Meet the Parliament Express 2024 participants

Launched in 2022, Parliament Express provides young writers with the opportunity to gain practical skills, receive professional mentoring and have an article published on the Parliament website.  You can read articles from previous year’s program here.The program is a series of intensive seminars delivered weekly over four weeks. Participants will meet in person at the Parliament of Victoria, getting a look behind the scenes of parliament and receiving masterclasses on research, interviewing and writing for clients – as well as an opportunity to do a Q&A with sitting MPs.Each seminar will focuses on developing their knowledge and skills and building on understanding of how parliament functions. They will have the chance to engage in unique experiences and meet many of the people who play a role in the work of parliament.After the four-week intensive, they will be given a four-week writing period to apply what they've learned and produce a first draft of an article for Parliament of Victoria’s website, receiving editorial guidance from Parliament of Victoria’s Community Engagement Manager.Meet the Parliament Express 2024 cohort below!She/herMy name is Jasmine! I am an empowered Bachelor of Science (Advance) – Global Challenges (Honours) student at Monash University, interested in generating purposeful, systemic equality. Sharing a passion in the unity of psychology and social justice, I am constantly seeking to connect with others in my search for the complementary nature of using science to address adaptive challenges. I show a deep appreciation for the strong humans I surround myself with, these lands and waterways, the hearts and stories of my friends and strangers interwoven in home cooked meals, under starry night skies and bright morning sunrises! He/himEric Stone university student pursuing a double degree (Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics/Bachelor of Arts), at Monash University, Eric's photography and videography work has taken him all across Australia, shooting weddings, corporate events, and parties. When not working, studying, or living out his fantasy of a world with correct apostrophe usage, you’ll find Eric somewhere on the theatre scene, either stage managing, acting, or enjoying the arts! She/herEiddwen is a Professional Communications Journalism graduate from RMIT University with more than four years' experience in community radio broadcast. Currently Eiddwen writes for RMIT FactLab, working to debunk online misinformation and misleading narratives. She/herClarity Romero is a Melbourne-based content creator specializing in self-development, lifestyle design, and disability advocacy. Her visual style blends cinematic videography with relatable content that addresses lifestyle and global issues. Clarity is also part of the Changemakers program with the Hume City Council, which develops initiatives to create positive community change. Her mission is to empower minds, enrich lives, and embrace creativity through the pursuit of wisdom and purpose. She/herClara Yew is a writer from Naarm, Melbourne. When she's not teaching, she's either copyediting textbooks or denying how much she likes canoeing. She loves cats and is the godmother to her cousins' furbabies. Clara would like to thank Taylor Swift for everything, like ever. He/himSpud Harrap, University of Monash student Journalist. Passionate about politics and public interest stories. Wants to tell that stories that matter, to those who matterShe/herPranjali is a journalist, SBS News video presenter and youth and gender equality advocate passionate about creating safe and empowering spaces for young people. She uses her many platforms to drive conversations for change and challenge systemic barriers, especially those faced by young people with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. A committed advocate against gender-based violence, Pranjali has worked across various newsrooms, government bodies and not-for-profits where she has supported organisations to speak to young people, not at them. She has previously reported on ABC News, served as a Media Advisor for the Victorian Government across prevention of family violence, women’s affairs, child protection and youth portfolios, and is currently also a Plan Australia youth activist. Born in India, Pranjali is a proud South Asian woman who now lives and works on the lands of the Wurundjeri people in Naarm. She/herNyibol Gatluak is a third-year Journalism student at Monash University. She is passionate about writing stories especially pertaining to people of colour and minority groups. She/herHi, my name is Nicholene (Nikki) Canisius and I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Journalism) and Law at Monash University. I love to write about politics, foreign affairs, culture and films. I want to write articles that raise awareness about important social justice issues such as climate change, intersectional feminism, racism, mental health, and refugee rights. I am eager to develop my writing skills and learn more about parliament through this program! He/himMatthew Parkhill is University student at Swinburne University of Technology. He studies Media and Comms, majoring in Journalism, and is adjusting to the city life. She/herI am open to learning new things about the world and enjoy exploring subjects associated with law, politics, psychology, philosophy, and forensics. These subjects motivate me to grow, be receptive to new ideas and changes, and collaborate with others to find solutions that contribute to a fairer and more just society.I like to spend my free time reading, swimming at the beach, stargazing, and being in nature. My passion for nature and interest in books help support my drive for my continuous journey of external and internal discovery and personal growth. She/herJulia, a Journalism student based in Naarm/Melbourne, originally from Bendigo, Victoria, has a strong interest in investigative reporting, political journalism, and long-form storytelling. Her writing aims to amplify and shine a light on stories often overlooked but crucial to be heard.