Silent Disco
The impressive student-producer duo behind YouthTunes are back again with more unique musical affairs. They've got endless motivation when it comes to making sure local youth keep up a thriving social life around events that are fun, edgy and really make the community work together.
|
YC Conserve & Protect
Our own Tony Wells is a horticulture hero and always on the frontline when it comes to green projects. The Express Advocate caught up with him and his youthful crew about developing a new wildlife corridor at Watanobbi.
|
Young Parents Program Wyong
Young Parents Program Wyong is as an innovative school for young parents. It provides support to achieve individual educational goals and offers practical parenting skills in an environment that is flexible and community orientated. For more information about YPPW click here
Come to the information session on Tuesday 7th February,
10:30am at Wadalba Community Centre
For information on other young parent programs across the Central Coast. Give Lyn Cooper a call on (02) 4350 2600
|
|
Freedom Riders and Freedom Fighters
Words & images: Jess Oldfield
A handful of stars were still awake, when the young freedom riders boarded the
bus yesterday in the morning-dark.
Headed for Canberra, they reunited to continue their mission: to have Aboriginal
and Torres Straight Islander peoples meaningfully recognised in our
constitution and to bring about a sense of belonging that is long overdue.
This isn’t an easy or short road. Nor is it one the young freedom riders claim
to have started. Many have gone before them and paved the way of change for Aboriginal
rights.
But as Julia Gillard said in her address to the 400-strong crowd in the Gandel
Hall of the National Gallery, “...It is the right time to say yes to a deeper
understanding of our past and to a more united and more reconciled
nation then we have ever been before.”
Appointed in 2010 by the Prime Minister, the Panel was given the big
task of ‘yarning up’ Australia about constitutional change and producing a road map for Government to take to the Australian public at the next referendum, proposed for 2015. So there's a lot to be done over the next three years. And with the anticipated release of
the one-hour documentary, which records the Freedom Ride 2011 journey, their
intention is clear: to spread the message and call to action a new generation
of freedom riders and freedom fighters.
Our sincere thanks to the entire Expert Panel for inviting us to attend such a historic event. Thank you Aunty Matilda House-Williams for your warm Welcome to Country and reminding us all to 'yarn up.' And to Kathleen O’Ryan,
Elizabeth Howe and Meg Dixon-child of FaCHSIA — thank you for your generous hospitality.
Read the Expert Panel's final report of recommendations here.
|
Freedom Riders take next step for change
On Thursday, January 19, the Freedom Riders will journey to Canberra to attend the official handover of the formal report on recognition of Indigenous Australians in the Constitution from the Expert Panel to the Australian Government.
Freedom Rider and youthconnections.com.au Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisor Gavi Duncan says this opportunity is part of fulfilling their promise to the Aboriginal people of north-west and coastal NSW.
“We visited remote communities so they could have a say about constitutional change and told them their voices would be heard,” said Duncan.
“We’re also seeking the support of Government to have the Freedom Ride acknowledged as an annual celebration among all Australians,” he said.
Almost a year ago, the Freedom Riders retraced the same 2300km journey across NSW, made in ’65 by the late Charles Perkins, to collect the views of the 21 communities.
Documented in a kangaroo-skin petition book and on a message stick made of Wattle, the Freedom Riders presented the communities’ views on constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians to the Expert Panel in September last year.
The Freedom Riders are a group of 25 Central Coast Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal young people, Aboriginal Elders and youthconnections.com.au Koori Connect staff.
The Attorney General, The Hon Nicola Roxon and the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, The Hon Jenny Macklin will be in attendance.
The event will take place at the The National Gallery of Australia.
|
Meet Rolf Geerlings (& Echo)
YC: Where do you live on the Coast?
RG: Tuggerah.
YC: How long have you been doing work experience with YC?
RG: About 3 months now.
YC: What have you been working on?
RG: Helping rewrite YC's Policys and Procedures. Making them current.
YC: Wow that's a big task.
RG: Huge!
YC: You used to be a pastry chef right?
RG: Yeah. My speciality was novelty and wedding cakes. I worked at lots of high-end Sydney restaurants.
YC: What other jobs have you done?
RG: I've been a pest inspector, audio technician and worked at a crematorium.
YC: What kind of job would you like to do in the future?
RG: A job that helps people.
YC: What do you think is the biggest barrier that stops more employers hiring someone with a vision impairment?
RG: Awareness. Like any disability, they tend only to see the disability and not the skills you have to offer.
|
Should Indigenous Australians be recognised in the Constitution?
|
yG enterprise retrofits Headspace Central Coast

Maggie, Brendan and Karl at Headspace Gosford.
yG enterprise have retrofitted an open office space into a fun and engaging, multi-room hub for the Headspace team and our Central Coast young people. The job was a fun challenge for the yG enterprise construction team who have had a range of projects this year from backyard decks to a soundproof media studio. yG enterprise supports local jobs for local apprentices and all profits go to the hiring of new apprentices/trainees. If you have a construction job you'd like quoted call us on 4350 2600.
|
Coles Step Up
Words & image: Jess Oldfield
This
week 12 Central Coast Aboriginal job seekers will begin permanent part-time
work with local Coles supermarkets as part of a national Indigenous Employment
Program.
“Over 30 applicants applied for 12 positions, so there is a huge need to support
Indigenous employment on the Coast,” said Denise Markham,
youthconnections.com.au’s Indigenous Executive Officer.
youthconnections.com.au partnered with Customer Focus Group Training and local
Coles stores to deliver the government-funded IEP known as ‘Coles First Step’,
which aims to provide 205 Indigenous Australians with jobs over the next 18
months.
Participants completed the two-week pre-employment retail training at
youthconnections.com.au’s Indigenous Skills Centre at Green Central and a
one-week paid work experience in store before commencing jobs in deli, night fill, customer service, docks/service, dairy, bakery and produce.
The Coolamon On Green Central, a training café adjoining The Indigenous Skills
Centre, catered for the group during the training and was a source of cultural
connection for participants.
“The Coolamon employs and trains Aboriginal Elders, women and young people, which meant the training
took place in a culturally appropriate work environment,” said Markham.
Coles store
supervisors also completed cultural awareness training in the Indigenous Skills
Centre training rooms.
23-year-old Ashleigh Grauner was one of the successful applicants who received
a job offer with Coles Erina as a night fill worker restocking the supermarket’s
dairy section.
“I applied for night fill so I can also keep my casual day job,” said Grauner.
“I’m about to become a dad, so getting this extra work was a big relief and
means I can support my family,” he said.
All new employees were guaranteed a minimum of 15 hours per week with the
opportunity for full time employment in the future.
|
TradeStart 2012 Enrolments Open
Enrolments are now open for TradeStart 2012. This is a program for young people eligible to begin year 11 and are looking to gain hands-on skills to start their chosen career.
Interview bookings for enrolments are currently being taken. Please contact Brian Jackson or Vicki Smith of Erina High School on PH: (02) 4367 7353.
|
Breakfast Club Profile
Words & images: Jess Oldfield
Alison Harkness admits
she didn’t really know she could cook until she started volunteering for the
Breakfast Club.
Now every second Friday, for the past two school terms, Alison and a team of
volunteers whip up scrambled eggs with vegetables, pancakes and fruit platters
for year 9 & 10 ALESCO students to encourage school attendance, healthy
eating and socialising with the wider community.
“I know how everyone likes their eggs now,” said Alison.
Alison is Social Sector Relationship Manager at Westpac and began volunteering
her skills as part of Westpac’s voluntary days.
“We help other community organisations with things like weeding days and
clothes sorting, but I really wanted to do something where I interacted with
young people," said Alison.
The Breakfast Club is a sustainable model initiated to promote social cohesion
and community partnerships.
A big thank you to East Gosford Rotary Club who supports The Breakfast Club
through funding and volunteers.
Other Breakfast Club supporters include Coles West Gosford, Bunning’s Warehouse
Tuggerah, Salvation Army and Central Coast Outreach.
If you would like to be involved in the Breakfast Club in 2012 please contact David
Mackay on 4369 1187.
|
ALESCO stand up to exams
Words: Jess Oldfield
Images: Duncan McFarlane
Just about all of us have felt the exam-time tremble. The wave of nausea before 'sitting' an exam. Today at Green Central 26 ALESCO students 'stood up' to them, bravely completing their Yr 10 School Certificate English and Science exams with the rest of NSW.
ALESCO student Indigo Doolan-Brown shares how she felt after this mornings English paper and what her plans are for next year.
"I prepared for English as much as I could, but I'm not so good with science," she said.
"I'm going to TAFE to complete year 11 next year."
Fellow ALESCO student Jay O'Malley-Jones, also shares his thoughts on today and the future.
"The multiple choice was easy, but the writing was harder," he said.
"I want to find an apprenticeship in the building trade next year."
A teary-eyed Linda Thomas of Youth Connections (the programme), a program which supports Central Coast young people to stay in or reconnect with education, was assisting ALESCO students with exams today.
"I know for some of these guys they never dreamed they'd be doing their School Certificate, so we are really proud of all of them," she said.
ALESCO is an alternate learning option for year 9 and 10 students run by Tuggerah Lakes Community College. Green Central hosts the year 10 campus.
|
Digital Stories
Words & images: Jess Oldfield
Meet Coresha Lee Sanchez Apple-Lena Jones, a self-absorbed wannabe dancer. She
is creator of the ‘Coresha Crunch’, makes others feed her and has a large TV and
two lounges in her bedroom. She is convinced she will become a famous dancer
until an audition paramount to her career reveals she can’t dance.
A fusion of drama and comedy, the film, titled ‘I’m so gonna be famous’, was
one of three short films launched today at Green Central as part of an
Indigenous storytelling workshop run this week by Australian Film Television
and Radio School (AFTRS) with support from YC Media.
Students learnt digital storytelling first hand. Let loose at Green Central
with video cameras and sound gear, students were taught composition, lighting, script
writing and rotated with filming, acting, directing and sound.
“They were running around all over the place, then playing with lighting in the
studio, it was great to see how well the whole site worked for a short film
course, says Marg, manager of YC Media.
Comedy-drama Kitchen
Ninja and a documentary interviewing young freedom riders about their personal
journey whilst retracing the 1965 Freedom Ride earlier this year, were two other
short films produced during the week.
Each film was about drawing a connection from your own life, family and culture. Screenwriter and main actress for ‘I’m so gonna be famous,’ Rikki Naiobah, was inspired by her own pursuit as a dancer for the film.
“Last week I tried out
for NAISDA and I was so nervous, it made think about someone who was so sure of themselves," says Rikki.
"But obviously I'm not as self-absorbed as Coresha," she laughs.
Thanks to Pauline, Adrian and Rob of AFTRS for passing on your knowledge and expertise and to NAISDA, The Coolamon and Gosford Imperial Shopping Centre for generously providing your facilities as
film sets.
|
I wanna dance with somebody
Words: Jess Oldfield
Images: Jess Oldfield and Marg Meehan
Yesterday
Green Central had the deep privilege of hosting 30 Aboriginal and Torres
Straight Islander youth who had travelled from across Australia to try out for
NAISDA Dance College’s 2012 intake.
“ For most of these guys, it's the first time
they’ve been away from their home and family, so we hope they felt a part of
the community here at Green Central,” says Denise, manager of the Indigenous
Skills Centre.
The Coolamon provided lunch for the hungry talents and Gav of Koori Connect
took the students out to Somersby Falls, a significant local Aboriginal site,
where he traditionally welcomed them to Darkinjung Country.
The
group of young people have spent the past week participating in various dance
workshops including ballet, jazz, hip hop and traditional Aboriginal and Torres
Straight Islander dance.
Best of luck to every young person who tried out and a special mention to our own Central Coast diva Rikki Naiobah.
|
Aboriginal Workers Event
Words & images: Jess Oldfield
Assembled on a spray-paint map of the Central Coast in the Green Central car
park, today 67 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal workers from different mobs,
suburbs and service sectors united to strengthen support for Aboriginal
families, youth and children on the Coast.
The Aboriginal Workers Event was initiated as part of Keep Them Safe and
coordinated by an interagency steering group.
It aims to connect Aboriginal services across all sectors including early
childhood, youth, education, domestic violence, housing, health, employment and
legal; to advocate any new services and identify gaps where support programs may be needed.
“Too often new services or high risk services are offering support in isolation
when we could be linking up and assisting each other,” says Vicki Parry,
Manager for Aboriginal Services Unit Housing NSW, who attended the event.
After today the initiative will be know as the Central Coast Aboriginal
Networks of Practice, which is the first network of its kind for the region
specific to Aboriginal services.
An artwork with the handprints of participating Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
workers was created to represent the union between Central Coast Aboriginal
services.
Thanks to Ganang Spirit Dancers for another moving performance and to Gunya Flavaz Bush Tucker Catering for the beautiful morning tea and
lunch.
For a list of Support Services on the Central Coast click here |
KBT get to work in the garden
Words and images: Jess Oldfield
Yesterday 11 Central Coast students began
building an extension to the recently completed community garden, based on ideas
from the local community that will soon include a children’s bike track.
The students are enrolled in a Certificate II in Conservation and Land
Management as part of an ingenious community park and garden partnership project
for the Killarney Vale, Bateau Bay, Tumbi Umbi (KBT) area.
Since its inception early this year, the
KBT Project has assisted 44 long term unemployed men and women, mainly
from within the KBT neighbourhood, to gain employability skills through
hands-on training courses.
It has also provided the community with a valuable shared recreation resource and is an exemplary model of sustainable urban farming.
Over the three courses, participants have
achieved a Certificate II, or a Statement of Attainment in Conservation and
Land Management with additional skills in traditional Aboriginal land
management and plant identification.
“Building this garden has brought the
community together,” says Wendy Walkerton, a Bateau Bay resident and graduate
of the first course.
The garden, nestled in a large residential
block on Deborah Anne Drive, was officially opened to the community last week
at a festive ceremony. Graduates from the second course also received their
awards.
For some, completion of the 13-week course
just wasn’t enough. Proud graduate Chris Foster continued to volunteer after he
finished and was offered employment as an Assistant Supervisor onsite one day a
week.
Ten participants from the first two courses
also found employment at the conclusion of their course.
Trainer Ian Sutton of Tuggerah Lakes
Community College says the park was designed as a food forest.
“It will have the capacity to feed about 30
households,” he said.
The food forest has an upper canopy of
deciduous fruit trees, a middle canopy of miniature fruit trees, a lower canopy
of herbs and veggies and a top garden of edible bush tucker foods.
The site’s design also aims to conserve water. It is self-irrigating through an
underground system that disperses rainwater run-off around the garden, filtering
sand and silt via sandstone sediment traps.
The KBT Project is the product of a
successful partnership between Break Thru People Solutions, Job Find Centre,
Housing NSW, Salvation Army Employment Plus, Samaritans, The Entrance Lions Club, Tuggerah Lakes
Community College, Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College, the KBT Community Nursery
and youthconnections.com.au.
The KBT Garden Project was also supported through
the generosity of many local businesses, which provided equipment and building
supplies for the project. Sincere thanks to Grants Road Sand, Australian Native
Landscapes, Ourimbah Landscape Supplies, Lee Rowan’s GardenWorld and Pat
Mcgrath Tree Services. Bunnings Warehouse West Gosford/Tuggerah and Erina
North, The Wildflower Place – Erina Heights, Erina Hire and Landscapeland
|
The Pathway Advocate Awards 2011
Words and images: Jess Oldfield
"That can be the moon," says Jish, pointing up into the house lights. He grips the microphone and closes the evening with a smooth rendition of Sinatra's classic, 'Fly me to the moon.'
Last night's Pathway Advocate Awards was magical. It celebrated the achievements of 23 young learners with disabilities who successfully finished 35 hours in the workplace. Students completed their structured workplace learning in industries such as horticulture, automotive, retail and hospitality.
Proud parents clapped and cried as students received their certificates. One award-winner even graced the stage with a cartwheel before accepting his.
Other fanciful moments were the abundance of impressive performances. Kyle's Hip Hop, Popping and Locking Academy presented routines from groups DNA, Stormtrooperz and Kaos Krew. Gavi Duncan and the Ganang Spirit Dancers performed several traditional dances and Grant Hickman serenaded the crowd with REM's 'Everybody Hurts', which he dedicated to parents.
"I think it's the best Pathway Advocate Awards we've had yet," says youthconnections.com.au's CEO Maggie MacFie.
A special thanks to Mingara for hosting this event and to youthconnections.com.au board members for celebrating with us. |
Asking Pat Dodson some gutsy questions

Pic: Jess Oldfield Video: Madelaine Dickie Audio in video: Joey
Well, a little bit ashamed to say, but YC Media and Kart'N'Yarns muscled SBS's Living Black reporters out of the way and hit Pat Dodson up for some answers on how the Panel is engaging young people in the consultation process. He answered with great humility and dignity. Pat, you're welcome to come to Green Central for a cuppa at Coolamon whenever you like! This interview was filmed on an iPad and sent live back to our YC Media studio. |
Tuggerah Bunnings Cook Off 2011 Winners Announced

Words and images: Jess Oldfield
Onlookers are tense as they watch the final two teams of this year’s Tuggerah Bunnings Cook Off plate
up in the last 10 seconds. Shaking hands quickly add the garnish.
Wipe the rim of the plate.
Mothers
of the student-competitors shuffle to the back of the marquee, unable to handle
the pressure as the crowd unanimously counts down…“5, 4, 3, 2, 1!”
Eight student-chef teams, 16 dishes and two days of gruelling competition later,
St Peter's Catholic College students Brynley Allen and Conner Mobbs with
mentoring chef Scott Massey of Upperdeck were announced the Tuggerah Bunnings Cook Off 2011 champions at a ceremony in the Cook Off tent this morning.
They proudly took the win with an innovative entrée of duck croquettes
with a macadamia crust—an idea of student Connor Mobbs—accompanied with a roast
tomato and rocket salad.
Their winning main was a roasted lamb rack sealed with rosemary and garlic,
served with dutch carrots, cous cous and a red wine jus.
Tuggerah
Lakes Secondary College - The Entrance campus with Flair Restaurant and MacKillop
Catholic College with The Lakehouse Café were equal runners up.
Upperdeck Chef Scott says both Conner and Brynley were exceptional students.
“They had great ideas and learn quickly, if they choose a career in hospitality
they’ll get snapped up in no time,” he said.
Realising his dream to be a chef during his own hospitality workplacement,
Scott tells me the more skills and training we can offer young people to help them make
career choices, the better.
“Things like vocational courses, work placement and comps like the Cook Off are
so vital for giving youth a decent feel for the industry, he said.”
The Cook Off also supports Entertainment work placement students, providing
them with on-the-job experience at a real event. Students from Brisbane Water Secondary
College – Woy Woy
campus, Ourimbah TAFE and St Peter’s Catholic College handled all the AV this year.
This is the fourth year of competition for the Cook Off, challenging student-chef teams to prepare two portions of a unique entrée and main with
set ingredients and other non-compulsory items all within one hour. This year's compulsory ingredients list included duck breast, honey, macadamia nuts and Mistletoe shiraz.
Congratulations to all our competing schools and restaurants: Erina
High School with Cove Café, Wadalba Community School with Kooindah Waters, Green Point Christian College with Delish of Erina, Brisbane Water Secondary College Woy Woy campus with Aqua Vista, and St Joseph’s
Catholic College with Byblos Restaurant & Bar.
A big thanks to our major sponsor Bunnings Warehouse Tuggerah and competition judges Kim, Shantel and
Dimitris.

|
Young Freedom Riders Meet Expert Panel for Constitutional Change
 

Text: Madelaine Dickie Pics: Jess Oldfield
9.30am and the carpark at Green Central is emptying. The last heady traces of the smoking ceremony are blowing blue toward the Flora Festival. YC's fleet of bubble cars are adorned with red and yellow and black ribbons. Within minutes we're on the freeway, flying in convoy behind the Transdev 2011 Freedom Ride bus toward one of the most significant events in Australian history.
After persistent rallying by Koori Connect staff and panel member Bill Lawson, almost the whole Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians gathered at Sydney University to meet with the Freedom Riders and receive the message book and message stick.
Some of the audience members had come a long way for the event. The infamous Freedom Ride bus driver Brad, dressed in a cape, had caught the overnight train from Lismore to make the event. He hadn't slept. He wouldn't have missed it for the world.
The gesture was also extremely important to the Freedom Riders, because they promised the twenty-one communities they visited that their opinions and perspectives on constitutional change would be heard.
Panel member Professor Patrick Dodson told the crowd, "We will take very seriously the words that have been written in this document."
After the speeches, Denise was said to have added, "Okay, but don't think you're getting the stick. You're only getting the replica!"
Laughter, and an understanding that (as Ann Curthoy termed them) 'The Young Freedom Riders' needed to keep this original stick for strength to continue the struggle.
Shahni Wellington, one of The Young Freedom Riders, floored the audience with a moving speech about this struggle.
"The 2011 Freedom Ride has instilled in all of those participated, the knowledge, the power and the incentive to create change."
Triple J spoke to Shahni for an interview and SBS's Living Black program also covered the event.
It doesn't end here. Bill Lawson is pushing to have the book presented to a Youth Parliament sitting in Hobart tomorrow, then to be presented at Youth Parliaments around Australia in the hope that the book can eventually rest in the hands of the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.
|
"The language was colourful . . ."

Text: Madelaine Dickie Pic: Sue Atteridge (the bbq area)
It's a spin-off from a powerful partnership forged by Sue Atteridge -- Rotary have kindly donated their assistance with the ALESCO school's Brekky Club.
Michael Kemmis was the first volunteer up, he was on the bbq with ALESCO's principal Dennis Sullivan and they cooked 5kgs of bacon and 2 dozen eggs.
"There were only about half the student population, about 40 . . . which is apparently typical on a Friday. The students were appreciative of the bacon and egg breakfast and some even uttered the 'magic words' (please and thank you)," Mr. Kemmis wrote in an email to other Rotary volunteers.
He was impressed with the set up at Green Central; he noted the mechanics workshop, garden and media centre. However, he was equally impressed with the school.
"I believe it gives these youth an amazing opportunity to learn skills that students at a 'normal' school may not have . . . The language was colourful, the conversations a little foreign to this old bloke, but I had a beaut morning. I hope our volunteers enjoy the experience as I have."
We hope they do too Michael! And we're extremely grateful of Rotary's support.
|
The Consitution will cop a whalloping!


As you've no doubt heard, our Constitution is set to be changed in this government's current term. Jobs Australia supports Reconciliation Australia's campaign for Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As a member of Jobs Australia, YC has been asked to put up this fact sheet: Sorry about the weird red lines around it. You Me Unity also have a great facebook site where you can have your say. It's definitely worth checking out: http://www.facebook.com/YouMeUnity they've also got a profile on Twitter if you're keen on following the discussion.
|
Welcome to Walgett

Text: Madelaine Dickie Pic: Denise Markham
Denise, Kylie and Gav were in Walgett a couple of weeks ago checking out the services for young people. It was a follow-up visit after the 2011 Freedom Ride; Walgett was one of the most disparate communities the Freedom Riders visited. Gavi described an incident to me that occurred on this recent trip that makes you wonder how much has changed since Charlie Perkins and the original riders visited the town.
They were out at the local footy club. The footy club was having a fundraising night to collect coin so that their primary and high school kids could come to Gosford and play sport. Around 150 -- mostly Indigenous -- people were gathered at the club.
“It was around supper time and the police were wandering in and out,” Gavi said. “They were checking up who signed in and where they were from.”
Then, at the stroke of 10pm, the police shut the fundraiser down and told everyone to leave.
“Even the locals were disgusted the police would do that. It’s 2011 and nothing (for Aboriginal people) has changed,” Gavi said.
But with Kylie, Denise and Gavi on the job, we can expect to see strong partnerships and projects develop for the Indigenous youth in our sister city Walgett.
|
Try a Trade Day Two
Text: Liam Walshe (St Edwards College) Sub: Madelaine Dickie
The weather was slightly grim on the second day of this eye-opening campaign, intended to give young students a direction in which they can aim their careers and future pathways.
However, the weather couldn’t dampen any of the spirits wandering through the stalls and trying out the trades.
Brendan Ritchens, Green Central Site Manager said, "I’ve been involved for probably five years now, and this is the best ‘Try a Trade’ that I have been involved with. The response from the schools was terrific, I would hazard we’ve probably had the best response this year from the schools. Definately the greatest number and representation of the trade disciplines yet."
Overall the participants' general consensus was that the two day event was a success.
Students with high hopes of finding out about their future career paths were denied nothing. Emplyers and businesses from all over the coast were open to all questions and queries and ensured students got the best hands-on dexperience possible.
St Phillips Christian School, Central Coast Adventist School, Narara Valley High School, Tuggerah Lakes, St Peters and more, contributed to day two.
The title of ‘Try a Trade’ truly suits the event.
On that note…an overall success without any doubt in the minds of any attending.
|
Try a Trade a huge success at the Green

Text: Liam Walshe (St Edwards College) Sub: Madelaine Dickie
The ‘Try a Trade’ day is one of the most influential days on the Central Coast. Students from up and down the coast come together for this event and learn about the trades on offer for their futures.
Rhonda Anderson, the Regional Vocational Education Consultant said, "Days like this take lots of organisation and co-ordinating by many people . . . all willing to help you, the young people on the central coast, the future workforce." How did this day occur? Who had the will and determination to create such an experience that will help the future generations in more ways than can be articulated in mere words?
Well, this day was organised by the Central Coast Regional GTO (group training organisations) Network which consists of a large array of employers throughout the Central Coast that have all put in an immense amount of effort in order for the youth of the Central Coast to have the opportunity to experience different trades.
These companies are Central Coast Group Training, YC Industry Link, Nova Skill, MIGAS (Manufacturing Industries Group Apprenticeships), MBA (Master Building Association and HTN (Hospitality Training Network).
The GTO network is one of the key organisers of the ‘Try a Trade” event along with the CCATAC (Central Coast Apprenticeship Traineeship Advisory Committee) and Regional Development Australia.
Sponsorships were made by Delta Electricity, along with all HTN, YCIL, Novaskill, RDA, YC Media, CCGT, MIGAS, MBA, which all form the Group Training Organisation Network. Funding from these companies, along with the support provided by the Department of Education and Communities, fuels the event and gives the youth an opportunity unlike any other on offer.
The GTO network are responsible for brining all of the parties, apprentice displays, trades, and the employers who are at the ‘Try a Trade’ day, who are offering a hands-on experience rather then just a theoretical display of the trades.
The displays on show ranged from tiling and carpentry, to hair and beauty, along with automotive and even engineering trades.
Students from all over the coast in years 9, 10 and 11 travelled to Green Central in Kariong. The general consensus was that Green Central was the prime location for the event.
Central West Group Apprentices are one of the dominating figures involved in ‘Try a Trade’ and have been for the past seven years.
The ‘Try a Trade’ day is an eventful day full of open-minded and hopeful students looking towards their future in any of the possible trades, hence why this day itself is of such importance and looked upon with such an immense amount of gratitude and thanks by all who have the opportunity to experience the event.
A truly life changing day to those with their hearts set on this career path.
|
Tuggerah Bunnings Central Coast Cook Off LAUNCH
Today was the launch of the Springtime Flora Festival and Tuggerah Bunnings Central Coast Cook Off at St Peter's Catholic College. The Cook Off showcases the skills and supports the careers of Central Coast young people in Hospitality, a skills shortage area. We bring food, community and industry to the table to make the event a delicious success. A special thanks to Tuggerah Bunnings Warehouse, our major sponsor. |
Hit the ground running

On the 8th of August 2011, eight St Edwards College students began work placement at YC Media,
these young boys hit the ground running. Thrown into the deep end with
assistance from the YC Media staff, these students were asked to not only learn, but record and make live announcements at the Media Centre with only a
few hours experience in hand.
To add to this task a crew from Channel 7’s television show ‘What’s Up
Down Under?’ travelled to Green Central to shoot a segment about the YC Media
OB (outdoor broadcasting) Van. They reported on what the van is used for, its
capabilities for broadcasting live from locations all over the Central
Coast and the educational value it has added to school students who are
interested in the radio entertainment industry. The recording
studio located within the Media Centre was also an attraction that the Channel
7 team covered being interested in what occurred in the studio and the
creativity, capability and interests of the students themselves. YC Media can
proudly boast that they have taught on the job training to over 500
participants, giving the students hands on, real life experience.
Using the guidance of the staff at hand, students were able to creatively
manufacture a radio show including student's interests, not only musically but
issues that enveloped their attention and in turn, were interpreted by students
for students. The YC Media team pushing these students to strive for their own
ambitions within the industry, was an all round experience valued by more than just
money.
Liam Walshe. St Edwards College, East
Gosford. |
The students are the real WINNERS
On the 8th of August 2011, YC Media IT
crew of Reagan, Rossi and Michael went to Sandgate to CHAA (Community Helping
Hand Association Inc) ComputerBank.
The purpose of this was to pick up computers that
have been previously donated from various companies, which have then been
refurbished, restored and donated to charities that are Not For Profit, or are
deemed worthy of such equipment.
CHAA use recovery disks from Microsoft to reinstall
damaged operating systems and various other programs that are standard for operating
systems, for example installing Microsoft Office. There aim is to take donated
computers and other IT
equipment from individuals in the corporate sector and
refurbish for reuse within the community to organisations that are in need.
“If you become known, it’s amazing the things people
give to you” – said David Tonks, one of the workers at CHHA.
The organisation has been operating since 2002/2003,
beginning in Wallsend and then moving from place to place until they finally stationed
in Sandgate. They have refurbished and resold, on average approximately 3
computers per week and hope to continue this charity into the future.
YC Media and youthconnections.com.au would like to
give an overwhelming and immense deal of thanks to CHHA ComputerBank for their
great charity work and donation, which included 20+ computer towers in all sorts
of condition, working and not working, multiple hard drives, power supplies,
obsolete RAM, 2 monitors and a video camera that will come to great use within
our organisation for Work Placement Students for a long time to come. - Story Michael Love - St Edwards High School.
|
Green Central permaculture garden

Coming into spring we will be selling veggie produce boxes. Here's a peek at what's growing at the moment! |
The Hon. George Souris talks with YC Media

Text: Madelaine Dickie Photo: Brooke Farrell
Year 11 Entertainment work placement students from MacKillop Catholic College dropped production on their hour-long radio program to head to Gosford Regional Gallery.
The NSW Minister for the Arts was in town.
When you’re studying Entertainment and keen for a career in the industry, he’s the one person responsible for the portfolio that will directly impact your career opportunities.
The Hon. George Souris’s visit follows the announcement of a $460,000 funding boost to the Arts on the Central Coast.
youthconnections.com.au were a part of the initial consultation process, from which an extensive report was compiled. The findings were grim: despite the fact that the coast’s one of the fasting growing regions in NSW, arts funding to the region is low relative to other communities with similar populations.
Thus the boost. But what then, does this funding mean for the young people on the Coast? Closer to home what does this mean for the work placement students from MacKillop?
They were keen to ask the Minister themselves. Decked out with flip cameras, audio zooms, pens and cameras, they rehearsed their questions and waited.
Against the odds, thanks to Hon. Chris Holstein, the students snagged ten minutes with the Minister.
Lauren James was up first.
“As a YC Media student [doing radio], I’m interested in the industry. So what would this funding package do for me, to create a career for me after I finish year 12?”
Mr Souris considered this for a moment then said, “Our expectations of this funding package is that it will give you valuable . . . opportunities to ensure you are equipped to proceed on. What we’re doing in this interview is a forerunner of this process. I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to talk to you!”
Brooke Farrell took over from there.
“How will the funding package help the youth on the Central Coast get jobs closer by, rather than travelling all the way to Sydney? It’s very limited . . .”
“Travel is involved in absolutely every endeavour . . . but there’s no reason why program content can’t come from the regions,” Mr Souris said.
Then a cup of black tea with half a sugar was pressed into his hand and a mob were waiting inside the gallery and that was it.
youthconnections.com.au looks forward to seeing Mr Souris at The Coolamon on Green Central for black tea and bush tucker.
|
Going around in circles

Text: Madelaine Dickie Photos: Erin Ritchens
Transitions has kicked off for third term in the rabbit warren of rooms at the back of the Tuggerah office. It's a program for young people disengaged from education, or young people who just need some time out from school.
There's no equations, no comprehension, no chemistry.
Instead, the program works on basic skills like positive communication, punctuality and social skills.
The mornings begin with 'circle time', also known by its irreverent moniker, 'The Circle of Death.' Rick, one of the youth workers who runs Transitions, didn't want me to write that.
"It's meant to be a time for caring and sharing . . . it's a building relationship arrangement," he said.
But there's mornings when the young people don't want to share anything, and that's sweet too.
Rick says the program offers young people the chance to learn in a relaxed environment. 'It's much less of a black and white threatening environment than at school. We're working with kids who've been written off on lots of levels. The program lends itself to being a positive force in their life.'
It caters mainly to year 8 and 9 students referred by schools, or scooped up from the community by youth connections caseworkers. In some instances, the young people are referred from ALESCO, or transitioning to ALESCO.
It just depends.
Kim Rand spent some time in Transitions. She's happy that it was a stepping stone to ALESCO.
"I love it. There's always someone there to help. It's a good environment and there's no reason not to do your work."
Attendance is low in Transitions at the moment, but Rick assures me that by the end of term all 12 places will be filled.
On the day I dropped in, three young people had been busy making mandalas: symbols of contemplation and peace.
Healing circles. |
PSST . . . 
Text: Madelaine Dickie Logo: Erin Ritchens
Last year, 28,000 school days were lost to suspension on the Central Coast. "That's alotta days," says youthconnections.com.au's Partnership Broker Lyn Cooper.
This year, it's hoped the number will be substantially less, thanks to a partnership between Umina PCYC, Evolution, PACE, Wesley Mission's 'Getting it Together Scheme', DEC and youthconnections.com.au.
After several months of negotiations, a program has been developed to cater for students suspended from Brisbane Water Secondary College's Umina Campus.
No more 20 day bored blocks of Maccas on the couch, sleep-ins, daytime TV, sifting outside the school gates or solo missions to the skate park.
Instead, students will have the chance to attend a program three days a week, which will allow them to work out at the gym, improve their literacy and numeracy, undertake drug and alcohol workshops and access any other services they might need.
"It gives young people a safe place to go when they are suspended. When they get to Evolution, they'll also realise it's not just a daggy place for ten-year-olds. And I'm hoping it will be a success, because it stops our duplication of services," Lyn said.
This partnership means the young people won't be lost within the system when they're referred to another provider. All partners will work together to achieve the best outcome for the students.
It won't just be the students who are supported, but also the parents. Bobbi from PACE will kick off a yarning circle next week for Aboriginal parents on the Peninsula who's kids have been suspended. This will inform parents of their rights and of the interview process needed to get their kids back into school.
Although the program is starting on the Peninsula, Lyn hopes it can be replicated across the Coast.
Keep your ears open for Lyn's next exciting partnership--it's gunna allow young people to build and fly planes! |

|
Chinese Whispers Warm the Heart
Text: Madelaine Dickie
So we’re in the heart of winter. And anyone who’s spent any time in Gosford during winter will know the mornings can be teeth-breakingly cold. No one knows this better than Gosford’s homeless.
But thanks to a year 9 class at St Philip’s Christian College, this winter will be a fraction warmer.
The class rallied in response to a call for donations from the Rotary Club of East Gosford and managed to raise almost $800.
Stella Gaffney from St Philip’s spearheaded the fundraising effort. “We raised the money by baking cupcakes and selling them to our school community. We baked over 800 cupcakes on the last day of term and sold them all.”
However, they wouldn’t have known about it if hadn’t been for an elaborate case of Chinese whispers.
Suzanne Atteridge, a Partnership Broker with youthconnections.com.au, attended a Rotary meeting seeking assistance for the ALESCO Brekky Club.
At the meeting, Rotary mentioned they were gathering scarves, beanies and gloves to hand out to the homeless in Gosford.
“I sent a group email to all YC staff,” Ms Atteridge said. “Jess got back to me a couple of days later and said she’d passed on the information to staff at St Philips, who had then decided to fundraise for Rotary so they could buy new beanies, scarves and gloves.”
East Gosford Rotarian Michael Kemmis, was blown away with the effort and sees great hope in the next generation of community leaders.
“We are very impressed that these . . . young people have made a huge effort to help our neighbours that they may never see or even know exist.”
Stella Gaffney says it will be the start of a positive relationship with Rotary and stresses the importance of community.
“This is a wonderful example of community working together. People are very quick to judge our youth but this is a wonderful example of students wanting to do something for their community.”
As a result of this strong community networking and support, Rotary have kindly donated two staff a month to assist with the ALESCO Brekky Club.
Thank you!!
|
NAIDOC Week was a cracker at YC

Text & video: Madelaine Dickie
NAIDOC Week was a big one up at YC. The Colli crew stayed at Green Central early in in the week; YC staff attended a NAISDA performance by the young developing artists; and the week was capped with a flag raising ceremony and the NAIDOC Ball. Check out this youtube clip of some of the photos taken on the ground. They're mixed in with the Colli Crew's epic track "Close that Gap." Make sure you reach the final photo of Denise, Kylie and Stace. Yeah girls!!!
Just click the link above and it will take you through.
|
Tanya Plibersek - Federal Member for Sydney

Text: Madelaine Dickie
Today Tanya Plibersek, the Federal Member for Sydney, Craig Thompson MP - Member for Dobell and Deb O'Neill MP - Member for Robertson visited our Tuggerah office to see what youthconnections.com.au are doing for Central Coast young people. Koori Connect spoke about the Freedom Ride journey across 22 NSW towns with a group of Indigneous and non-Indigenous Central Coast students and the new leaders the trip had created. Guests were shown the message stick and kangaroo-skinned petition book that they hope to take to parliament in support of constitutional change for Aboriginal people. They also spoke to YC Industry Link Horticulture Trainee, Daniel McGlynn and Construction Apprentice, Max Mumford about their individual journeys in their transitions from school into real jobs which could have ended very differently without the support of YCIL. Thanks to all who attended.
|
youthconnections.com.au Inaugural Flag Raising Ceremony - NAIDOC week

youthconnections staff and the community ended NAIDOC week with a smoking ceremony and flag raising at Green Central. Attendees weaved their way through the garden paths and under the gunya through the smoke of eucalyptus leaves. They watched on and learnt about the history of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Day following the raising of the Torres Strait Islander, Aboriginal and Australian flags. A spread of yummy bush tucker awaited at Coolamon Cafe. Happy NAIDOC week to all! |
NAISDA mid year performance 'One Clan, Many rhythms'
On Thursday NAISDA Dance College Cert II and III students performed their mid-year show 'One clan, Many rhythms'. youthconnections.com.au staff were lucky enough to be in the audience and were taken through a mix of genres from ballet through to hip-hop. The front row of kids of wowed, laughed and clapped along to the performance. Can't wait for their performance later in the year at Laycock Street Theatre as we watch these young dancers grow and take to the stage. |
The Colli Crew Crash at Green Central

Text: Madelaine Dickie
It's NAIDOC Week!!! And as part of NAIDOC Week youthconnections.com.au were lucky enough to host the Colli Crew, a bunch of talented musicians from Collarenenbri. The Crew played at the Gosford Showground yesterday, buzzing on coffees from the Coolamon Cafe. By all reports it was a great gig! Check out one of their latest tunes on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0rJajbIs-o |
Good intentions aren't enough

Media Watch covers the youthconnections.com.au Can Do Day story. Click on the image above to watch the video. |
YC Industry Link scoops up at CCATAC Awards
YC Industry Link came out kicking at the Central Coast Regional Training Awards.
The night was at Diggers, The Entrance, and organised by the Central Coast Apprenticeships and Traineeships Advisory Committee.
Josh Banister nailed a position as finalist in the Trainee category for his Cert II in Business; Sarah Launders (SBA Hospitality) and Mitchell Anthony (SBA Carpentry) were finalists in the School Based Apprentice Category; and Jordan Smith (SBT Health) was the overall winner of the School Based Apprentice Category.
Congratulations to all and good luck Jordan at the State Finals!
It was a team effort from YC—thanks Joey for acknowledging country, and Katrinna, Tash and Charlotte for coming along to celebrate.
Photos up soon.
|
Richard Cooke goes out with a big bang
Watch video story on youtube!

Text & video: Madelaine Dickie
Half-asleep, fingers half-frozen around steering wheels or black coffee, exhibitors, students, careers advisors, space monkeys and Richard Cook found their way to Avondale College for the biggest career event of the year.
And—despite a change of venue—this year’s expo proved to be the finest yet.
This is partly thanks to Avondale’s army: a bunch of students from the College wearing high-vis vests and white smiles. The army were first on traffic patrol, then on trolley patrol, then on set-up patrol, then on meet and greet, then on rubbish collection, then on lunch patrol—they worked hard, they worked tirelessly, they worked for nine hours straight, and the pile of positive feedback at the end of the day was testament to their contribution toward the day’s success.
And it was a success. This year over 200 tables were set up and an estimated 3000 students from the Central Coast stormed the College hall for taste-tests of different career pathways.
The exhibits were diverse, ranging from universities, TAFE and the Central Coast Community College, to the Master Plumbers Association Limited, the NSW Dental Assistant’s Association and Warnervale Air.
Staff representatives from YC’s Transition to Work Program were present, and YC Industry Link also had a stall; Katrina and Nareeda were working hard when I swung past and keeping pepped up on Mentos.
Wayne Bailey, the careers advisor at Terrigal High, said the trek to Avondale was worthwhile for his students. “It gives them the opportunity to explore and ask questions of exhibitors about future careers they might be interested in.”
Richard Cooke, the man behind the machine, said when the students go in person to the Career Pathways Expo, they’re able to experience career possibilities they might never have considered otherwise.
“The best thing about it is that you can actually speak to someone. It can be really eye-opening. You can go on all the websites, but this still might not answer your particular questions.”
However, there were a few other questions that no-one was asking and no-one could answer. Like, will students get this opportunity next year?
Richard announced that this was it. His last expo. That it was time for a break and time to hit the road with the family.
It’s a job he’s been doing since 2001, in his own time and in a voluntary capacity. Over the last ten years, he’s developed a strong rapport with principals, careers advisors and industry. Richard is undoubtedly the lynchpin of the Career Pathways Expo. What will we do without him? Who else has got the spine to pick up this mammoth job? It’ll be a tough gig to throw an expo that bangs as big as 2011.
Thanks to Avondale for the venue—the passwords for the WiFi and the complimentary lunch were unreal—to the army of Avondale College students, the exhibitors and the careers advisors. The latter had spent hours setting up the day before and duly rewarded themselves by making some sizey dents in the cake.
And thankyou Richard. The 2011 expo was professional, glitchless, memorable. We’re gunna miss the colour-coded pegs! |
Aboriginal Education Pathways Awards: under the radar
Text: Madelaine Dickie
I wish I’d been sitting with the NAISDA crew for the Aboriginal Education Pathways Awards—they had the rowdiest table and were definitely having the most fun!
Denise Markham pulled off a moving night for the presentation of the awards, in an event which was referred to in several speeches as ‘under the radar’.
This is a great shame—this needs to change! Because not only is it the kind of awards night that gives you goose bumps and giggles in one hit, but the young people and teachers receiving awards deserve wide community recognition for their achievements.
Students who successfully completed year 10 or 12 in 2010 were awarded; as were teachers who had made a special contribution to Aboriginal education.
There were also mums with bubs who were awarded for obtaining degrees; students from TAFE and the Central Coast Community College; the Freedom Riders, the developing artists from NAISDA and the students in Juvenile Justice who were unable to attend were warmly acknowledged.
The awards were complemented with two memorable performances. The first was by the Ganang Spirit Dancers out of Woy Woy. Denise said they’d wanted to perform seven dances, but only had time for three. Bummer! The second was by singer songwriter Alisha Pawley, who held everyone captivated with her cool, relaxed confidence.
And John Millard made a cameo--if you looked closely you could see him sifting behind the balloons--thanks for coming John we hope you enjoyed it!
The night had a swag of sponsors: TAFE, Newcastle Uni, NAISDA, Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, youthconnections.com.au, the Central Coast Community College, Department of Education and Communities, DEEWR, Bendigo Bank, Catholic Education, Central Coast Regional AECG and Tony Simpson and Co Law Firm.
Michael and Stacey facilitated the night and did an awesome job; a big thanks also to the Pathways Committee, guests and students.
|
Flag Handover Ceremony
Text: Madelaine Dickie
Ms Deborah O’Neill (MP) rocked up to Umina Public School yesterday afternoon just in time for afternoon tea—and for a symbolic ceremony.
The ceremony was a handover of flags: she presented the Parents and Community Engagement Program (PaCE) with the Aboriginal flag, the Torres Strait Islander flag and the Australian Flag.
PaCE is a program that brings Aboriginal community and parents together to help support young Aboriginal children and young adults in education. Bobbi Murray, PaCE Coordinator, says the gesture was significant because they’d asked for the flags, but hadn’t known the local Member would present them!
The ceremony included performances by Brisbane Water Secondary College’s Didgeridoo Group, Umina Public School Choir and Umina Public School Band.
PaCE is under the auspice of youthconnections.com.au.

|
Can Do Day - HANDS ON!
  
Text: Madelaine Dickie
Driving rain didn't keep away the students keen to get their fingers dirty (or painted!) at the Can Do Day.
This year the day was held at Green Central and provided young people with disabilities the chance to try out a number of trades including Animal Care, Hair and Beauty, Furnishings, Horticulture, Hospitality, Automotive and Retail. They were also able to chat to TAFE teachers about the different possible Access courses available to them in 2012.
Just shy of 50 students turned up, with Hospitality, Animal Care and Automotive among the most popular trades. However, Ash McGeorge, Disability Programs Manager, said he did have some trouble coaxing the fellas to get their nails painted at the Hair and Beauty stall!
Despite the wild weather and new location, the day was a hit.
Ash is still receiving positive emails from TAFE teachers and schools.
Ann Isaac from TAFE NSW wrote, 'You and Youth Connections (Ashley) put on a fantastic 'Can Do' day . . . We will probably see many of them (the students) wandering the campuses next year as TVET students.'
Donna Lott, the Assistant Principal from Hopetown School, was similarly impressed, 'Just wanted to extend thanks on behalf of myself and my students. Today is an invaluable experience for my students and we appreciate the effort and organisation that you and your team put into the day.'
Ash sent out a heartfelt email of his own, 'Just wish to send out a big thanks to the transitions team, Reagan, Jess, Coolamon Cafe and Sarah for all the help with the organisation of the Can Do Day. We had a new venue and had to deal with the elements but all in all it was very successful and welcomed by TAFE teachers and most importantly students.'
Ash, we're looking forward to next year! |
Kicking down doors

Photo: Kickstart Carpentry graduates

Photo: Kickstart Metals and Engineering graduates
Text: Madelaine Dickie Photos: Erin Ritchens
It was a bitterly cold night up the mountain, but over 60 people braved it for the Kickstart Graduation.
Kickstart is a Pre-Apprenticeship Training program developed in 2009 to encourage small and medium-sized employers to take on apprentices. It gives young people the opportunity to gain vital employability skills and industry experience.
Tuesday night’s graduation was for young people who’d completed Pre-Apprenticeship Training in Carpentry or Metals and Engineering.
Among the guests were host employers, TAFE, family and YC staff. youthconnections.com.au would like to extend a warm thanks to everyone who was able to make it and a warm congratulations to all the students who completed their training!
Kickstart Pre-Apprenticeship Training is funded by the Australian Government and managed by State Training Services, NSW Department of Education and Communities. |
We acknowledge the past and continue the struggle
Text: Madelaine Dickie
That was the powerful motto of the 2011 Freedom Ride and the riders are living up to it.
Last week, as part of Reconciliation Week, fifteen of the riders travelled to Sydney to present the Message Stick, Message Book and a photo slideshow of the 2011 Freedom Ride to staff from FaHCSIA (the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs).
They presented to a crowded house: over fifty FaHCSIA staff members were present and video conferencing was set up with four Indigenous Coordination Centres around NSW.
The presentation was to provide a debrief to FaHCSIA—they were a key funding partner—and also to grab the attention of the Expert Advisory Panel for Constitutional Change.
The panel sits within FaHCSIA and is made up of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal leaders. It is responsible for revising the wording of the Constitution to include Indigenous Australians.
The message book contains messages to the Panel about this wording, from twenty one communities around NSW.
Bill Lawson, a panel member, travelled from Tasmania specifically to be at the presentation
When he asked if he were able to take the book, Freedom Ride organiser Denise Markham said, “No bloody way!”
Denise said the presentation was a stepping stone. “From this presentation, we hope to be able to get the whole Panel. Then, we’ll hand over a replica book and a replica stick.”
Bill Lawson was impressed: both by the presentation and the significance of the message stick and message book. He pledged to raise the issue of a presentation by the Freedom Riders to the whole Panel at his next meeting.
FaCHSIA staff were also impressed. Kath Sneddon said, “I have had nothing but positive feedback from staff here at State Office and our ICC network.”
For the young riders, it was exciting to catch up with each other again and to continue the journey.
Denise said, “They want to make a difference in their country and being part of the Freedom Ride has inspired them to get out there and do it!” |
No longer a conga line to a green future

Text: Madelaine Dickie
So imagine a conga line.
The line includes Karl the carpenter, Kylie from Koori Connect, Brendan, Sarah, a TAFE trainer and a mixture of young people: young people on work experience, in TTW and in the final hours of a TAFE horticultural course.
If you can imagine them all dancing their fingers, then you’re starting to get a sense of what the first assembly line for Apricus looked like; riotous, fun and for a good cause.
YC clients were assembling pump stations (which contain both pumps and controls) for Apricus’s solar hot water panels.
On the first assembly line, despite the tricky finger-work, two hundred units were made.
Alex Oates-Powel, one of young people, said it was tiring but satisfying. “We learnt about assembly, packing and a bit of hard work!”
Apricus received their first batch of pump stations three weeks ago.
Nick Humphreys, Apricus’s Supply Chain Manager, was impressed. “We are very happy with the quality of the assembly of the pump stations, it is exactly as we wanted it to be.”
However, despite being pleased with the work and committing to a three month trial period, Apricus have unexpectedly pulled out.
Mike Poot, Apricus’s Chief Operating Office, was emphatic that the young people’s performance was not the issue. He didn’t specify what the issue was, but was open to discussing other similar opportunities to support youthconnections.com.au.
Maggie Macfie, youthconnections.com.au’s CEO, was disappointed.
“In the short time we worked assembling Apricus’s product, we engaged young people who were homeless, have disabilities, have learning difficulties, have a juvenile justice background or who have been excluded from mainstream schooling . . . This partnership with Apricus helped us to shape a social enterprise that would provide a small income to these young people and give them employability skills.”
Ms Macfie said social enterprises provide young people with on the job mentoring and offer an opportunity for them to improve their life chances and well being.
Any business owners interested in pursuing a social enterprise with youthconnections.com.au should contact Brendan Ritchens, Executive Manager for yG enterprise. |
Grand tour for a grand crew

Text: Madelaine Dickie
If you were around Green Central or the YC Tuggerah office this week, you could be forgiven for thinking all youthconnections.com.au’s staff do is kick back over cappuccinos (world’s biggest morning tea!) or throw snags on the barbie and chew fat.
However the BBQ at Green Central on Monday 23rd May wasn’t your average fry up. Distinguished guests Jack Dusseldorp, Lesley Tobin and Teya Dusseldorp from the Dusseldorp Skills Forum swung past Green Central for a site tour.
youthconnections.com.au has a long history with the Dusseldrop Skills Forum. Back in ‘95 they were setting up a VET program called TRAC (training for retail and commerce) in which young people were hired out to employers. That’s when Maggie first came across them. 16 years later, the Dusseldorp Skills Forum is still trail-blazing, with a plan to set up a coalition of alternate learning providers around Australia, and with an eye on the exceptional youth services offered in Denmark.
“Here, on the Central Coast, we have a youth unemployment rate of 35%. That’s unacceptable! In Denmark, if they get to a youth unemployment rate of 5%, warning bells start ringing. We need to look to them as a model. We have a 35% youth unemployment rate and we do nothing. We do nothing!” said Maggie Macfie, CEO of youthconnections.com.au.
This isn’t entirely true, Maggs. What about Green Central?! Jack Dusseldorp was certainly impressed.
He spoke of how good it was to see a site constructed and used by young people. He noted the value of the food forest eco-system and the chicken pen. “A truly sustainable site begins with something we all need—food,” he said.
And food there was. The BBQ was attended by the ALESCO students, Erina High School’s Trade Start students, Terrigal High Year 11 Entertainment students from YC Radio and all YC’s resident apprentices and trainees.
Thanks to Jack, Lesley and Teya for coming to check it out: the Dusseldorp Skills Forum remains a source of inspiration for youthconnections.com.au’s creative and innovative direction. |
Facelift for tourists
Text: Madelaine Dickie Photos: Erin Ritchens
Never visited the Entrance Visitor Information Centre? Now's the time to get in there and check it out: a group of eight year 11 and 12 school-based trainees are giving the place a facelift.
Work started on the 9th of May and students began rendering and painting the outside walls of the centre. They’re also revamping the barbeque area and stage.
Most are completing their apprenticeships through YC Industry Link, and one through Erina High’s Trade Start program.
Brendan Ritchens, YG Enterprise Executive Officer, is impressed with the progress and the student’s work. “The kids have been great. They’ve been punctual and put in solid days. There hasn’t been a problem.”
The project is set to wind up on Tuesday. |
A day in the garden at Green Central

Text: Abby Newham, Terrigal High School Work Placement student Pics: Duncan McFarlane
On Friday the 13th May a team of Horticultural students and apprentices were involved in removing white clover fromt he site's ground and replacing it with lettuce.
Daniel McGlynn from Blue Haven is an apprentice in his second year of horticultural work. Daniel started off a bricklaying apprenticeship with youthconnections.com.au but decided to take on a horticultural apprenticeship instead. It was the best decision he ever made.
Ben Burtons, another member of the Horticultural team, has been at youthconnections.com.au for 12 months. For him, the major reasons behind choosing Horticulture, are his family's involvement in the industry, and because he enjoys it.
The Horticultural team at youthconnections.com.au also involved themselves in other environmental tasks, such as composting, planting, removing and re-positioning grass.
Tony Wells, Green Central garden manager and head of the horticultural team, finished the interview on a positive note, "All the students are really enthusiastic. Horticultural guys are brilliant." |
Watch this space: a 2.1 million dollar project to vamp youth services

Text: Madelaine Dickie
Wondering where Maggie's been? Chin deep in a funding submission, that, if approved, will bring 2.1 million dollars to the Central Coast.
Her vision is for a Y-HQ: a youth-built sustainable infrastructure that will offer enterprise opportunities, skill development and recreation and arts facilities for young people on the NSW Central Coast.
It will be a facility that will welcome community and families to celebrate youth achievement and success. It will ensure young people in the region are supported in a wholistic manner so they can reach their full potential.
The proposed site for the HQ is Tuggerah Business Park, Wyong Shire, and the construction will create forty one apprenticeships and traineeships.
Watch this space!
|
YC Media Kicks Off in Spanking New Studio

Text: Madelaine Dickie
YC Media moved from a poky, carpeted room to a studio decked out with all the essential tools for a contemporary media-makers trade. There’s Audacity for mixing audio, FinalCut for cutting film, and padded walls to bounce off for when production gets too hectic.
On Monday, the first group of Entertainment students from Terrigal High School sampled the new studio as part of their compulsory year 11 VET work placement.
After day one, Abby Newham said, “It’s an experience like no other.”
Abby is one of 40 students who’ll be accessing the studio from Terrigal High School. Other schools in line include MacKillop Catholic College, St Peters, Ourimbah TAFE, and St Eddies.
Although the studio hasn’t been open a week, there are big plans for the space.
YC Media Manager Marg Meehan invites anyone cooking up some kind of production—from band rehearsals to play readings—to get in touch with her to discuss the possibilities. It doesn’t end here.
“Eventually I’d love to hold a live broadcast of QandA with Tony Jones. There’ll be space for hair and makeup, an edit suite . . . The audience can ask questions relevant to young people on the coast. Like about youth unemployment.”
There’s also a possible film, radio and television school in the pipeline. But for the moment, Terrigal High School students have got their hands full preparing an hour-long radio program for COASTFM, broadcast Mondays at 7pm. |
Free health care advice at Youth Booth: don’t miss it!

Text: Madelaine Dickie
Are you worried you might have an STD, or a tooth turning black, or an outdated Medicare card? Perhaps you’re just keen to learn more about the effects of those Friday night sessions on the cans, or about how to get immunised; maybe you’ve got a mate who’s feeling depressed and you want some advice on mental health. Whatever the case may be, your questions will be tackled at the annual Youth Booth. And whatever you ask, is totally confidential.
This year Youth Booth is coming to Green Central. It will be held on Thursday next week (12th May) and 12 health workers from Central Coast Health will be hanging out and offering free advice and checkups. It’s a relaxed environment, with plenty of freebies, so make sure you get your name down if you’re interested.
youthconnections.com.au’s Kylie Cassidy is taking RSVPs, give her a buzz on 43502600 to reserve a spot—numbers are limited. |
Students promote alternate learning pathways
youthconnections.com.au is hosting an alternate learning pathways study tour as part of the Hunter Central Coast Innovation Festival.
The tour kicks off on the 11th May at 10am from Green Central, which is located at Gate 1 Kangoo Rd, Kariong.
Students engaged in alternate learning pathways, including the ALESCO Learning Centre and apprenticeships, will share their experiences.
Melanie Law says the day offers a first-hand view of how to keep young people engaged in education.
“It’s told by the kids themselves. We need to be innovative in the ways we keep young people engaged in education and training, who don’t quite fit that mainstream education mould.”
The event is one of over 15, all taking place on the Central Coast.
The Festival runs from the 6th-20th. and aims to connect businesses and develop the Hunter and Central Coast’s reputation as an innovative and entrepreneurial region. More information can be found at: http://hccinnovationfestival.com.au/ including links to tumblr blog, facebook and twitter.
If you’re interested in coming along, RSVP Melanie Law on 0429 210 031. |
Midnight Basketball at PCYC Bateau Bay
What are you up to this Friday night? Are you keen for a bit of basketball?
The PCYC at Bateau Bay is offering free registration for a 7.30pm to midnight basketball tournament. Uniforms and dinner are provided, along with a couple of games and a workshop.
If you’re worrying about how to get home—don’t. There’s transport if you live in Killarney Vale, Bateau Bay, The Entrance or Tumbi.
If this sounds like you, rustle up a crew before the 6th May and jump on to: http://www.midnightbasketball.org.au/LOCATIONS/BATEAU_BAY/Pages/default.aspx to register. |
Budding Brickies
Text: Sarah Webb Sub: Madelaine Dickie
On Friday 15th April, a group of students completed a Statement of Attainment toward a Certificate III in Bricklaying.
The pre-vocational course ran for 10 weeks and aimed to equip the students with basic bricklaying skills.
This will support their ambition to snag a bricklaying apprenticeship.
Maria Kelly, Training Manager for YC Industry Link, said the course equips young people with the skills and confidence needed to transition into the workplace.
“All the students who have completed the course have proved their intention to gain skills in this area of construction. I have enjoyed working with them and they should be really proud of their achievements.”
YC Industry Link ran the course, and NSW Department of Education and Training and Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation Ltd provided funding.
Both support YC Industry Link’s commitment to providing young people the opportunity to gain skills in relevant industry areas. |
Freedom Riders participate in 5 Lands Walk

Connecting people to people and people to place, the sixth annual 5 Lands Walk, was launched today at Terrigal.
Speaking at the launch, the President of the 5 Lands Walk Inc, Mr Con Ryan welcomed guests and took time to acknowledge the support of youthconnections.com.au, Koori Connect, and the Central Coast High School students in who recently completed the 2011 Freedom Ride.
In 2011, Koori Connect will play a significant role in connecting the 5 Lands Walk to its community and Mr Ryan acknowledged the role played by youthconnections.com.au Koori Connect Manager, Denise Markham, “We are honoured and proud to have Denise representing Aboriginal women on the Executive Committee”.
Mr Ryan welcomed the Freedom Ride students and acknowledged their involvement, as young leaders within their community.
Today, Freedom Ride student, Stacey Kennedy will become the new Guardian for the 5 Lands Walk Message stick, taking over from Jesse Lifu. Stacey, representing Aboriginal young people, will care for the message stick and bring it to all future events.
As further testimony of their new leadership roles with their community, Freedom Ride student, Michael Thompson will perform the traditional smoking ceremony.
Gavi Duncan, Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Adviser for youthconnections.com.au, said, “The Central Coast is very rich in culture and we want to celebrate the stories and connections with place through the 5 Lands Walk.”
The 5 Lands Walk will take place on Saturday 18 June and traverses a 9km stretch of roads, beaches, footpaths and bush tracks. It offers outstanding coastal scenery and can be undertaken by any able-bodied adult or child.
Sarah Webb 0400 676 196 |
YCIL assists NBN roll-out on the Coast

The CC Broadband Steering Group has partnered with group training company YC
Industry Link to coordinate pre-apprenticeship courses that provide young
people with trade-specific training in Electro Technology.
“The 12-week
course gives them a Statement of Attainment in a Certificate III in Electro
Technology and goes toward the first 6 months of a four year apprenticeship in
the trade,” said Maria Kelly, Training Manager of YC Industry Link.
“We’re working closely with businesses to make sure these students are work-ready
and can feel confident to take on these new job opportunities,” she said.
The National Broadband Network Co is set to announce the full roll-out of sites any day and the Central Coast Broadband Steering Group has taken this proactive step to make sure the Central Coast is high on the priority list.
“We have local, well respected companies in the telecommunications industry and we’re already training young people ready to take on the jobs,” said David Abrahams, business representative of the CC Broadband Steering Group.
Executive Officer of Regional Development Australia Central Coast and
spokesperson of CC Broadband Steering Group Anthony Dowe said this campaign is
a whole-of-region approach.
“We have the Federal Government, Gosford and Wyong councils, industry and
community all working together to advocate our region is ready when they [NBN
Co] are,” he said.
The Central Coast Broadband Steering Group has been active for 18 months
and is focused on leading the ‘digital futures’ strategy for the Central Coast.
Government supporters of this group include Craig Thompson MP, Deborah
O’Neill MP and Jill Hall MP.
NBN TV covered this story. Click here to watch.
|
Are you helping close the gap?
So far more than 140,000 Australians have pledged their support to Close the Gap, but there’s still much more to do. You can help raise awareness of the Indigenous health crisis by organising your own Close the Gap day event.
youthconnections.com.au will raise funds this Thursday to assist in improving health for Indigenous Australians. Bringing people together for this event will encourage them to learn more, discuss the issues and take action to achieve Indigenous health equality. Do your bit. |
Wyong community on path to success
Plans are already underway for the next stage of the Wyong River Community Pathway project after the initial stage was officially opened to the public earlier this month.
The project is a partnership between local construction company LA Group, group training
company YC Industry Link, which supplied 12 young people to assist with the
concreting whilst gaining their Certificate II in concreting; and several businesses in the Wyong area.
The pathway starts at Porters Creek Bridge and connects to the Freeway Bridge, linking Wyong to its neighboring suburb Alison.
Maggie MacFie, CEO of youthconnections.com.au said they were pleased to be a
part of a community initiative that assisted disadvantaged youth with their
future careers.
“These young people have now had real experience working in a trade and that is
a huge step toward better job opportunities down the track,” she said.
|
YouthTunes 2011 Winners Announced


Central Coast Indie rock group Sons of
Alamo took out the win at Friday’s YouthTunes event, which showcased seven
local unsigned bands and soloists.
Performing before a 300 strong crowd, Sons of Alamo’s lively tunes were well
received by the screaming fans and equally impressed the judging panel.
Sons of Alamo’s drummer Will Hunt said the competition featured a lot of great
local talent.
“We were really impressed by the great range of music that's out there on the Coast,”
he said.
“YouthTunes should be congratulated on such a well organised event.”
Second place went to 16-year-old acoustic soloist Claire Sheather with 15-year-old
jazz blues singer Jessica Lord taking out third place.
YouthTunes student producers, 17-year-old Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College students
Liam Stephenson and Stuart Timmins said YouthTunes won’t stop here and that
they have already begun planning for future shows.
“We want YouthTunes to become a sustainable event and train up new student producers
that will take it on,” said Timmins.
“It‘s important to us that young
local musicians continue to get support,” said Stephenson.
As the winners of YouthTunes 2011, Sons of Alamo will receive recording time, a
professional music video and artist development consultation time with Caravan
Records.

|
Youth pushing the agenda
Many would argue that the youth of today are disengaged from politics and don't want to have input in public policy. However, today's Youth Q&A Forum, initiated by Central Coast young people would suggest otherwise.
Hosted by the NSW Liberals and Nationals, a panel of three including Shadow Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian, Liberal candidate for Wyong Darren Webber and Liberal Candidate for The Entrance Chris Spence took questions from the teenage audience regarding issues on efficiency and reliability of public transport; expense of drivers license; safety on night trains; and providing better education on sexually transmitted diseases and alcohol and drug abuse in schools.
Corrine Vingerhoed of Wyong High School was there to advocate that youth do want to participate in decision making that affects them and their community.
"Youth do want to have a say, we just aren't always given the opportunity," she said.
youthconnections.com.au's Youth Advisory Committee also attended, asking the panel about how Government intends to help youth unemployment on the Central Coast and provide better support for apprentices and trainees.
Click here to watch an NBN news bulletin about the forum. |
 |
Freedom Ride latest news and media coverage
CLICK HERE to go to the Freedom Ride Media page to check out all the stories covering the journey. |
SBS World News Australia
Listen to the Freedom Ride 2011 World News Australia podcast from SBS. An insightful piece that looks into the changes since 1965, and the things that have stayed the same. CLICK HERE to go to the podcast and press play.
For regular news, journal entries and photos go to the Freedom Ride blog page. CLICK HERE. |
Freedom Ride Launch

Freedom Ride article in the Central Cast Express Advocate, Wednesday 16th February, 2011. |
Freedom Ride 2011 on ABC Radio National
Gavi Duncan and a Freedom Ride student spoke with Angela Catterns on ABC Radio National Life Matters live from Dharriwaa Elders Group in Walgett.
CLICK HERE to listen to the interview.
|
Freedom Ride 2011 on SBS news
SBS news covers Freedom Ride 2011. CLICK HERE to read the article and view the news item. |
A New School That Isn’t Like School
Yesterday 64 students from across the Central Coast attended their first day of either year 9 or 10 at new alternative education school ALESCO.
Students and parents were given a tour of the grounds, with year 9 campus located at Berkeley Vale and year 10 campus located at youthconnections.com.au's Green Central site, Mt Penang Parklands. (Pictured)
ALESCO Principal Andrea Cingi who was there to meet the enrolled students said they could expect real life learning.
"Part of our year 9 English Unit on Australian history will be read down by Tuggerah Lakes, which has a rich sense of past," she said.
Another priority of the independent school's culture is a 'hands-on' and self-paced learning approach.
"Many students here haven't been to school in quite some time, so it was really exciting to see them getting back into the rhythm of learning," said Ms Cingi.
CLICK HERE to go to the ALESCO website.
|
Students from Katherine Gorge National Park visit the Central Coast
|
Central Coast talks National Broadband Network
Local businesses, community and Government members rallied at Green Central early this month to push for the Central Coast to become a priority area for early access to the National Broadband Network.
The forum discussed the positive impact the NBN would have on issues such as employment and effective operations for local businesses. |
Central Coast Regional Social Enterprise Strategy
To effect social change and increase social inclusion was why over 50 representatives of various Government agencies, not-for-profit and community organisations from the Central Coast Region met at Green Central's Education Centre last month. They discussed a regional Social Enterprise Strategy with an emphasis on a 'whole of community' approach. Watch our news page for updates on this pioneering strategy. |
To Nurture, To Grow
Next year Green Central will be home to alternate education school ALESCO, a latin word meaning 'to nurture, to grow.'
|
Gosford Mayor and Councillors visit Mt Penang
Gosford Mayor, Laurie Maher along with Gosford Councillors Craig Doyle, Chris Burke, Vicki Scott and Team Leader - Youth Services and Community Development, Nick Rendell visited Green Central at Mt Penang Parklands this week.
"It's exceptional what you've been able to carve out of the bush," said Councillor Doyle after a tour of the site.
"It's something youthconnections.com.au can be very proud of."
The Bush Tucker Cafe, Media Centre and Food Forest Ecosystem are the latest onsite developments and are nearing completion. Green Central hopes to open its gates to the community in early 2011. |
The Job Next Door

What if you found your dream job in the same town
you’ve lived your whole life? Right next door even. For 18-year-old Kariong
local and proud Yawarrawarrka man Steve Moore, going to work every morning as a
Horticulture trainee is just a run down the street.
For nearly 12 months Moore has worked on site at Green Central, a four-acre
sustainable and green-education wonderland located at Mt Penang Parklands. The
project was initiated by not-for-profit organisation youthconnections.com.au,
which was awarded Federal Government funding in late 2009, specifically aimed
at providing training and future employment for Central Coast youth. Moore is
one of 64 young people who will be employed throughout this project. Currently the project employs 48 youth from across the Coast, including full-time
and casual workers and School Based Apprentices and Trainees. Green Central
will be home to a bush tucker café, nursery, alternative-education school,
social enterprises, sustainable house, education and media centre. Not
dissimilar to an opening like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, Green Central
plans to open its gates to the community in early 2011.
However it’s the food forest ecosystem the size of a small tennis court that
gets Moore out of bed every morning, “I love getting my hands dirty and
learning about bush foods,” he said. The food forest is an independently
designed, biologically approached system to promote community learning in
sustainability and will provide fresh produce for the onsite Bush Tucker café.
With the mentoring of professional landscapers, Moore and five other Horticulture
apprentices and trainees have constructed the food forest garden, it’s
pathways, built retaining walls, brewed compost teas and learnt bush regeneration.
Much like the landscaping at Green Central, Moore explains his career feels as
though it’s starting to come together, “After I finished year ten I left school
and went into construction but it really wasn’t for me. When I started in
Horticulture, learning the names of plants, which ones were edible, it just
felt right,” he said. Moore also admits Green Central has given him the push
into the industry he needed, “If I wasn’t here I know I’d be sitting at home
bored, now one day I hope to own my own landscaping business,” he said.
For more information about Green Central
please contact Project Manager Brendan
Ritchens on 0402 589 452 or for employment opportunities please contact YC Industry Link Manager Meredith Milne on (02) 4350 2600
|
Making Tracks
youthconnections.com.au is supplying the young apprentices responsible for the new bike path being constructed in Wyong. We're making tracks with initiating more job opportunities for youth on the Central Coast!
|



With soaring power prices, knowing which appliances to pull the plug on would be invaluable information. Our igreen team was at the Green Living Fair in September doing just that. Offering the general public advice on how to make energy and water savings around the home, students also provided free home assessments.
Soon Central Coast residents will also have the opportunity to experience an entire home setup with sustainable technologies. youthconnections.com.au's Green Central site at Mt Penang has a Sustainable Education Centre opening in 2011, where workshops, seminars and courses will be open to industry, businesses, school groups and the wider community who want to learn useful tips about sustainable living.
igreen has been operating for over 12 months and trains young people in sustainable home assessments. These green skills, which are becoming more pertinent across a number of industries, will ensure more job opportunities for our youth.
For more information, please contact Mal Smith on (02) 4350 2600 |
Giving horticulture a hand
|
Wyoming Community Garden Project
|
Can Do Day - A hands-on experience



Piping chocolate mousse, patting animals and potting plants; yesterday over 50 Central Coast students with learning support needs got to try out a trade at Can Do Day.
Held in our training shed at Tuggerah, students explored TVET Access Courses available for study during year 11 and 12 that will contribute toward their HSC. Industry areas offered on the day included Hospitality, Hair and Beauty, Animal Care, Retail, Automotive and Horticulture.
youthconnections.com.au Pathway Advocate and Can Do Day Coordinator, Ashley McGeorge said it was a day to encourage students with learning support needs.
"We want to give these students confidence and get them involved in a TVET Access Course to further their employment options," he said.
TAFE Learning Teacher, Carmel Brown and DET Transition Support Teacher for the Central Coast, Cherie Risti have been in partnership with Central Coast schools for the past 10 years to ensure the success of TVET and TVET Access.
"TVET Access courses are the same as mainstream courses, but have smaller classes and are designed specifically for students with learning support needs," said Ms Brown.
Ms Risti said TVET aims to match the vocational needs of our young people and provide additional life skills.
"Students pick up other skills like travel training and socialisation with other kids that aren't from their school," she said.
A Volvo Prime Mover was a major highlight of the day. Automotive Technician and Employee of Volvo Newcastle Paul Carey, gave students an insight into diagnosing mechanical problems with the use of a laptop synchronised with the trucks internal computer.
A special thanks to all TAFE Trainers for their support and assistance on the day.
We'd also like to thank Daniel Leighman in Hospitality, Dianne Greenstreet and Kelly Shorrock in Animal Care, Leigh Coleman in Horticulture and Sonia Jones and Anita Mcmenamin in Hair and Beauty. Special thanks also to Paul Carey, Warren Brain and Phil Sweeney of Volvo Newcastle and to Christiana Mergan of Novaskill for presenting Retail and Meagan Martin and Hospitality students for beautiful coffees and service throughout the event.
Photos taken by Terrigal High Entertainment student Matilda King
|
|