The Youth Voice projects at Vincentia High School are steaming ahead, and we couldn’t be prouder of the tenacity and passion these students have shown in delivering their community projects. Since our last update, the teams have had time to reflect on their goals and what they can realistically achieve within the project timeline. You’ll be impressed by what a group of young people can accomplish when supported by having a voice and connecting with the broader community.
These projects are all co-designed, with each group receiving incredible support from Vincentia High School, Shoalhaven City Council, the NSW Premier’s Department, community groups, and their families. We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved.
Project Updates
Project 1: Self-Expression Walls Project
Identifying new and existing walls for creative expression in the community.
Two sites have been identified, and work is progressing to create public self-expression walls:
Mural at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum
We are thrilled that the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum has partnered with us, providing a space for a mural designed and created by young people. On 15 July, the Youth Voice team and other local young people attended a workshop at the Museum with Beyond Empathy and two talented local artists, Akira Kamada and Nigel Heyler. They discussed inspirations, processes, and concepts to create this mural.
The design is being finalised and will be painted by young people in the October school Holidays. Speaking of the holidays, Firefly is running an event at Sanctuary Point Skate Park called ‘Skate & Create’ on 3 October. Full details can be found on our What’s On page: Skate and Create Community Event
Details about the installation and launch will be provided soon. More information can be found here: Students Create a Stunning Mural Local Museum.
BCR Communities Youth Pods
The Youth Voice students are collaborating with the wonderful team at BCR Communities to build a dynamic chalkboard wall at the new BCR Youth Pods. This will be completed after the pods are installed, approximately in October 2024, creating a space where young people can come together to create.
Project 2: Malcolm Moore BMX Track Revamp
Engaging local youth, community, and Council to restore the track.
The Youth Voice team engaged a bike track designer to develop a concept plan for the Malcolm Moore Bike Track. The project group and one parent and Firefly staff member Christine went on a weekend excursion to Sydney to audit other pump tracks in NSW. They returned with an amazing design. The Youth Voice team presented these ideas to Shoalhaven City Councillors on 25 July at a Council briefing. The Councillors were blown away by their work’s quality and passion for advocating for change.
The team will continue to advocate to the Council for these improvements. You can support their efforts by signing the petition here: Petition · Revitalise the Basin View BMX Track – turn the dumps into jumps!
The team is also hosting the ‘BMX Blast’ event on 7 September with the South Coast United Mountain Bikers Club (SCUM) to bring people together and promote safe, fun bike riding in the community. We hope to see you there: BMX Blast: Join Us for an Exciting Day of Fun and Community Spirit!
Project 3: Vincentia High School Breakfast Club
Increasing the Breakfast Club to five days a week and diversifying the food options.
The Breakfast Club has been successfully running five days a week for two terms. The Youth Voice team has funded a new fridge, conveyor toaster, and sandwich press to support the increased demand. Additional dietary options will be provided, monitored, and evaluated in Term 3.
The team has also introduced a new initiative to provide students without lunch with a healthy ‘grab and go’ lunch pack. Youth Voice is funding these packs for one term, after which the ongoing need and sustainability of providing these packs will be evaluated.
Project 4: Beyond the Spectrum
Providing activities and support networks for young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.
A survey was circulated to gather information on the experiences of young carers—young people who have a sibling or family member with autism spectrum disorder or a disability. A fun, free event for these young carers will be held in the Term 3 school holidays. The event will include a day out visiting Mogo Zoo, allowing these young people to build relationships with others who share similar life experiences. To find out more go to our whats on page – Young Carers Zoo Trip.
Youth Voice Completion
As we enter Term 4, Phase 3 of the Youth Voice Project will begin. During this phase, the Firefly team will work with the project groups to ensure a strong finish and to plan for sustainability with their partner organisations, where appropriate. We will also take time to celebrate their successes!
Phase 3 marks the end of the Youth Voice Project at Vincentia High School. We hope each student feels proud of what they have contributed to their community and peers, and that they have learned their voices deserve to be heard.