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School holidays have, unfortunately, come to an end. And although it is sad to be back, we have been exceptionally excited to be sharing this issue with you all. June and July have been someof the busiest months with us beingright in the middle of peak dry season. From thousands gathering to celebrate Territory Day and marching in the street for NAIDOC Week to Darwin Junior High taking tothe stage to showcase months of dedication and creativity, it has become increasingly clear that Young Territorians are the heart of their communities.
Journalism should strive to do more than simply report what has happened. With the Student Spotlight, we have aimed to create a platform for young people to explain why the issues that affect them truly matter. With this issue, our collective mission has been pushed forward yet again, refusing to shy away from issues affectingus now andin the future but not letting that affect our ability to celebrate youth achievement with great jubilation.
Speaking about celebration, leading this issue are Alice Kings, a hip-hop and rap group proving that age and geography are no barrier to success. Managing a self-funded national tour while releasing a debut album titled “Young Prodigies”, receiving two Northern Territory Music Award nominations and a recent performance supporting Baker Boy, the group have already reached heights that many aspiring musicians dream of. And they have nowhere to go but up. For this story, Chair Indiana Grimes interviewed the group and spoke to them about their aspirations, and their message to anyone who wants to follow in the footsteps of these trailblazers.
We also turn our attention to one ofthe Territory’s most significant political debates this year. Pak Chan, in his analysis, examines the Government’s controversialamendments to the Child Protection laws following the tragedy of Kumanjayi Little Babyearlier this year, and whether these reforms will genuinely improve outcomes for younger children. He explains that while the legislation promises stronger protection through faster interventionand permanent placement, indigenous critics argue that it largely ignores the systemic issues placing families intothe system in the first place while weakening long-standing cultural protections that came about for Aboriginal children following the Stolen Generations. And while it is a confronting piece, it is exactly the kind of rigorous journalism that young people need to be reading.
On a personal note, I have been incredibly grateful to have beena part of the growth that has undertaken the Student Spotlight since Indiana and I took over the mantle this year. I want to acknowledge Indiana specifically, whose leadership has continued to strengthen the team and our work. Her contributionsare a testament to how far both the Student Spotlight and the NTSS have come.
Most of all, thank you for supporting us, whether this is your first issue or your tenth. I hope we have been successful in challenging your thinking and have reminded you of the importance of ensuring that young voices, in an around the NT, are heard and respected.
