March 2010 Edition
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Events and Activities Coming Up:

Regular opening hours of Tuesday to Friday 1.30 – 7pm and Saturdays 12 noon – 7pm

For Your Information
Tamworth Youth Interagency 2010 Meeting Dates:
Wednesday 10th March 2010 10am
Wednesday 9th June 2010 10am
Wednesday 8th September 2010 10am
Wednesday 8th December 2010 10am
All meetings take place at Tamworth Youth Centre - The Youthie, PCYC Building Corner of Peel and Darling Streets TAMWORTH NSW 2340.

Youth Into Action: We are currently looking for contributors/volunteers for the youthintoaction.com.au website. The main tasks is to write articles for the resources section at www.youthintoaction.com.au/articles. This volunteer role will suit University graduates or school leavers who are looking at getting experience in journalism, social sciences or youth studies. This is a chance to place something on your resume! The topic of interest is youth employment, education and training. The topic will be up to you. Volunteers must have good writing skills, have good english and most of all be enthusiastic. Please email all submissions of interest to contact@youthintoaction.com.au. Youth into Action is a social enterprise, with the aim to reducing youth unemployment in Australia.

After the Emergency: Red Cross has created After the Emergency - an MP3 resource and website for young people affected by disasters. Visit www.redcross.org.au/aftertheemergency to see stories from teenagers who’ve been through emergencies, share your own story, find information about trauma recovery and get music and messages of support from Aussie artists like Lisa Mitchell and Bluejuice.

Inquiry report about children and young people: The NSW Parliamentary Committee on Children and Young People recently released a Kids' Version of its inquiry report about children and young people 9-14 years. As the full inquiry report is about 350 pages long, the aim of the Kids' Version is to make the findings of the report more accessible to children and young people, particularly those aged 9-14. Feedback was sought from children and young people in this age group  about the 4 page Kids' Version while it was being developed. Two versions with the same text but different graphics were produced, as they appealed to different subgroups of children and young people. Copies of the Kids' Version can be viewed via the Committee's website at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/children.

IGNITE: If you'd like a free copy of the latest issue of IGNITE! the e-newsletter for enterprising young people, you can download it at www.frankteam.com.au/downloads/ignite_61_2010.pdf or email anna@frankteam.com.au for a copy. IGNITE is FREE, monthly and packed with great opportunities and contacts to help young people turn their ideas, business, & career goals into a reality!

Australian Youth Forum: The Australian Youth Forum (AYF) has a new discussion forum on Volunteering. The Government would like your views on how we can inspire more young people to volunteer and how best to support you in your volunteering activities. Have your say at www.youth.gov.au/ayf.

MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY: We're on a national search for young leaders passionate about making a difference. This May over 1000 people aged 16-26 will take to the road to MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY. Leaving from every capital city these ambassadors for global change will travel across the country, journeying throughout over 100 different cities and towns. At schools, businesses, churches, community organisations and sporting clubs we'll spread one message: that poverty can be ended, if only we have the will. In newspapers, magazines, radio interviews and television stunts we'll speak with one voice: our generation can be the one to end extreme poverty. After 5 days each road trip will arrive in Canberra - for a national summit of young leaders. Over the course of two days these young people will hear from federal politicians, community leaders and community organising experts. They will be left will all the knowledge, motivation and skills to be a leader of change in their own communities. If you think you know any young people between the ages of 16 and 26 who may be appropriate, then head to www.theroadtrip.com.au for more information.

Youth Off The Streets: Youth Off The Streets $5000 Scholarships for education and training available to young people. Nominations are now open for 2010 Youth Off The Streets Scholarships. Scholarships are awarded to young people who face barriers to accessing education and training and require financial and personal assistance to achieve their education and training goals. For nomination criteria and information on how to apply go to www.youthoffthestreets.com.au/scholarship/index.html.

Red Cross Harmony Day Award! Celebrate Harmony Day in your school and community with the free Red Cross Y Challenge celebrating diversity resource and be in the running to win a Red Cross Harmony Day Award! Harmony Day on March 21 is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the incredible diversity and cultural wealth of Australian communities. This year’s theme is Express Yourself and the idea is to encourage participants to get involved in an event that brings to life their diverse backgrounds, eg festivals of dance, food, music, arts. Red Cross Y challenge - celebrating diversity - is a free educational manual that teachers and youth leaders can use to plan and implement their Harmony Day activities and as an ongoing resource to explore and celebrate cultural diversity within their schools and communities. By participating in a Red Cross Y Challenge - celebrating diversity - program, young people can change their communities, their country and even the world by helping build a more harmonious environment for everyone. They can participate in one or more small activities or develop a larger project that encourages respect and understanding for all people and cultures. The Ychallenge-celebrating diversity manual and activities can be downloaded free at www.redcross.org.au/youth along with maps that link these resources to the state and territory school curricula and modules. Be one of the first 200 schools to contact us with your organisation's name and address and you will also receive a hard copy of the program manual. Don’t forget to enter your group's Harmony Day project or event in the Red Cross Harmony Day 2010 Awards and be in the running to win a digital video camera and party pack for your school or youth group at www.redcross.org.au/youth.

To make a contribution to this newsletter contact:
Stephen Blanch
Email: s.blanch@tamworth.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 02 6766 4645
Fax: 02 6761 2727
Web: www.theyouthie.org

December 2009 Edition
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Events and Activities Coming Up:

Regular opening hours of Tuesday to Friday 1.30 – 7pm and Saturdays 10am – 7pm

For Your Information

Christmas Holiday Program 2009-2010: We want your ideas! If you have some great ideas for activities and events the Youthie may be able to organise during the School Holiday please post them to the Youthie Forum at www.theyouthie.org/Forum.

Original Cultural Showcase as part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival: We are currently looking for Aboriginal community members who want to help plan and run the 2010 Cultural Showcase. Depending on the level of interest in the community, there is the potential to arrange for alignment with TAFE modules, and formal TAFE accreditation of the skills you gain as we organise the Festival Showcase together. Areas in which training could be provided include event, stage mand project management, marketing and promotion, video and sound recording, studio recording and catering. The 2009 Cultural Showcase was a major event within the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the shows attracted more than 3000 people from across Australia and overseas, feedback was excellent. Let’s make it better again in 2010! For more information contact Joanne Stead, NSW Dept of Aboriginal Affairs, (02) 6701 9020, Tad Kiemski, NSW Dept of Aboriginal Affairs, 0425 324 119 or Stephen Blanch, The Youthie, (02) 6766 4645.
Young Driver Factbase: The George Institute has launched a new online resource called the Young Driver Factbase. The Factbase contains the most up-to-date information on young driver safety and provides recommendations based on the best available research evidence. Visit the website at www.youngdriverfactbase.com.

Perspective Youth Journal - Call for Submissions for Volume 5! Perspective is a youth journal that seeks to publish the works of people under 25. They publish submissions on a range of issues; including international relations, domestic policy and political theory. It is quickly becoming ‘the place’ to be published, and they hope one day it becomes the cornerstone of youth involvement in policy. Currently, the journal are looking for submissions for Volume Five. Perspective is a great opportunity for young people - there is no other journal anywhere like it! Volume 4 can e viewed at www.unya.org.au/perspective. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Leigh Howard at editor@unya.asn.au.

Matespeak: The Inspire Foundation and the Brain & Mind Research Institute are serious about understanding the mental health and wellbeing of young people in Australia. They are inviting you to tell them what you think in an online survey exploring mental health issues and help seeking attitudes, how young people use information communication technologies and how technology might be used to encourage young people to engage with mental health services. If you are 16-24 years of age, visit www.matespeak.com.au to complete the survey and tell them what you think!

Drugs, suicide & body image: the issues of most concern to young Australians - Mission Australia: Australia's largest annual survey of young people has found that drugs, suicide and body image are the biggest worries for 11-24 year olds with one-in-four regarding each as major concerns. The survey has also uncovered many 11-14 year olds feel unequipped to deal with the issue of drugs. The national survey, conducted by Mission Australia, tested the views of close to 48,000 young people - its biggest group since the survey began in 2002 - between the ages of 11-24 (97.9 per cent aged 11-19). When asked to rank their concern about 15 issues drugs was ranked most frequently in the top three by 26.8 per cent of respondents, closely followed by suicide at 26.3 per cent and body image at 25.5 per cent. However, the concerns of respondents in this year's poll were very evenly spread with eight of the 15 isssues surveyed considered a priority to at least one in five respondents. The survey also detected decreases across all activities involving young people - particularly arts/cultural activities, and to a lesser extent, spectator sports and youth groups - which the charity suggests is an impact of the global financial crisis on Australian families over the past 12 months. For more information and to download survey report visit the website at www.missionaustralia.com.au.
Medley Mag: (www.medleymag.com.au) is an online magazine which puts the spotlight on the young people who make up our culturally and linguistically diverse society. This e-zine aims to increase youth participation and initiative, and to enhance the English communication skills and confidence of young migrants and refugees.

Generate: Do you know any young people who want to change the world? Are they passionate, thoughtful and energetic? The Oaktree Foundations Generate program is accepting applications for 2010. This is a unique entry-level program, exposing first time volunteers to the aid and development sector through active campaigning and lobbying action. The program runs Australia wide from mid-March to mid-October, accepting up to 200 applicants (18-26) a year. It combines goal-based skills training, development education, and active political and community based campaigning. The Generate program exists to support a participant’s vision for global change, and provide the skills needed to realise that vision. Extensive skills training is undertaken in public speaking, promotions, leadership, facilitation and event management and lobbying. This is a valuable opportunity to work alongside other talented, creative and dedicated individuals to create new educational opportunities for young people in the developing world. The Oaktree Foundation is an entirely youth run aid and development agency, working to end extreme poverty by providing educational opportunities for the world’s poorest. Oaktree’s work involves fundraising, advocating for change and training and mobilizing young people to lead the movement against extreme poverty. For more information, or to apply, please visit www.theoaktree.org/projects/generate. Round 1 Applications close on December 1st, so get in quickly!

Babysitting Guide: The NSW Commission for Children and Young People have developed a resource for kids who work as babysitters, with practical tips for a safe and positive experience. It’s also designed to help parents work with their babysitters to get the best results for everyone. The Commissions Chuildren at Work research found that 21% of choldren work as babysitters, making it the most common job undertaken by 12-15 year olds. The Babysitting Guide is available free at www.kids.nsw.gov.au.

Free Grants Writing Seminar: Namoi CMA invites all Landcare, community, volunteer and school groups to attend free seminars about writing successful natural resource management (NRM) and community grant applications including develop, write and present your proposal, present a compelling picture of your project, give the grant makers what they want, create a realistic budget and project plan, design proposals for different grant providers and the role of partnerships. A workshop will be held in Nundle on Tuesday the 15 December 2009 from 6.30 - 9.30pm at Nundle School of Arts Memorial Hall. Supper will be provided at each workshop. RSVP to Felicity Baker, Namoi Landcare Facilitator on 6742 9214 or 6742 9220 or felicity.baker@cma.nsw.gov.au
by Friday, 11 December 2009.

www.mynite.com.au: Parties should be about good times.  But if you, or your friends break the law while you are having a good time you could do more than ruin a good night.  You can end up in trouble that affects your whole life. www.mynite.com.au provides a basic summary of some of the most relevant laws that apply to you and your friends when you are out having fun.  Even if you have not turned 18, most of these laws will apply to you.

Report about children and young people: The NSW Parliamentary Committee on Children and Young People 9-14 Years has recently released a comprehensive report about children and young people in this age group in NSW. It covers a wide range of issues such as child protection, out-of-school hours care, homelessness, out of home care and different aspects of education. Copies of the report and further information can be obtained from the Committee's website www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/children.

To make a contribution to this newsletter contact:
Stephen Blanch
Email: s.blanch@tamworth.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 02 6766 4645
Fax: 02 6761 2727
Web: www.theyouthie.org

October 2009 Edition
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Events and Activities Coming Up:
Regular opening hours of Tuesday to Friday 1.30 – 7pm and Saturdays 10am – 7pm

Get Involved: The Tamworth Youth Centre is always on the lookout for young people to get involved in the organization and presentation of events and activities. Get in touch today.
Free movie tickets are up for grabs for young people who submit articles, reviews and other stories that are published in “The Sounding Board” Monthly Newsletter, we need you!

For Your Information

October 2009 School Holiday Program: The holiday program of actrivitiers and events for the Tamworth Youth Centre is available for viewing and downloading at www.theyouthie.org.

Australian National Council on Drugs Website: The (ANCD) is the principal advisory body to Government on drug policy and plays a critical role in ensuring the voice of the community is heard in relation to drug related policies and strategies.The Australian National Council on Drugs
has a new website at www.ancd.org.au.

Calling all young people in NSW: Are you looking to get involved in making decisions that affect young people? Or do you know someone that does? The NSW Commission for Children and Young People is offering 12 young people an awesome opportunity to be on its 2010 Young People’s Reference Group (YPRG). The YPRG is a great way to get involved, have a say, be heard, and have fun! It’s made up of 12 young people aged between 12 and 17 years. They come from all over NSW and have all different kinds of backgrounds and experiences. They help the Commission stay in touch with what’s going on in the world of young people. To find out more about the YPRG  and how to apply, go to kids.nsw.gov.au. While you are there, you may wish to subscribe to our online news bulletin for young people. Go the kidZone section and click on Feedback Mag for more. Applications close 6 November 2009. Apply now! If you’ve got any questions, call Zeah Behrend on (02) 9286 7224 or email her at kids@kids.nsw.gov.au.

Perspective Volume 4 Online Launch! The United Nations Youth Association of Australia (UNYA) is proud to launch Perspective, a new journal of youth writing on international affairs and domestic policy. Perspective aims to provide an outlet for the views of young people who have a unique perspective and an intrinsically fresh approach to a range of global issues. Perspective volunteer managers, editors and designers have high hopes: wanting it to become the cornerstone of youth opinion and intellect. The new issue is jam-packed with some incredible articles that were handpicked from approximately 80 submissions. Each article offers the reader a highly intelligent and inventive approach to some of the most complex problems our world faces today – such as climate change, human rights, war crimes, child prostitution and gender issues. See the full version at www.unya.org.au/perspective.

Kidspoll: The latest kidspoll from the NSW Commission for Children and Young People is "What I do to help the environment". You can vote now at www.kids.nsw.gov.au/kids/thezone/kidspoll.cfm.

ArtsYakka: (www.artsyakka.com) is an online resource of practical tools and templates, information and ideas to take some of the 'hard yakka' out of creating community arts projects.
Original Cultural Showcase as part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival: We are currently looking for Aboriginal community members who want to help plan and run the 2010 Cultural Showcase. Depending on the level of interest in the community, there is the potential to arrange for alignment with TAFE modules, and formal TAFE accreditation of the skills you gain as we organise the Festival Showcase together. Areas in which training could be provided include event, stage mand project management, marketing and promotion, video and sound recording, studio recording and catering. The 2009 Cultural Showcase was a major event within the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the shows attracted more than 3000 people from across Australia and overseas, feedback was excellent. Let’s make it better again in 2010! For more information contact Joanne Stead, NSW Dept of Aboriginal Affairs, (02) 6701 9020, Tad Kiemski, NSW Dept of Aboriginal Affairs, 0425 324 119 or Stephen Blanch, The Youthie, (02) 6766 4645.

Gambling what do youTHINK? Gambling is considered by many as entertainment; an enjoyable ‘flutter’ or trying your luck with a few dollars on the pokies, but beyond the entertainment value gambling encompasses a range of complex social and economic issues. The Australian Government has asked the Productivity Commission to conduct an inquiry into gambling. The Commission is keen to make sure the views and experience of young people are included. Share your views at www.youth.gov.au/ayf/Ideas/TopicsList.aspx.

Youngsters needed for sage advice: Youths have been encouraged to nominate for the NSW Commission for Children and Young People’s 2010 Young People’s Reference Group. NSW Commissioner for Children and Young People, Gaye Phillips said the Reference Group would be made up of 12 young people between the ages of 12 and 17 from a variety of backgrounds and different parts of the State. The YPRG is to meet with the Commissioner in Sydney to discuss how to make NSW a better place for young people. Further information and application forms were available at www.kids.nsw.gov.au.

Calling youth representatives for national committee: The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is calling on Young Australians to apply for the Australian Youth Forum (AYF) Youth Engagement Steering Committee. The AYF is an Australian Government initiative that provides ongoing communication and engagement between the Government, young people and the youth sector. The AYF provides young people with opportunities to be actively involved in the decision-making processes of Government. The Steering Committee is made up of eleven young people, who advise the Government on the ongoing development of the AYF and specific AYF activities and events. Young Australians aged 15-24 years are invited to nominate for the Steering Committee. Applications can be made on an individual basis or as a representative of a youth-led organisation. Applications close at midnight, Friday 2 October 2009 (AEST). Further information about the Youth Engagement Steering Committee and the application package can be obtained by visiting the website at www.youth.gov.au/ayf/pages/steeringCommittee.htm.

Prime Minister's Youth Blog opens : The Prime Minister's blog asks young Australians to imagine they were Prime Minister for a day and asks what they would do to help our young people grow up safe, happy and resililient, give young people the skills they need to learn, work and fully engage in community life, reduce the physical and mental health risks facing young Australians, including negative body image, anxiety and depression, obesity and alcohol-fuelled violence, enable young people to accept responsibility for their actions and their behaviours and help young people to negotiate the challenges of today's society? To view and make a contribution to the discussion visit the blog at www.pm.gov.au/PM_Connect/PMs_Blog/Youth_Blog.

Calling for Nominations for the Tamworth Australia Day Awards: Do you know someone who has made a significant contribution to the Tamworth Community in 2009 or for many years? What better way to recognise their achievements and contributions than to nominate them for the:

These awards are announced and presented during Tamworth's Australia Day Civic Ceremony on Australia Day 2010. Nomination Forms are located on Council's website at  www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/tamworthaustraliadayawards and close Friday 9 October, 2009. These forms can be completed online and emailed back to Council or completed in pen and returned.

$110,000 available for all-ages music events in NSW: Indent, the peak all-ages music program and proud project of MusicNSW, is pleased to open the 2010 Partnership Grants. The grants program have been specifically developed for young people to stage all-ages, drug and alcohol-free music events across the state in 2010. The grants of $2,500 will assist young event promoters and emerging artists by offering support, resources and materials required to get gigs happening in their local area. With the view to developing skills and creating sustainable youth-driven music events, Indent will also deliver free workshops to those successful in their application for funding. Indent Partnership Grant applications and funding guidelines are available for download from the Indent website (www.indent.net.au) and close October 31st, 2009. Successful applications will be announced December 7, 2009. Indent celebrates it's 10th birthday next year and looks forward to increasing the number of high calibre, all-ages events the Partnership Grants program has funded across NSW since 2001. For more information on the grants contact Max Becker, Partnership Grant Manager 02 9699 9706, or via email max@musicnsw.com.

Highsnlows: The "Is your high getting you low?" campaign (www.highsnlows.com.au) has launched the third animated film in the campaign series, as well as an online interactive short quiz titled "How is cannabis affecting you?". The latest film tells the story of a young girl who is considering using cannabis but is unsure of what it might do to her. The film is supported by a fact sheet that offers young people information on the effects of cannabis on mental and physical health and can be found in the website's facts, help and information section. The new short quiz, "How is cannabis affecting you?" is an automated tool where young people can answer a series of questions about their cannabis use and how it is affecting them. The quiz offers a score based on their responses, and offers a range of support options. Visit www.highsnlows.com.au to view the current, and previous, animated films, and find out more about how cannabis use can affect the mental health of young people. The website includes an anonymous and professional Q&A service that provides clear, unbiased, non-judgemental answers to any questions they may have about cannabis and mental health - The answers are provided by a panel of health professionals, a safe space for visitors to share their stories and experiences, information about cannabis and mental health and a searchable database of Australian youth-friendly health services and organisations. Parents and professionals can find cannabis and mental health information on the DrugInfo website  at www.druginfo.adf.org.au.

“Shut Out” The Experience of People with Disabilities and their Families in Australia: This Australian Government report (90 pages) summarises the results of extensive Australia-wide consultations - more than 750 submissions were received in response to the discussion paper, more than 50% from individuals and the rest from a range of organizations. The National Disability Strategy, to be released in mid-2010, will be a whole-of-government approach that will give practical effect to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Australia. The report can be viewed at
www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/pubs/policy/community_consult/Pages/default.aspx.
To receive a printed copy or a copy in easy English, Braille or audio, phone 1800 050 009 or email NDSMailbox@fahcsia.gov.au TTY users can phone 1800 555 677 and ask for 1800 050 009.

Vision Australia’s Further Education Bursaries 2010: This aims to assist students who are blind or have low vision, who would not otherwise be able to afford adaptive technology such as CCTVs, laptops, screen reading and magnification software. This increases their ability to participate in further education and to achieve their life goals. Applications are now open, and close Monday 10 November, with selection in December. Before completing the Application form on www.visionaustralia.org.au/docs/news_events/BursaryApplication details.doc ensure your eligibility and materials needed, arrange an Adaptive Technology Assessment with Vision Australia, and follow other instructions. For information or assistance, phone Max Bini, Tertiary Education Consultant, Vision Australia on 03 9520 5555 or 1300 84 74 66 or email bursary@visionaustralia.org.

United Nations Youth Association Representative: Applications are now open for the 2010 Australian Youth Representative Position! Each year since 1999 the United Nations Youth Association and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has chosen one young Australian to be the Youth Representative in Australia's delegation to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In 2010, this could be you! The Australian Youth Representative is responsible for representing the views and interests of Australian young people to the United Nations. The Australian Youth Representative will have the amazing opportunity to journey around Australia to further understand the depth and breadth of the opinions of young Australians, before travelling to the Australian Mission. Once in New York they will work in the UN as a fully accredited member of the Australian Delegation, working closely with Australian diplomatic personnel. They will also work with fellow Youth Representatives from other Member States to advance the youth agenda and meet with UN staff to formulate new projects for young people around the world! Young Australians between the age of 15 and 24 are strongly encouraged to apply for this exciting position! Applications will close on the 2nd of November, 2009. For more information and to apply, go to www.unya.org.au/youthrep, or contact Rebecca Fiala - vicvp@unya.asn.au or 0433 955 560.

To make a contribution to this newsletter contact:
Stephen Blanch
Email: s.blanch@tamworth.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 02 6766 4645
Fax: 02 6761 2727
Web: www.theyouthie.org

September 2009 Edition
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Events and Activities Coming Up:
Opening hours of Tuesday to Friday 1.30 – 7pm and Saturdays 10am – 7pm.

Get Involved: The Tamworth Youth Centre is always on the lookout for young people to get involved in the organization and presentation of events and activities. Get in touch today.
Free movie tickets are up for grabs for young people who submit articles, reviews and other stories that are published in “The Sounding Board” Monthly Newsletter, we need you!

For Your Information

Funding for Tamworth Youthie: State MP, Peter Draper, today welcomed a $2,000 grant to assist with the cost of promoting and operating the 2009/10 Christmas Holiday Program at the The Youthie, Tamworth’s drop in centre. Mr Draper joined Tamworth Regional Council’s Youth Services Co-ordinator, Stephen Blanch, at The Youthie to announce plans for this year’s Christmas Holiday Program. “I congratulate Stephen on his initiative in developing a program that attracted funding support from the Minister for Juvenile Justice and Minister for Youth, Graham West,” Mr Draper said. “In past years The Youthie has run some fantastic programs over Christmas vacation periods, that have offered kids ‘at a loose end’, a variety of events to keep them engaged.” “This funding will provide diversionary activities and specialist workshops, as part of The Youthie’s ongoing program to engage at-risk youth in the region,” he said. Mr Draper said responses to his recent crime, law and order survey had indicated the importance of programs that kept bored kids occupied. “The Youthie’s programs in the past have provided many young people with interesting and fulfilling activities, and I am pleased this funding will allow that to continue,” he said. “Not only does The Youthie provide these opportunities, but it also provides a base for kids to get together and interact with their peers,” he continued. “This funding is wonderful news, and I encourage the district’s youth to check out what The Youthie has to offer them,” Mr Draper concluded.
Reach Out Pro: (www.reachout.pro.com.au) is a website launched earlier this year that provides information for health care professionals working with young people aged 14-25 on a range of technologies and online resources that can be used to enhance the effectiveness of psychosocial support and mental health care provided to young people based on the recognition of the significant role technology plays in the lives of young people.
Family separation: a guide for teens: The Child Support Agency (CSA) and beyondblue have partnered to develop an online resource for teenagers sharing stories, tips and strategies for dealing with separation. For further information visit the website at www.youth.csa.gov.au.
Lawstuff - legal information & advice for children & young people: The National Children's and Youth Law Centre (NCYLC) provides free information and advice services directly to children and young people. Children and young people can go online to www.lawstuff.org.au to access 'Lawstuff'. Lawstuff is NCYLC's website which provides information on various legal issues pertinent to its target client. Established in 1997, Lawstuff was the first legal website of its kind for children and young people, providing detailed information - by State and Territory - on a range of issues of particular relevance to young Australians. The information is presented in a way that is appropriate and relevant to young people, using cartoons and short stories to encourage users to ask questions and make informed decisions. Proving its success, the website has had well over 5 million hits. Lawstuff also provides access to 'Lawmail', an email advice service that enables children and young people to ask NCYLC staff and volunteers questions about legal issues specific to them. This service has the benefit of being internet-based and provides a method of communication that children and young people appear to be more comfortable with, as opposed to the more conventional form of a 'drop in' style community centre. The service is confidential and can be accessed anonymously - all that is required is an email address so that NCYLC can email a response.
Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) Scholarship Fund: The IBA Scholarship Fund aims to contribute to economic development in Indigenous communities by providing opportunities for mature age Indigenous people to develop their knowledge and skills in finance and business through education. The fund is focused on mature age Indigenous people to use the skills and knowledge gained from study to enrich the economic and financial development of their community. To be eligible participants must be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent; an Australian resident; and mature aged – not younger than 19 years old, and did not finish secondary school within the previous 18 months. The participant must also have demonstrated support from their employer, community or an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation to undertake the study. Registrations close on the 30 September 2009. To access the Scholarship Application form and Scholarship Guidelines please visit www.iba.gov.au. For further information please email scholarships@iba.gov.au.
Video Content Wanted - Aurora Community Channel: Aurora Community TV is calling for artists and film-makers with a disability to contribute short films, series, documentaries and music videos to be broadcast nationally on FOXTEL, AUSTAR and Optus Digital Networks. Aurora is seeking original Australian programs showcasing the work of independent and community artists. Aurora Community Channel was launched on the 1st of March 2005 on the FOXTEL, AUSTAR and Optus Digital Networks and can be found on channel 183. Aurora is available to all digital subscription TV subscribers on the basic tier and recently became the first and only television channel to be a Campaign Partner of Australian Made. For more information visit www.aurora.tv.
Dance on Screen Works: Announcing the 6th ReelDance International Dance on Screen Festival and Tour in May 2010, presenting some of the best dance films and videos from around the world and culminating in the screening of the finalists for the ReelDance Awards 2010. This festival is Australia’s largest event celebrating the art of dance, film and video. Presented biennially since 2000, we aim to present and promote both local and cutting edge international dance screen work. Closing date for consideration in the General Program is 1st September, 2009. The deadline for submissions for the ReelDance Awards is 1st October 2009. Visit the website at www.reeldance.org.au for online submissions or phone 8571 9106.
Get paid to create content for ActNow! Do you love writing and multi-media? Join ActNow’s Cash for Comments team and let us put the money where your mouth is! ActNow www.actnow.com.au is on the lookout for its next Cash for Comments team—and you could be part of it!! The Cash for Comments team is a crew of enthusiastic young people (aged 16-25) commissioned to create written and multimedia content on current issues for the ActNow website. Members of the Cash for Comments team will have the opportunity to receive face-to-face training in content development (writing, video and photography), pitch ideas and create content for ActNow for a 4 month period, hve their work published on the ActNow website, have their work syndicated in other media and get paid for their work! If you’ve got what it takes to entertain, inform, spark debate, and leave your audience wanting more, send an application to the ActNow team actnow@inspire.org.au. To apply to be part of the Cash for Comments team, you need to create ONE piece of content addressing the topic “The biggest challenge that Australia faces is….”. The content must be presented in a 300 word opinion piece, a 1-2 minute video; OR a photo gallery with 3-5 images and a 100 word story attached. Please include your Resume AND 200 words about yourself in any style. If you have any questions please contact Jessica Bell, ActNow Project Manager jess@inspire.org.au or phone (02) 8585 9315. Applications close midnight Friday 18th September, 2009. More details can be found at  www.actnow.com.au.
IGNITE! If you'd like a free copy of the latest issue of IGNITE! the e-newsletter for enterprising young people, you can download it at www.frankteam.com.au or email anna@frankteam.com.au for a copy. IGNITE is FREE, monthly, & packed with great opportunities & contacts to help young people turn their ideas, business, & career goals into a reality!
Indigenous Scholarships now on offer: The Australian Institute of Management (AIM) and Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) are both seeking applications for their respective 2009 scholarship rounds. Australian Institute of Management (AIM) – Rebecca Gregory Indigenous Scholarship 2009. Launched last year, this training scholarship is designed to inspire and enhance the skills of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander managers and leaders. The AIM Rebecca Gregory Indigenous Scholarship 2009 will be awarded to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leader or manager residing in NSW or the ACT, irrespective of education or age who, in the opinion of the Judging Panel exemplifies high standards of management within their community and sphere of influence; and who has provided the best 500 word written response to the management question, “I believe the most important contribution I can make to management in an organisation is…”and explain why. The recipient of The AIM Rebecca Gregory Indigenous Scholarship 2009 will receive AIM Diploma Qualification training of their choice to a value of $6,000, one year’s AIM Personal Membership and a 2,000 travel and accommodation allowance to encourage those from regional areas to apply. The recipient will also receive an AIM Rebecca Gregory Indigenous Scholarship 2009 Certificate of Excellence. Please note applications close on the 30 September 2009. For further information please contact the Scholarship Coordinator on (02) 9956 3030 or email scholarship@aimnsw.com.au.
2009 Rotary Youth Leadership Award: Young people aged 18 to 25 interested in learning more about themselves, developing their leadership skills and having fun are invited to apply for the 2009 Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) program. RYLA is a seven-day residential leadership and personal development program that brings together young people from a diverse range of backgrounds to gain a better understanding of their own strengths, and the unique qualities and abilities of others. The 2009 program will take place from November 28 to December 4 inclusive. RYLA gives young people the opportunity to participate in workshops designed to provide a range of perspectives on leadership and personal development. The dynamic workshop presenters hail from a range of backgrounds including theatre, community development and the corporate sector. A team of young people, most of whom are past RYLA participants, manage the day to day running of the program. Each participant is sponsored by a Rotary Club ensuring the program is at no cost to those who attend. For further information or to apply, head to the RYLA Website www.ryla9800.org.au or contact your local Rotary Club.
The Sex Files - Have your say: In celebration of International Youth Day, teenagers around the country have been asked to jump online and record their thoughts on all things sex related as part of a nationwide project to capture the sexual health views of Generation Y. An initiative of sexual and reproductive healthcare provider, Marie Stopes International, The Sex Files project has been developed to gain an insight into the sexual health issues affecting youth today. The Sex Files is informed by an online survey that asks teens a few questions about themselves and their current sexual situation and provides them with an open forum to have their say. The project was developed following recent research conducted by Quantum Market Research which found that 9 out of 10 teens felt that the government should do more to expand teenagers' sexual health education options. To contribute to The Sex Files project, visit www.likeitis.org.au. The online survey will be running until 30 September 2009.
culturemap.org.au: 'What is the future of regional Australia?'and 'What is the role of the creative arts in regional development?' With these questions in mind the CAMRA (Cultural Asset Mapping in Regional Australia) research project invites you to join culturemap.org.au, a unique intranet environment designed as a space for individuals and groups interested in cultural planning to meet, share and collaborate. CAMRA is a major Australian Research Council and industry funded project which aims to provide regional planners, policy-makers and communities with the information they need to plan for a future that integrates the arts and cultural industries. The project runs for five years and is a partnership between seventeen organisations, including four universities. Explore the CAMRA website and sign up to become a member of the culturemap.org.au community.
State of Australians Young People Report: To mark International Youth Day, the Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Youth, Kate Ellis presented an address to the National Press Club in Canberra. Minister Ellis also presented a snapshot of the upcoming inaugural State of Australians Young People Report. The Snapshot shows us that one in four young Australians aged 16-24 years old have a mental health disorder with young people, especially girls highlighting self harm and unhealthy body image, more than a quarter of year 8 Australian students report that they know someone who had been cyber bullied, young people are more likely than others to be affected by particular crimes, such as violence and teenagers aged 15-19 years had the highest hospitalisation rates for acute intoxication from alcohol among all age groups. For the full story visit www.youth.gov.au.
Tamworth Family Relationship Centre: Tamworth Family Relationship Centre is an important resource for families.  The Centre hosts numerous FREE courses.  They have two coming up. Surviving Your Adolescents is a workshop designed to give solutions to parents for dealing with teenage behaviour. It goes for 3 hours on both Friday 21st and 28th August.  Just for Blokes-Men’s Health is being held 6pm, Tuesday, 25th August.  Guest speakers will be there to discuss ‘all the things men should know about their health’. For enquiries and bookings please contact Jo at the Family Relationship Centre on 1800 372826.
Information for young people and information about youth issues in NSW and Australia: On the Youth Action and Policy Association (YAPA) website extensive information can be found about areas such as activism, leadership & campaign stories, alcohol & other drugs, fact sheets, Gen... why? (the so-called Generation Y & its attitudes), Government, law, rights, complaints, librarians: Young people & libraries: Self paced learning kit, mental health, money, public spaces and young people (including crime, safety, shopping centres etc), transport and young people in NSW, work: Your rights at work, young parents, youth issues: fact sheets, reports & opinions and youth organisations in NSW & Australia. You can find this information at www.yapa.org.au/youth/.
Calling all writers, artists and creators: Culturalista Volume 4 is open for Submissions. Culturalista is a collaborative project that publishes the diverse voices of Australia in a printed and online zine that reaches thousands of people throughout Australia. We are now accepting submissions for the next issue in any printable medium: painting, photography, stories, community projects, or anything else that we can print! The theme for the next issue is community and we welcome all creative responses and interpretations. Community, what does it mean to you? Nice Word? Outdated? Irrelevant? Should we strive for it? Can it work? Some social justice element is preferred in all submissions. A great opportunity to get published and engage thousands of people, with prizes up for grabs! Submissions close September 20th (no word limits, no restrictions). Culturalista publishes expression through creativity and we want to hear from everyone! The new Culturalista website will be launched later this week, including the newest issue of Culturalista, until then you can check out previous issues at www.culturalista.org.au.
Landcare Week 2009: It’s just two weeks to go until Landcare Week 2009 (September 7-13) and this year it marks the 20 year milestone of Landcare Australia. Under the theme “Join the Landcare Journey”, the awareness week celebrates the huge contribution landcare volunteers have made to environmental conservation in their local communities, as well as encouraging others to put up their hands and get involved. New Landcare Australia research shows that many people are willing to get involved, but few actually do; mainly because they aren’t sure how. During Landcare Week, local landcare groups throughout Australia will be holding community activities and would value volunteers who want to get involved. To get involved find out if there's a landcare activity planned in your area (check out the events calendar at www.landcareweek.com or ask your local council), download the New Group Starter Kit - manual for new landcare groups, which will be launched in Landcare Week and made available to download from Landcareweek.com, become a fan of Landcare Australia’s Facebook Page to connect with other groups and potential volunteers and subscribe to the LandLink e-newsletter to stay informed about all Landcare Australia’s activities in the future.
Recordings: Audio recordings from Live At The Youthie Friday 21/8/2009 - visit www.theyouthie.org/node/405 to listen and download. Teangi Knox, Going Arcade and Deception Prevails……....

Original Cultural Showcase as part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival: We are currently looking for Aboriginal community members who want to help plan and run the 2010 Cultural Showcase. Depending on the level of interest in the community, there is the potential to arrange for alignment with TAFE modules, and formal TAFE accreditation of the skills you gain as we organise the Festival Showcase together. Areas in which training could be provided include event, stage mand project management, marketing and promotion, video and sound recording, studio recording and catering. The 2009 Cultural Showcase was a major event within the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the shows attracted more than 3000 people from across Australia and overseas, feedback was excellent. Let’s make it better again in 2010! For more information contact Joanne Stead, NSW Dept of Aboriginal Affairs, (02) 6701 9020, Tad Kiemski, NSW Dept of Aboriginal Affairs, 0425 324 119 or Stephen Blanch, The Youthie, (02) 6766 4645.

To make a contribution to this newsletter contact:
Stephen Blanch
Email: s.blanch@tamworth.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 02 6766 4645
Fax: 02 6761 2727
Web: www.theyouthie.org

July 2009 Edition

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Events and Activities Coming Up:

The Youthie is currently operating winter opening hours of Tuesday to Friday 12.30 – 6pm and Saturdays 10am – 7pm.

For Your Information

July School Holiday Program: The program of activities and events for the July School Holidays at the Tamworth Youth Centre is now available for viewing and downloading at our website – www.theyouthie.org.

Original Cultural Showcase as part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival: We are currently looking for Aboriginal community members who want to help plan and run the 2010 Cultural Showcase. Depending on the level of interest in the community, there is the potential to arrange for alignment with TAFE modules, and formal TAFE accreditation of the skills you gain as we organise the Festival Showcase together. Areas in which training could be provided include event, stage mand project management, marketing and promotion, video and sound recording, studio recording and catering. The 2009 Cultural Showcase was a major event within the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the shows attracted more than 3000 people from across Australia and overseas, feedback was excellent. Let’s make it better again in 2010! For more information contact Joanne Stead, NSW Dept of Aboriginal Affairs, (02) 6701 9020, Tad Kiemski, NSW Dept of Aboriginal Affairs, 0425 324 119 or Stephen Blanch, The Youthie, (02) 6766 4645.

Supporting the Housing NSW Youth Scholarships for 2010: The Housing NSW Youth Scholarship Program aims to assist eligible young people living in social housing to complete the Higher School Certificate (HSC) or TAFE equivalent by providing a one-off payment of $2,000 to be spent on educational related items. This is a great opportunity for young people to get a helping hand to support their studies. This year the closing date has been extended to Friday 31 July. Please ensure young people don’t miss out on the opportunity to apply, please remind potential scholarship recipients that time is running out and they should be finalising their applications over the coming week. More information about the Youth Scholarship Program can be located from www.housing.nsw.gov.au.

Screenteen Scholarship: Scholarship applications are now open for teenagers aged between 12 -16 years who have the passion but the not the funds to learn acting for film skills at Screenwise. Screenwise has announced applications will be open again for children aged 12-16 years for a scholarship placement within the popular Screenteens workshop. The recipient of the scholarship will receive specialist, career-focused training in acting for film & television and will work intimately with the crème of industry professionals - award-winning actors, directors & casting consultants who are articulate and inspirational teachers. To request a Scholarship application form please contact the office on 02 9281 4484, info@screenwise.com.au or visit our website www.screenwise.com.au. Applications are open to all Australian residents but the recipient of the Scholarship must be responsible for their own travel costs- Screenwise is based in Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW. The Scholarship only covers the course fees and does not cover transport costs.

Arts Rocket: Exploring and discovering Arts within Australia and beyond for kids - of all ages. Visit the website at www.artsrocket.org.



Brightest Young Minds Summit: Applications to attend are now open. The 2009 Brightest Young Minds Summit will be held from 27 September to 2 October at The University of Sydney. Each year, the Brightest Young Minds Foundation brings together 100 of Australia’s brightest young people between the ages of 18-28 to work together and develop new social entrepreneurship initiatives, receiving mentoring from some of the country’s most inspiring business and community leaders. For more information visit www.bym.com.au/summit.html.

PNAN Youth Arts Festival - Use Responsibly: Only one month to go till close of entries!!! Short Film/ Creative Writing/ Graphic Design competition – with $15,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs. That's plenty of time to get pen to paper and knock up a WRITING entry (any length up to 2000 words), or grab your video camera, stills camera or mobile phone and shoot a SHORT FILM (remember its ideas and story not technical skill that makes the difference) or dig into Photoshop or even Paint to make a kick ass coaster for the GRAPHIC DESIGN category. Entries close 31st July and you can enter with as many different works as you like, just remember to supply a different entry form with each (available from www.pnan.com.au). PRIZES are awesome as well with over $15,000 worth of stuff up for grabs including cash, a Apple Mac Book Pro, Adobe CS3 Design Premium and Final Cut Studio plus industry placements and other goodies! And the AWARDS SCREENING is starting to take shape with one of Sydney's hottest bands to perform (we're keeping that secret for a little while longer) plus cupcakes, balloons and all kinds of crazy. So get cracking! For more details visit www.pnan.com.au.

Highsnlows: www.highsnlows.com.au is a new campaign and website about cannabis and mental health. It is a collaboration between the Australian Drug Foundation (ADF, www.adf.org.au), Orygen Youth Health (www.oyh.org.au) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) Victoria (www.dhs.vic.gov.au). The campaign will roll out over the next five months and will feature a series of animated short films following four young people's experiences with cannabis. These films encourage the audience to think about how their mental health and wellbeing may be affected by cannabis use. The first of these animated short films can be found on the highsnlows website, along with other information for young people about how cannabis use can affect their mental health and where they can find help. The website includes an anonymous and professional Q&A service that provides clear, unbiased, non-judgmental answers to any questions they may have about cannabis and mental health, a safe space for visitors to share their stories and experiences, information about cannabis and mental health, and a searchable database of Australian youth-friendly health services and organisations.

Australian Youth Forum: When you start your first job, your rights and responsibilities in the workplace can be a bit of a mystery. The Government is developing a Young Workers’ Toolkit, so they want to hear your experiences – good and bad – at work. Keen to share? - Visit the website at www.youth.gov.au/ayf.

Young people & the criminal justice system: New insights & promising responses - Mission Australia. Programs designed to divert young people from offending behaviour and entering juvenile detention can not only be more effective than putting a young person in custody but up to 50 times cheaper to run according to the community service organisation Mission Australia. Mission Australia says diversionary programs designed to keep young people from re-offending can cut rates by more than half and reduce serious offences by close to two-thirds. Mission Australia has called on state and territory governments to set targets to reduce the numbers of juveniles in detention and expand the number of successful diversionary programs. Mission Australia's spokesperson, Anne Hampshire, said an upturn in the number of young people in custody, high levels of recidivism and the significant cost of locking young people up highlighted the need for alternatives to addressing offending behaviour. The full report can be viewed at www.missionaustralia.com.au.

To make a contribution to this newsletter contact:

Stephen Blanch

Email: s.blanch@tamworth.nsw.gov.au

Phone: 02 6766 4645

Fax: 02 6761 2727

Web: www.theyouthie.org

May 2009 Edition

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Events and Activities Coming Up:

The Youthie is currently operating winter opening hours of Tuesday to Friday 12.30 – 6pm and Saturdays 10am – 7pm.

Get Involved: The Tamworth Youth Centre is always on the lookout for young people to get involved in the organization and presentation of events and activities. Get in touch today.

For Your Information

Searching for young social pioneers of Australia: The Foundation for Young Australians is searching for the 2009 Young Social Pioneers of Australia. If you're an aspiring young leader, who is up to something great, let us know about your work. You could gain a place on our one year program, which offers an environment to further develop your skills and learning. You'll have access to professional mentors, training, and networks, plus an exciting opportunity to gain recognition for your valuable work. Applications open 1 April to 26 June 2009. You must be 18-29 years old, actively working on an idea for a minimum of six months and available for finalist weekend 25-26 July 2009 and the first retreat 27 August-4 September 2009. Areas of work can include education, environment, health, human rights, performing and visual arts, politics, science & technology, social justice and wellbeing. For more information and to apply visit www.youngsocialpioneers.org.au.

Are you interested in creating safer, friendlier communities for children & young people? If you answered 'Yes!' to this question and you're aged between 14 and 25, we invite you to join the Young Participants Program of the 8th ISPCAN Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect (APCCAN 09). To Register Your Interest simply visit www.apccan2009.org.au/youth.html and click “Register Here”. The APPCAN Young Participants Program (YPP) will provide you with a unique online youth space to share stories, ponder possibilities, and voice your opinions on the safety & wellbeing of children and young people in communities across the Asia-Pacific region. The Conference theme is 'Child Abuse and Neglect: Looking Through the Lens of Prevention' in recognition of the need give young people from all cultures the opportunity to lead a series of fun, friendly, trusting and important conversations on the present and future wellbeing of their communities. As details of the Program are finalised they will be posted on the APPCAN website and everyone who registers their interest online will receive email updates, so make sure you register online if you are interested in participating.

Bullying. No way! is developed and managed by all Australian education authorities

for use by Australia's Government, Catholic and Independent school communities, working together to create learning environments where every student and school community member is safe, supported, respected, valued — and free from bullying, violence, harassment and discrimination. You can find the website at www.bullyingnoway.com.au.

Taking care of yourself when working in human services: Stress is a common factor for many people in the workforce. Working in human services means dealing with particular stressors distinct from other fields. A workshop that aims to raise awareness of these stressors, how we react and how to manage them will take place at Quest Tamworth on Monday 18th May from 9am – 4pm. In a relaxed and interactive environment participants will identify what is particularly stressful about their work, learn to get the best from support networks, know how to improve and maintain physical and mental health, develop enhanced self management skills and generate ideas for themselves and their workplace. The cost is $137.50 (GST inclusive) per person with limited places available. For further information contact facilitator Lisa Rowlands on 0402874675 or email rowlands@aapt.net.au.

Centacare Training Programs: Centacare NENW is offering a range of learning opportunities as part of their Mental Health Community Based Programs including Mental Health First Aid Training and Mental Health Literacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. For more information and to enrol contact Lea Sharpe on 67621783 or email lsharpe@centacarenewengland.com.

Publication opportunity for writers, artists and creators: After 2 hugely successful issues we are calling out to all creators for publication in the upcoming issue of Culturalista. Culturalista is an opportunity for anyone to get their voice heard by a readership of over 5000 and be involved in a zine dedicated to making our place a better world. Submissions can be photography, poems, stories, community projects or any medium of your choice. The theme for the next issue is change and we welcome all creative responses and interpretations. Change, what does it mean to you, us, the world...? Express yourself without restraint, get the opportunity to be published, viewed by thousands and even win prizes for doing it! Submissions close 6th of June. Culturalista is created by the diverse voices of Australia, publishing expression through creativity and we want to hear from anyone and everyone! Previous issues are online at www.culturalista.org.au or contact us for a free print version (only a few remaining). For more information contact Dustin on 0428385272 or email info@culturalista.org.au. Culturalista is completely not for profit and completely for social change through creative expression.

All About You: All About You is moving to a new venue at The Old Clubhouse, Tamworth Rugby Union Club, on the corner of Marius and Macquarie Streets, opposite Viaduct Park. The All Abput You Program is a free learning program for young people aged 15-24 years not enrolled in education or in employment. The programme satisfies the Centrelink mutual obligation for youth allowance and is compatible with the new Job Network guidelines. You can refer yourself or any youth agency can refer you. For more information phone Chris on 67628811 or 0434426981.

Have your say on NSW youth health policy in this online consultation! Through online forums ActNow and the Centre for Adolescent Health want to explore your views about what best helps keep young people healthy. This information will help to shape a new Youth Health Policy for NSW. Your views and feedback will contribute to ensuring young people are provided with the best health care possible. Get involved if you if you have an interest in young people’s health, if you have had experiences with doctors and the health care system, if you want to influence an important policy that will affect you or if you want to work with other like-minded people. Anyone who is 12-24 and lives in NSW can apply. We want a range of people involved including people with different backgrounds, experiences and ideas. If you are interested please send an email to Ben Hanckel, ActNow Project Coordinator ben@inspire.org.au and include your name, email, phone number, date of birth, postcode, tell us a bit about yourself - what are you into, what do you do? (in 100 words or less) and tell us why you want to get involved (in 100 words or less). Applications will close on the 7th May. For further information please call Ben Hanckel on (02)8585 9335.

TranSCRIBE Young Writers Competition: explore mental health & cultural diversity: The Transcultural Mental Health Centre in conjunction with the Schizophrenia Fellowship (NSW) and Black Dog Institute write to seek your participation and support in promoting TranSCRIBE - the 2009 Young Writers Competition. The competition is open to young people between the ages of 12 – 19 across NSW from public, private and independent high schools. TranSCRIBE aims to provide young people with an opportunity to creatively express their concerns, thoughts, feelings and experiences about issues that directly impact on young people living in a society that is both multicultural and continues to face stigma associated with mental illness, and issues for young people who may be caring for family members who experience mental health issues. The competition is open to all young people to explore mental health and cultural diversity within the Australian context. The overall theme for TranSCRIBE 2009 is “Like a Fish Out Of Water”’ encouraging young people to talk about their own personal experiences and emotions, or others’ experiences as observed by them. The closing date for the 7th Young Writers’ Competition is the 10 July 2009. The prize-winners will be presented with their awards during Mental Health Week, October 2009. The school with the maximum number of entries will also be awarded with a $500 gift voucher. Entries close 10 July 2009. For further information visit the website at www.dhi.gov.au/tmhc/transcribe.

Voucher for Volunteers: Apply for the BP vouchers for volunteers programme. If you're a not-for-profit volunteer and you use a vehicle to undertake your volunteering activities, we want to hear from you. You could be awarded with free BP fuel to help you in your volunteering work. Permanent Australian residents who volunteer for a registered not-for-profit organisation dedicated to education, health and human service, arts and culture, development and community and environment and conservation are eligible to apply. Applications must be received by 5.00pm (AEST) on 11 May 2009. For further information visit the website at www.talkstoppedlongago.com.au.

Mission Australia 2009 National Survey of Young Australians: The eighth survey of Mission Australia was announced today, 20 April 2009. Each year, Mission Australia's national survey asks young people aged 11 to 24 about what they value, their issues of concern, where they go for advice and support, and what activities they are involved in. Surveys can be completed until 26 June and the findings will be released later in the year. The survey is a great opportunity for young people to have a say about the issues that affect them. Results from previous years have been an effective advocacy tool for improving services for young people.  The survey is available online at www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey.

www.hip.org.au: The Homeless Information Portal is a searchable directory of alcohol and other drugs support services in Australia, and an online resource guide to help service providers respond to homeless people affected by alcohol and other drug (AOD) use.

To make a contribution to this newsletter contact:

Stephen Blanch

Email: s.blanch@tamworth.nsw.gov.au

Phone: 02 6766 4645

Fax: 02 6761 2727

Web: www.theyouthie.org

March 2009 Edition

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Events and Activities Coming Up:

Get Involved: The Tamworth Youth Centre is always on the lookout for young people to get involved in the organization and presentation of events and activities. Get in touch today.
Free movie tickets are up for grabs for young people who submit articles, reviews and other stories that are published in “The Sounding Board” Monthly Newsletter, we need you!

For Your Information

Youthweek Opportunities: The Youthweek Program is now available for viewing and downloading at our website www.theyouthie.org/Youthweek2009. A Talent Showcase is planned for Friday night the 3rd April at the new Tamworth Regional Council Capitol Theatre in the Centrepoint Arcade. Big news this week is that Tamworth’s Fat Track Recording Studios has donated a $1500 recording package as first prize. Any interested artists aged 12-25 years are encouraged to submit a demo recording, or arrange an audition, to be in the running for selection.  Demo’s are being accepted in a number of ways including; email s.blanch@tamworth.nsw.gov.au with a link to your web page or online recording such as myspace, drop a CD off at the Tamworth Youth Centre (opposite the skate park on Peel Street), or contact Stephen Blanch to arrange an audition – you can even dob in a friend. Submissions are being accepted until Friday 24th March. An art exhibition and competition is planned for this year’s Youthweek. The exhibition will take place from Saturday 28th March to Saturday 25th April at the Tamworth Youth Centre. We are currently seeking art pieces for the Youthweek exhibition and all submitted works will automatically enter the art competition and have the chance to share in the $300 worth of prizes. For more information contact Stephen Blanch on 6766 4645.

Kidspoll: The latest kidspoll from the NSW Commission for Children and Young People is "knowing my rights". You can vote now at www.kids.nsw.gov.au/kids/thezone/kidspoll.cfm.

Youth Off The Streets: Youth Off The Streets (YOTS) is a charity that mostly works with homeless, drug addicted and abused young people in Australia. YOTS have a national Scholarship Program, targeted at young people from difficult backgrounds who wish to further their education or training. The program offers scholarships of $5000 to young people who would otherwise find it difficult to achieve their vocational goals without some support. The scholarships are to be used over a 2 year period and YOTS staff develops a scholarship pathway plan with the young person and assist them to follow it through. If you are aware of any young people who access your service and may benefit from a YOTS Scholarship, we welcome your nominations. The nomination forms are also available on our website www.youthoffthestreets.com.au/scholarship/index.html.

An Opportunity For You To Embrace! LifeForce is presenting you with the opportunity to receive a day of our esteemed training in Suicide Prevention, free of charge. The workshop is designed for all community members to help them support their colleagues, families and friends. This program not only provides education on what to do in the crisis of suicide but also how to intervene on a daily basis. If interested please contact the LifeForce office 02 8922 9064.

Drug Action Week: Drug Action Week (DAW) 2009 is a week of activities held nationally to raise awareness about alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues in Australia. DAW 2009 is an initiative of the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA), providing individuals, organisations, and communities with the opportunity to promote awareness of alcohol and other drugs. Each year, a diverse range of voices including State/ Territory AOD organisations, non-government organisations, community groups, the education sector, and the media join ADCA to speak out about alcohol and other drug-related issues. Anyone can get involved in DAW and the sky is the limit when it comes to organising your own DAW activity. Why not run an art competition, hold a seminar, arrange a picnic, or organise an information booth in a shopping centre? ADCA encourages everyone to get involved - together we can make a difference and help to reduce the damaging effects of alcohol and drug use in our communities. www.drugactionweek.org.au - activities ideas and registration, resources and promotional materials.

Want to learn how to assist young people experiencing mental health problems? A Youth Mental Health First Aid Course is now available. Youth Mental Health First Aid is a l4-hour course which teaches first aid skills for mental health crisis situations and the early stages of mental health problems. This course will be running in Tamworth on the 7th and 8th April 2009. For further information contact Lea Sharpe at Centrecare on 02 67621783.

EARTH HOUR 2009 8:30 – 9:30pm Saturday 28 March: Bold, simple and accessible, Earth Hour 2009 has one major aim: to show governments, individuals and businesses that it is possible to take action on global warming. The world

To make a contribution to this newsletter contact:
Stephen Blanch
Email: s.blanch@tamworth.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 02 6766 4645
Fax: 02 6761 2727
Web: www.theyouthie.org

December 2008 Edition

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Events and Activities Coming Up: