The ‘Empowering Youth Program’ has completed its first week, and there can be no doubt that it has done exactly that, along with equipping the next generation of leaders with a newfound set of skills.

When the 2357 Development Group was successful in securing a NSW Government Youth Opportunities Grant, Vivian Evans saw it as a chance to target a missed group in the community – 18 to 24 year olds.

Over nine months, the program aims to connect youth and community through empowerment, connecting and creating the skills worthy of the next generation of leaders.

The first week of the program has wrapped and already participants are walking out with qualifications in Youth Mental Health First Aid, and an enthusiastic approach to the journey ahead.

From recent school- leavers to those seeking a new direction in life, so far the Empowering Youth Program has attracted 12 participants, with more expressing interest for future programs.

Held at the Warrumbungle Mountain Motel function centre last week, the program stood out with its unique approach: cameras filled with garden and mountain photos, guitars plugged into amps, and art supplies laid out on a table.

The program ran from 9am to 5pm each day over the five days, with some participants attending for one or two days, while others joined for a few hours each day.

Balancing work and family commitments, they participated free of charge and without any contractual obligation.

One participant, Lilly Johnsson, said while she hadn’t achieved ‘local’ status yet, after living in the district for just under two years, the program had allowed her to set down roots.

When asked what she’d gained and learnt from the program, she answered, “where do you start?”

Lilly explained that the program included some challenging aspects, particularly concerning mental health, but emphasised that these were life- changing skills essential for today’s generation.

“It’s why I signed up,” she said.

“I want to help our generation and community, and this program has offered the tools to do just that. I think this generation definitely needs a boost after COVID and lockdowns.”

But her favourite part was connecting with new people, which allowed her to gain new perspectives and points of view of various ideas.

Peter Thompson, on the other hand, has been living locally for longer, and graduated Year 12 last year.

He signed up to the program for “something different to do,” and said it was an added bonus that it provided unique qualifications that would not only serve him in a professional setting, but a personal one as well.

The program has already seen Peter do this, granting a qualification in Youth Mental Health First Aid, amongst other skills.

Peter also said he’s met many new people who, he admits, “I wouldn’t otherwise know,” and this, for him, was the highlight thus far.

Both Lilly and Peter are eager to see the program through its three stages – a sentiment shared by many other participants.