The Hills Shire has welcomed Amber Muszynski and Elizabeth McDonagh as its new Youth Ambassadors for 2026-27, marking the start of a year in which the pair will represent local young people and help steer Council initiatives to build a more inclusive community.
The Youth Ambassador program has long served as a bridge between the Shire’s youth and its decision-makers, giving emerging leaders a genuine seat at the table. Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, welcomed the appointments warmly, noting that both young women bring valuable experience from leadership roles within their own school communities.
The Mayor expressed enthusiasm for the fresh perspectives Amber and Elizabeth will bring to the role over the coming year, and took the opportunity to thank outgoing ambassadors Advika Kapoor and Rihanna Soundranayagam for the impact they made during their tenure, wishing them well as they move into the next chapters of their lives.
Amber Muszynski brings a distinctive mix of broadcasting experience and grassroots volunteering to the position. She currently hosts Youth Vision on Alive 90.5FM, a program built around the issues that matter most to young people, and has interviewed a wide range of inspiring guests from across the community.
At Muirfield High School, where she serves as a School Leader, Amber has thrown her energy behind causes including the Hills Relay for Life fundraiser supporting cancer services, the school’s Blankets and Beanie Appeal for people experiencing homelessness, and various Polish community events and youth programs. Her efforts in the classroom have also been recognised through the Senior Scholar Award for Excellence in Student Achievement. As Youth Ambassador, she plans to run a hands-on workshop covering budgeting, saving, investing, and everyday financial literacy, with the goal of equipping young people with practical tools to manage money with confidence.
Elizabeth McDonagh, meanwhile, has built a reputation as a dedicated and versatile school leader. She captains her Year 11 debating team and has thrown herself into the Duke of Edinburgh Award program, buddy reading initiatives, representative softball, chess club and a range of community service activities. For her ambassadorial project, Elizabeth intends to launch a Youth Connect Week, offering free workshops, sports, wellbeing activities, and leadership opportunities designed to strengthen social bonds among young people and help them feel more anchored in their community.
Both new ambassadors step into roles previously held by Advika Kapoor and Rihanna Soundranayagam, whose year in the position was marked by genuine engagement with youth issues and meaningful collaboration with Council staff and community leaders.
