Eli Wood best speaker at NSW Youth Parliament

Eli Wood speaking at the Youth Parliament (Photo :The Y NSW facebook)

28th Jul 2026

A passion for public speaking and a commitment to representing regional communities has earned Guyra’s Eli Wood one of the highest honours at the 2026 NSW Youth Parliament.
The Guyra Central School student, representing the Northern Tablelands, was awarded the Gavel Award for Strongest Government Speaker of the Legislative Council, recognising excellence in parliamentary debate, leadership, public speaking and parliamentary procedure.
The award capped off an outstanding week in Sydney, where students from Years 10 to 12 across New South Wales debated legislation in the NSW Parliament chamber, developed policy solutions and experienced the workings of parliamentary democracy.
The Y NSW Youth Parliament is the organisation’s flagship youth leadership program, providing young people with six months of training in leadership, civic engagement, policy development and parliamentary debate before they take part in Youth Sitting Week at NSW Parliament House.
Selected for a second consecutive year, Eli represented the Northern Tablelands as part of the Youth Parliament Government team. His speeches attracted particular praise, with both sitting Speakers noting that he delivered his addresses from memory without relying on notes while debating legislation covering transport, energy and youth advocacy.
“Receiving the award is an incredible honour and one that I will always cherish,” Eli said.
“Representing the Northern Tablelands has been a privilege. I have been proud to represent regional New South Wales with integrity and respect.
“Most importantly, this experience has strengthened my desire to one day serve the people of New South Wales in public office. It has inspired me to continue developing the skills, knowledge and integrity needed to make a positive contribution to our State and its communities.”
Guyra based MLC Aileen MacDonald OAM, who supported Eli’s application to the program, praised his achievement.
“I was able to provide a letter to support Eli’s participation with Youth Parliament,” she said.
“Eli is articulate and shows great passion when speaking. I caught up with him in Sydney when he was there and he excelled.
“I think he has been an excellent youth member for the Northern Tablelands and Guyra should be very proud of what he has been able to achieve.”

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Eli Wood best speaker at NSW Youth Parliament

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