Join in a deep conversation with newly elected Youth Premier Shehelah Ousman (she/they) where we find out her amazing story, what she hopes to bring as the voice of the Victorian Youth Parliament, and their unique perspective on youth involvement in politics. 

Shehelah (she/they) is a penultimate Arts student at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Gender Studies and minoring in Politics and International Relations. She spends most of her spare time investing in community initiatives – whether it’s through her college’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance and inaugural Respect Committee or as a leader and mentor at the Skyline Education Foundation.

Shehelah’s family of three fled their homeland of Sri Lanka to Australia in pursuit of safety and opportunity, they could never have anticipated the ways in which her life would change so rapidly in just two decades. Her mother’s passion for social justice and community wellbeing inspired her to pursue these tenets in every facet of her life and she intends on ensuring her career facilitates that further. Most recently – to her surprise – Shehelah was elected as the 2021 Victorian Youth Premier and is looking forward to representing and investing in the Victorian Youth Parliament and the issues they care about during and after her time in the program.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000. 

You can listen to the podcast episode here.