Kupakwashe Matangira

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Congratulations to Kupakwashe Matangira who recently won the NSW Multicultural Youth Medal, and was nominated for the NSW Young Woman of the Year Award. Ms Matangira moved to Maitland from Zimbabwe as a five year old. As a teenager, disillusioned with the state of the world, she decided to become the change she wanted to see. Ms Matangira is now an accomplished human rights activist and social entrepreneur. Working as a policy and research officer at the Australian Human Rights Commission, she is also a committee member for the Global Institute for Women's Leadership, and part of the Plan International Youth Activist Series. Ms Matangira also spoke at the 2023 United Nations COP28 Climate Summit. Ms Matangira said the young have ideas to alleviate social issues and they need to be heard. She is passionate about social issues including anti-racism, climate change, gender justice, and youth justice reform. Ms Matangira is about amplifying voices who are often shut out of decisions that shape our world, politically and socially. Congratulations Kupakwashe for your advocacy and passion to create change.