Junior Chamber forms with plans to give voice to Nambour youth

Jack Watson is heading up the Nambour Youth Chamber of Commerce

High school students around Nambour will play a crucial role in the town’s future if the founder of a newly formed Youth Chamber of Commerce has his way.

Burnside High School Captain Jack Watson is heading up the Nambour Youth Chamber of Commerce to give voice and purpose to young people and to help guide the town’s future.

Jack said once the group was up and running, big picture priorities might include working on events and strategies at a local level to improve employment opportunities and encourage “entrepreneurship, activity and engagement” in the community.

Local activities and events would encourage involvement and help instil a sense of pride and purpose in the town’s youth.

“I tell people that if we want to re-imagine Nambour then you will have to engage young people,” Jack said, referring to the Reimagine Nambour initiative. “An increased sense of purpose will lead to decreased issues — like unemployment and drug and alcohol abuse — and help Nambour and its young people to grow and prosper.”

The Nambour Youth Chamber of Commerce would involve high school students from state and private schools. It will connect and collaborate with professional business & industry leaders in the area.

The Youth Chamber presented an opportunity to gain valuable experience, make  industry connections and gain access to employers and local, state and federal representatives.

“We will hear from inspiring guest speakers and community-minded people who have a focus on seeing the youth of our schools be successful and achieve their goals,” he said.

Outgoing Nambour Chamber of Commerce president Tim Smith said his organisation had been striving to include youth in developing future strategies for many years and was fully supportive of the junior Chamber.

“At 16, Jack is an incredible young man,” Mr Smith said. 

“He is currently a student at Burnside State High school while also studying Economics at the University of Sunshine Coast.  Jack also holds the titles of (former) Youth MP for Nicklin and is a member of the Sunshine Coast Youth Advisory Group.” Jack’s immediate plans also include studying economics at USC next year under the Headstart Program.

Mr Smith agreed the Junior Chamber had the potential to grow into a powerful voice within the community.

Jack said he was looking for leaders to fill roles on the board with responsibilities such as: Vice Chairperson; Secretary; School Liaison; Public Relations; and Marketing.

It is envisaged the Youth Chamber will hold fortnightly committee meetings, probably at Nambour PCYC.

• Inquiries jack.watson.nycoc@gmail.com. Or find Jack on Facebook.