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 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
by Robert Dwyer 17 December 2025
“As the holiday period approaches, many people will be hitting the road to visit family and friends or to take a well-earned break.
Photo of Robert Dwyer MOP and RFS Captain Chris Bawn
by Robert Dwyer 16 December 2025
With the summer season well underway, emergency services are urging the community to prioritise safety and take simple steps now to prepare for extreme weather and emergency situations.
by Robert Dwyer 15 December 2025
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer, said work will continue this week to remove several dangerous trees along the Oxley Highway road reserve, paving the way for the replacement of fencing between Wrights Road and Fernhill Road.
by Robert Dwyer 15 December 2025
Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer has welcomed changes to the NSW Workers Compensation system, saying the reforms will go a long way toward helping businesses survive and providing certainty for injured workers.
Dignitaries including Robert Dwyer MP and Minister enny Aitchison
by Robert Dwyer 10 December 2025
Motorists are set to benefit from a major boost to local infrastructure, with the $123 million duplication of Ocean Drive now officially completed and open to traffic.
by Robert Dwyer 8 December 2025
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have announced a commitment to introducing a nation-leading, low-cost licence plate scheme for certain categories of e-bike riders, putting community safety, responsible riding and practical enforcement at the centre of future active-transport regulation.
by Robert Dwyer 3 December 2025
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has today welcomed the passage of the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Repeal Bill 2025 through the NSW Parliament describing it as a crucial step toward safeguarding the ecological integrity of Kosciuszko National Park and reinforcing NSW’s broader commitment to managing invasive
by Robert Dwyer 1 December 2025
ROBERT DWYER CALLS FOR URGENT GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIP TO SECURE NORTH COAST JOBS AND REBUILD TIMBER MANUFACTURING
by Robert Dwyer 24 November 2025
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has renewed his call for urgent action on the long-awaited Southern Breakwall upgrade following the recent collapse of additional rocks near the skatepark.
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