Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Local student Nate Ralph represented Mackay in Canberra last week, having earned a place at one of Australia’s most prestigious student forums.
The 31st National Schools Constitutional Convention was held at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, bringing together more than 100 high-achieving Year 11 and 12 students from across Australia to explore the Australian Constitution and contemporary political issues.
The achievement built on an already impressive record for Nate, who previously served as the Youth Member for Whitsunday in the 30th Queensland Youth Parliament and continues to contribute locally through his role on the Mackay Youth Council, where he is serving his second term. He has also been recognised as a nominee for the 2026 Mackay Regional Council Young Citizen of the Year.
As part of the program, Nate took part in a series of high-profile experiences, including a welcome reception at Parliament House hosted by the Minister for Education, a meeting with the Governor-General, and an official dinner at the National Press Club of Australia.
Local member for Dawson Andrew Willcox praised Nate and congratulated him on the milestone.
“It is fantastic to see a young person from our region with such passion and interest in politics and the issues driving our nation's future,” Andrew said.
“This achievement is the latest in a significant string of contributions Nate has made to our community.”
Nate said the event gave him a “good insight to how the constitution works, and a deeper understanding of how it can be amended, changed, added to or removed from to better apply to Australia.”
“It’s absolutely crucial young people are involved in our decision making and have a proper understanding of our democracy so they can make informed decisions.” He added.
“This needs to be part of education curriculum.”
Nate highlighted Royalties for Regional Advancement and the decentralisation of Australia as issues he personally feels strongly about.
Looking ahead, he would like to see more regional industry profits reinvested into local communities, and advocates for boosting on-shore manufacturing across the country.
1 – Nate Ralph, Minister For Education Jason Clare, and Asha Chalmers.
2- Nate Ralph with Governor-General Sam Mostyn
3 – Nate Ralph with Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox. Photos supplied
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