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Sienna Diessel

Date:
By Greg Piper
Category: Local Legends

Engaging with the next generation of leaders is one of the most rewarding parts of being a Member of Parliament. Recently 88 young leaders from across 73 electorates, had the opportunity to speak and debate youth-led bills in the NSW Legislative Assembly, at the 2025 YMCA NSW Youth Parliament. Lake Macquarie was very proudly represented by Sienna Diessel from Toronto High School, whom I had the pleasure of sponsoring to take part in the prestigious youth leadership program. Sienna is an extraordinary young woman. Her journey into politics began two years ago, when she wanted to become a political journalist, however as she wisely put it, "After a while, I realised I want to be the one making change, not just reporting it." That insight led her to join the Women's Affairs Committee, where she helped draft the Inclusion of Women in Medical Research Youth Bill 2025, a Bill that seeks to address gender inequity in medical research, diagnostics, and safety trials. Sienna's drive, clarity and commitment during this year's Youth Parliament was wonderful to see. Congratulations Sienna, I hope we see a lot more of you in the NSW Parliament.