Growing up in Dampier, Emer knows better than most that there can be a lack of resources and opportunities for children and teens living remotely.  

She attended one of just two high schools in her town, with the nearest neighbouring town around three hours away.  

Emer said one of the biggest parts of her childhood was playing sport. While that somewhat distracted her from a lack of external opportunities, two knee reconstructions, multiple hospital stays and 6 months in leg braces forced her to give her main hobby up. 

When she stumbled upon a youth advisory program for the Karratha City Council, Emer ended up finding more than just a new hobby to fill her time – she found her calling.  

“I gained a love for community and youth which I didn’t know I had before – from there, I started volunteering and working with more organisations,” Emer said.  

She then went on to join Youth Parliament, where she began her advocacy for regional opportunities in earnest.  

“I was volunteering and taking any opportunities I could – and I sort of discovered that I was very lucky to be able to experience these things because I was in a positive situation financially,” Emer said. 

I noticed there were people I went to school with and in my community who were interested in these kinds of opportunities but didn’t have the capacity to take part.

When regional and remote students did get the opportunity to take part in opportunities, they almost always took place in metro areas.  

This is a costly event – with students and their families being out-of-pocket for travel, accommodation and food before they’ve even left their home. 

Emer began looking into ways to increase regional engagement through scholarship and sponsorship programs with large companies, campaigning for these through her role with WA’s Youth Parliament.  

After receiving her Brighter Futures Scholarship, Emer made the big move to the city, and has just finished the first year of her Bachelor of Arts - International Aid and Development. 

Through her studies, she hopes to gain the skills required to drive equitable change worldwide through working with various charities and non-profits.  

“My first week I was really scared – I just moved and didn’t know anyone – but I settled in quickly and I really love it here. It’s a fabulous community – really welcoming,” Emer said. 

It’s so refreshing to be in a place where everyone is who they really want to be, and that is accepted.