Inspired By Family, Driven By Community - Ashlin Styles Steps Up For Whitsundays Youth

Ashlin with her parents, Stephen and Angela Styles. Photo supplied

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By Chelsea Ravizza

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When Ashlin Styles was named the 2026 Youth Member for Whitsundays, she saw the appointment as more than a personal achievement – it was a reminder that young people from regional communities can make a meaningful difference, regardless of their background or circumstances.

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“Being named the 2026 Youth Member for Whitsundays is a significant milestone for me as this role represents far more than an individual achievement; it reflects the opportunities that are possible for young people from all backgrounds,” Ashlin said.

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“As a young female of Māori descent from a regional community, this position shows me that background, identity and personal challenges do not limit what someone can achieve. I hope my appointment encourages other young people to believe in their potential, take on opportunities and recognise that their voice and experiences matter.”

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Raised in the Whitsundays, Ashlin has always been encouraged to contribute to her community, and she credits much of her drive and determination to her father, who immigrated from Ireland to build a new life in Australia for his family.

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“My inspiration for youth leadership comes largely from my father,” she recalled.

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“His resilience, leadership and dedication to supporting our family continue to inspire me to become a leader within my own community. Alongside this, my family's unwavering support has always encouraged me to give back, take on opportunities and work towards a positive impact.”

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Ashlin’s sense of identity has also been shaped by her involvement with the Kotahitanga Kapa Haka Whitsundays group, which helped her strengthen her connection to her Māori heritage.

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“Being part of a community built on family, culture and connection has taught me to truly embrace and appreciate my culture,” she said.

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“At times, living outside of New Zealand has left me feeling disconnected from parts of my identity. However, this group has shown me that culture is not defined by location; it lives within people, traditions and community.”

Throughout the experience, Ashlin believes she has been able to develop a stronger understanding of her own identity, and now she hopes to use her role as Youth Member to advocate for greater opportunities and support for young people living in regional areas.

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“Regional communities will always face unique challenges, but they also hold strong opportunities for growth and connection,” she said.

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“One issue I feel particularly passionate about is improving access to resources and opportunities for young people living in smaller communities.”

Having travelled long distances for school and seen peers miss out on sporting and extracurricular opportunities due to transport, funding and support barriers, Ashlin understands the challenges many regional families face.

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“As Youth Member for the Whitsundays, I hope to advocate for greater accessibility, stronger community support and more opportunities that allow young people in regional areas to thrive and feel connected within their communities,” she said.

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Beyond advocating for regional youth, Ashlin has already been working alongside other young leaders through the Justice, Police and Corrective Services, Child Safety and Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Committee. Together, they have developed a Youth Bill aimed at improving support and reintegration pathways for people leaving custody.

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“The goal of this initiative is to reduce reoffending by improving access to pre-release planning, post-release support and accountability measures that help individuals successfully reintegrate into the community,” she explained.

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As she begins her term as Youth Member for Whitsundays, Ashlin hopes to be both a strong advocate and a positive role model, encouraging others to step forward, embrace opportunities and recognise the value of their own voices.

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