Federal Member for North Sydney, Kylea Tink was in Coonabarabran this week, catching up with family and friends, and sharing her journey to her success with local students.

Ms Tink returned to her old stomping grounds to celebrate Easter with her family, but also used the opportunity to inspire students at Coonabarabran High School’s inaugural Alumni Career Event on Tuesday, 2 April.

During the event, she reflected on her journey from a young, country girl, to a determined, Independent politician and advocate for the northern suburbs of Sydney.

It was at Coonabarabran High School where Ms Tink first discovered the values that paved her path to success.

When she first arrived as a Year 7 student, her teacher, Don Harvey, placed her in the Year 12 debating team – where she rarely lost a debate.

When speaking to the current generation of Coona High students, Ms Tink underscored the enduring values instilled by the school, which she said had stayed with her throughout her life.

Those values were to fix what is broken and to help others. These principles continue to inform her political career, while also maintaining her country roots.

Growing up, Ms Tink witnessed her parents actively contribute to the Coonabarabran community.

She watched their involvement in the construction of the Coonabarabran Tennis Club and the pre-school on Robertson Street, while her father volunteered for the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Ms Tink attributes part of her career success to the strong sense of community instilled during her upbringing.

“When I reflect on what I have learnt out here, it is the sense of community and what it means to be a member of a community,” Ms Tink said.

“Community is about accepting responsibility for making it stronger.

“If you think something is broken, be a part of fixing it. If you think something is wrong, be part of setting it right. “Being an Independent politician is so much more empowering because I can be the true voice. I am not in it for a career, or to win favours, or to put myself ahead. I am 100 per cent for the community.”

Ms Tink never envisioned herself as a politician while growing up in Coonabarabran.

She left town in 1994, in pursuit of a job in Sydney, going on to become a committed business leader and social advocate.

Currently residing in North Sydney, she was elected as the local Federal Member in May 2022.

Ms Tink said throughout 2020 and 2021 she became increasingly concerned over the Liberal and Labor Governments’ disconnect from the Australian people.

She said the two major political parties were busy fighting each other and important reforms were not happening.

Approached by the people of North Sydney to become an Independent voice for the community, she was elected on her values of climate action, political integrity, transparency and economic equity.

“My role is to listen to community, understand the changes they want to be made, take that information to Canberra and make sure the information is delivered to the right minister,” she said.

“Democracy is only as strong as the people who turn up for it, and every politician should be answerable to community.”

Among her other passions is advocating for community education on human rights, particularly in light of Australia’s status as one of the few western nations without a Human Rights Act.

Ms Tink tries to get back home to Coonabarabran every six months and the Alumni Event allowed her to outline her journey from the country to Canberra.

Not only did she provide wisdom and encouragement to students, but she personally gave her support to all who approached her.

Ms Tink said she hopes to continue her tenure as an Independent Member of Parliament, fighting to empower the community and give strength to their voices.

Photo: Coonabarabran High School's career advisor, Heather Frewin, thanks Federal Member for North Sydney, Kylea Tink, for speaking with students.