April in Australia was marked by National Youth Week, which is organised by young people, for young people in communities across the country. It’s a time for our youth to come together to talk about and act on the issues that affect them. There were celebrations, events and activities of all kinds held across our states and territories.
At CityCare, we’re all about backing young people to step confidently into a future they have the power to shape well. We place high importance on fostering safe environments for young people to flourish within.
In that spirit of providing safe environments, our CityCare teams across states and campuses hosted and participated in different events, in partnership with other community organisations. From basketball competitions, fades and braids, henna, free BBQ to council expos, it was a special time. Seeing young people from different backgrounds who had previously clashed hanging out in the same places harmoniously, and various community sectors and organisations all united around the cause of coming alongside young people was particularly heartening.
A special thank you to the NSW and QLD state police whose partnership and involvement made many of these events possible.
Here are some of the encouraging testimonies from different Youth Week Events:
“For National Youth Week in Brisbane, CityCare partnered with Scentre Group and the Queensland Police Service to run the first Safe Space for 2022 at Westfield Garden City. Over 100 young people participated and said that ‘it was the best one we have had yet.’ Students from various schools with different backgrounds registered for the basketball competition. The space is building consistency and a reputation that enables ongoing relationship now with students remembering volunteers and volunteers remembering student’s names. We asked a student was his favourite part about Safe Space, he replied:
‘It doesn’t matter what school you are from or how old you are, but we all can participate and be a part of it. Students teaming up with different schools to come together is amazing to see.’” – Nick Win Law, QLD CityCare Community Worker
“PCYC Blacktown staff said it was great to see youth from different ethnicities in the same building and environment, because they’re the ones that usually fight. The basketball games and ‘fades and braids’ space created common ground for them.” – Cynthia Choi, NSW North CityCare Community Worker
“It’s really cool to see the impact our events and services have, not just for the young people, but all people in our communities. We had a local barber offer his time and talent to provide haircuts for the young people. He was blown away at what we had to offer the local youth, free of charge, and was so happy that he was able to be a part of it. We also had a local butcher jump at the chance to donate meat; all of the sausages were provided by him. It was so impactful seeing the community work together to make a difference in these young people’s lives.” – Amelia Dubuc, NSW South CityCare Community Worker
“We’ve enjoyed some wonderful Youth Week events this year and it was fantastic to meet the teams participating in the 3 x 3 basketball competition. This action-packed event was great fun with lots of young sports people, local police and anyone wanting to try basketball getting together to enjoy the sport. A big thanks to Hills Hornets Basketball Association, Hillsong CityCare, Youth Rezolutions and Saints Care, The Hills Police Area Command, Hills Youth Army and our own Council officers for making it all possible.” – Dr Peter Gangemi, the Mayor of Hills Shire Council
A special thank you to all our CityCare community workers who serve the youth in each of their respective local communities so faithfully.
Click here more information on CityCare youth programs.
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Aug 11 2023
