Youth create major impact

Four of the budding young film-makers who participated in the ABC Opening Learning workshop, from left, Riley Boston, Elizabeth Dennis, Josh Hansen and Curtis Leach. Pictures:TERRY WEST

By TANIA PHILLIPS

NATIONAL Youth Week lived up to expectations, giving voice to many young people in the Southern Downs Region.
The week ended on Sunday with a grand finale and movie night at the Warwick Town Hall.
SDIEA (Southern Downs Industry Education Association), headspace Warwick and Southern Downs Regional Council combined to stage the final event.
Southern Downs Regional Council Youth Development officer Hailey Cosh said the National Youth Week theme was ‘Our Voice Our Impact’ and many young people had taken the opportunity to talk and be heard.
“There have been many highlights but a major coup for the Southern Downs is that we joined with ABC Open to run some digital workshops,” she said.
“ Young people aged 12-25, had the opportunity to use their own digital media devices or loaned devices by partners Southern Downs Regional Libraries to take photos and make a short movie around the youth week theme.
The movies were then screened on Sunday at the Warwick Town Hall in an event open to all in the community as a celebration of the talent and skills of the young people in the region.
“We encourage community members to come along – these youth movies are outstanding and their ideas are really inspiring,” Hailey said.
“The staff from ABC Open have praised the high standard of work and are looking forward to showcasing the talents of local youth.”
Ms Cosh thanked partners SDIEA (Southern Downs Industry Education Association), and headspace Warwick for staging National Youth Week events.
“This year has created a real buzz and excitement around the Southern Downs and I’m pleased that we can focus community attention on so many good things young people are doing,” she said.
“I also want to pay tribute to other partners and supporters, EDGE Southern Downs, Soular Music Services, Voyage Fitness, Warwick Twin Cinema, Gold Drum Recordings and Events for making all of these our events possible and for encouraging young people to have a
voice,” she said.