Lighting the Way for Future Leaders: Luminosity Youth Summit 2025

Robert Dwyer • 6 August 2025

Last week, Port Macquarie proudly hosted the 2025 Luminosity Youth Summit - a two day event that brought together 540 young people from across our region to connect, learn, and be inspired.


Now in its 13th year, Luminosity continues to grow in scale and impact, but its core mission remains unchanged: to ensure that your postcode never determines your potential.


For young people in regional communities, access to leadership development, mentoring, and future pathway opportunities can be limited.


Luminosity is changing that, right here in our own backyard.



I was proud to support this year’s summit and sponsor several local attendees. From helping out at registration to attending sessions throughout the day, it was fantastic to see so many engaged, motivated young people thinking seriously about their futures.


I really enjoyed speaking with young people from across our electorate about what it means to represent a community as a State MP, and equally, hearing directly from them about the challenges and priorities they believe are facing their generation today.


These are conversations that matter, and they’re shaping the way we approach youth policy and opportunity across NSW.



The summit also gave me the chance to hear from some truly incredible speakers, who shared stories of resilience, leadership, and innovation. I also enjoyed connecting with many of the local businesses, educators, and organisations who are playing a vital role in supporting our youth into future careers and community leadership roles.


Luminosity Youth Summit is a credit to the organisers, volunteers, and supporters who make it happen, year after year. It’s more than an event; it’s a platform for change, a place where young people are reminded that their voice matters, their future is important, and their dreams are valid.



I’ll continue to back this event and everything it stands for - because regional youth deserve every opportunity to grow, lead, and thrive.



Robert's Media Releases

by Robert Dwyer 10 February 2026
Local Businesses Encouraged to Apply for NSW EV Fast-Charging Grants Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer is encouraging local businesses across the Mid North Coast to apply for NSW Government funding to install electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations, as part of ongoing efforts to expand clean transport infrastructure across the state. Under Round 4 of the NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy, funding has been allocated to help make EV ownership more convenient, accessible and reliable for motorists, particularly in regional areas. Mr Dwyer said the program has been updated to better reflect its long-term focus, including overcoming range anxiety, improving connectivity between metropolitan and regional NSW, and future-proofing the EV charging network beyond 2030. “Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in areas like the Mid North Coast, and it’s important our infrastructure keeps pace with demand,” Mr Dwyer said. “Eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to $20 million to install fast-charging stations, which will give drivers confidence to travel between towns and regions.” Mr Dwyer said the grants also present an opportunity for local businesses to attract visitors and support the regional economy. “Fast-charging stations encourage motorists to stop, shop and spend time in our communities, delivering real benefits for local businesses and tourism,” he said. “This is a practical investment that supports local jobs, strengthens our visitor economy and helps reduce transport emissions at the same time.” “By working together with local businesses, we can ensure the Mid North Coast is well positioned to benefit from the shift to electric vehicles and remain a connected, attractive destination for residents and visitors alike,” Mr Dwyer said. Businesses are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply through the NSW Government grants at www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/round-4-drive-electric-nsw-ev-fast-charging-grants Applications close 24th April 2026 at 11:00pm Media Contact: Terry Sara 6584 0977 or 0409 834 648
by Robert Dwyer 9 February 2026
Celebrating Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley: 2026 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Finalist
by Robert Dwyer 4 February 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has criticised the NSW Government’s Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2025, warning it will impose new compliance burdens on regional employers, undermine innovation, and create uncertainty for businesses already under pressure.
by Robert Dwyer 28 January 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has been appointed Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Roads, strengthening the NSW Opposition’s focus on improving road safety, connectivity and investment across regional New South Wales.
by Robert Dwyer 28 January 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer, has not publicly supported or opposed the proposed 18-storey development in Park Street, Port Macquarie.
by Robert Dwyer 21 January 2026
With a concerning increase in shark attacks along the NSW coastline over the past week, the rollout of shark spotting drones to surf board rider clubs must be urgently fast tracked, Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said today.
by Robert Dwyer 21 January 2026
Tomorrow, communities across Australia will come together to observe a Day of Mourning following the tragic terrorist attack at Bondi.
by Robert Dwyer 19 January 2026
Unmanned marine vessels known as Bluebottles will be deployed to patrol Marine Parks between Coffs Harbour and Camden Haven over the Australia Day long weekend.
by Robert Dwyer 14 January 2026
Robert Dwyer has written to the Minister for Roads requesting an urgent review of speed limits on unsealed council roads adjacent to Crowdy Bay National Park
by Robert Dwyer 21 December 2025
People in the Port Macquarie electorate can recognise an outstanding older person in their community with nominations now open for the NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards. Robert Dwyer said the awards celebrate the tremendous contribution seniors offer to their community. “If you know a senior who strives to make our community a better place through volunteering, innovation or simply supporting family and friends, now is the time to nominate them for recognition,” Mr Dwyer said. “We are fortunate to have so many seniors in our local community who are generous with their time, energy and commitment. “By highlighting seniors’ continued efforts in helping Port Macquarie thrive, we are continuing to challenge ageism and empower seniors to overcome social stigma.” Previously known as the NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards, the awards highlight the diverse ways seniors enrich their communities. Each year, MPs across the state use the awards to recognise seniors in their community by hosting a small awards ceremony where recipients are celebrated. Nomination forms are available from all MP’s offices across the state and need to be completed and returned by Friday 16 January 2026. Successful recipients will receive their awards during the NSW Seniors Festival 2026, which runs from 2-15 March 2026. The annual festival is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and attracts more than 500,000 people at almost 50 DCJ-run and sponsored events across metro and regional areas. The festival commenced in 1958 and in 2026 will mark its 68th year. The festival promotes social inclusion and connection and encourages older people to attend events and become involved in art, sport, music, entertainment, technology, travel, health, wellbeing and recreation. For more information about NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards, contact us by emailing portmacquarie@parliament.nsw.gov.au
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