendships were that had been made. I’d certainly bonded with many people, both similar and not, and shared memories with them of our adventurous three days. The trip was one thing, but experiencing it alongside these thirty-one others was another. In conclusion, the Every Voice Counts Forum was invaluable, and I’d recommend it for anyone. Righteous!