16 Gippsland Weekend| Friday, August 28, 2026 Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has congratulated Maffra Secondary College student Jaxon Marshall on his selection to represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament. Mr Chester met with Jaxon ahead of his visit to Parliament House in Canberra, where he will join young people from across Australia for the national civic education program. Mr Chester said Jaxon's selection was an opportunity to bring a youthful Gippsland perspective to the national stage. "Jaxon's selection to represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament is a wonderful achievement and a great opportunity for him to meet other young leaders from across Australia," Mr Chester said. "As a Year 11 student from Maffra Secondary College, Jaxon will have the chance to learn more about our parliamentary system, take part in national conversations and contribute his ideas on the issues that matter to young people. "Young Gippslanders have a lot to offer, and their voices deserve to be heard." Mr Chester said Jaxon's farming background would give him a valuable perspective to share during the program. "He plans to take his ideas about how Australia can better support our farmers to Parliament, and that is exactly the type of regional perspective we need more of in Canberra," Mr Chester said. "Agriculture is central to Gippsland's economy and identity, and it is encouraging to see young people like Jaxon taking an interest in the future of the industry." The National Youth Parliament brings together students from every federal electorate in Australia to take part in simulated parliamentary debates, leadership activities, and civics education at old Parliament House. Mr Chester said programs such as the National Youth Parliament play an important role in encouraging young Australians to engage with democracy. "Our democracy is strongest when people are informed, involved and willing to have their say," Mr Chester said. "National Youth Parliament gives young Australians a practical insight into how Parliament works and how ideas can be debated, tested and turned into policy. "It is also a chance for participants to build confidence, develop leadership skills and better understand the role they can play in shaping the future of their communities." Maffra student selected for Youth Parliament Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester enjoyed meeting Maffra Secondary College student Jaxon Marshall, who will represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament. A new solo exhibition by artist Cecile Michel is set to open next month at the East Gippsland Art Gallery, inviting the local community to explore the dual nature of her creative practice. The exhibition, titled In 2 Minds, will run from September 11 to October 17, 2026. Members of the public are invited to attend a free opening launch event at the gallery on Friday, September 11, starting at 5.30pm. Using graphite pencil and charcoal as her primary mediums, Cecile's collection presents a distinct contrast. The exhibition is structured to showcase two very different facets of her artistic mind: one side dedicated to deeply emotional, highly detailed portraiture, and the other to quirky, lighthearted still-life works. The core of the exhibition features a series of monochromatic portraits depicting people situated within symbolic, Cecile Michel Exhibition personal environments. Contrasting with the quiet, reflective nature of the portraiture is the more playful, less structured portion of the exhibition. Cecile's still-life drawings represent her desire to find lightheartedness in everyday subjects. This less formal, fun side of her work serves as a reminder to seek joy in the ordinary and not to take life too seriously. For more information regarding the artist's work, gallery hours, or upcoming public programs, community members can visit the East Gippsland Art Gallery website. 5150 2300 | 65 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale SCAN • PRINT • PICK UP with your local photo printer
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