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Index Page

Mission 1 Youth Connections Inc. – who we are 2 Board 3 Organisational Chart 4 Staff 5 General Manager’s Report 7 The Year in Review Industry Visit 9 Work Ready Day 10 Living Skills Excursion 11 Try-a-Trade 12 Structured Workplace Learning 13 Tech Girls 14 Speed Meet 15 Retail Skills Showcase 16 Pathways Event – Recognising Achievement in Aboriginal 17 Education and Training Youth Pathways 18 Pathway Advocate 20 School and Industry Leaders Forum 22 Cooranbong Project 23 VET Awards 24 Generation Y Workshop at Kincumber Men’s Shed 25 School and Industry Leaders Forum – Principal/Industry Swap 26 Community Garden 27 Skool’s Out 28 Opening of the Connectors House 29 Transition To Work Sports Programme 31 Enterprise Big Day Out 32 Youth Booth 33 Community Enterprise Project 34 Mariners 35 International Day of People with a Disability 36 Indigenous Surf Programme 37 School Based Apprenticeship 38 Koori Connect 39 Financial Statements 41

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Mission Turning education into jobs

Vision Local people aged 14 – 19 to be given individual support and helped to access the available employment, education and training opportunities. Local business to be provided with purposeful, low cost labour through work placement and have access to quality entry level staff through the job preparation and job placement programmes.

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Who we are Youth Connections Inc. 277 Mann St, Gosford, NSW, 2250 Phone: (02) 4322 8600 Fax: (02) 4322 8622 maggie@youthconnections.com.au www.youthconnections.com.au

Management Board

Ron Bell – Chair

David Abrahams – Deputy Chair

Sharryn Brownlee – Secretary

Steven Paul – Treasurer

Maree Roberts

Patrick Lewis

Richard Cooke

Members

Wally Morison

Bill Owens

Neils Jacobsen

Reginald Smerdon

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Board

Bill Owens

Maree Roberts

Neils Jacobsen

Patrick Lewis

Reginald Smerdon

Richard Cooke

Executives

Members

Ron Bell Chair

Sharryn Brownlee Secretary

Steven Paul Treasurer

David Abrahams Deputy Chair

Wally Morison

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Organisational Chart

Management Board

General Manager Maggie MacFie

PARTNERSHIPS TEAM

Maria Kelly – Manager

Work Placement Marilyn White Tate Harris Michael Smith Pathway Advocate Work placement for Students with a Disability Ashley McGeorge Career & Transition Alison Hood Debbie Thompson Deb Hetherington Shannon White

• Community Enterprise Projects

• Adopt A School • Coaching Young

People for Success • Staying on Track • Employability Skills

TRANSITIONS TEAM

Nikki Szabo & Annette D’Adam

- Co Managers

Youth Pathways Paul Casey Peter Cross Kelly Rich Kristie Hamilton Madelaine Dickie Connectors Wilhelm Trappe Koori Connect Jim Kyle Transition to Work Sandra Bailey Madelaine Dickie Paula Dawson Skool’s Out Aleena Hines • Community Garden

INDUSTRY LINK TEAM

Marcus Watson – Manager Australian School Based Apprenticeships Damien Ferguson Job Placement Service Debbie Thompson Deb Hetherington

• Industry Forums • The Shed

ADMINISTRATION TEAM

Accounts Karen Wetzler Administration Claudia Davies Reception/Graphic Design Trainee Erin Ritchens IT Trainee Joshua Woodcraft

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Staff

Maggie MacFie

Claudia Davies Administration

Karen Wetzler Accounts

Erin Ritchens Reception/

Graphic Design Trainee

Joshua Woodcraft IT Trainee

Administration Team

General Manager

Partnership Team

Maria Kelly Manager

Marilyn White Work Placement

Tate Harris Work Placement

Ashley McGeorge Pathway Advocate

Debbie Thompson Career & Transition/

Job Placement Service

Deb Hetherington Career & Transition/

Job Placement Service

Shannon White Career & Transition

Michael Smith Work Placement

Alison Hood Career & Transition

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Transitions Team

Nikki Szabo Co Manager

Annette D’Adam Co Manager

Paul Casey Youth Pathways

Peter Cross Youth Pathways

Kelly Rich Youth Pathways

Sandra Bailey Transition to

Work

Paula Dawson Transition to

Work

Madelaine Dickie Youth Pathways/

Transition to Work

Jim Kyle Koori Connect

Wilhelm Trappe Connectors

Aleena Hines Skool’s Out

Kristie Hamilton Youth Pathways

Industry Link Team

Marcus Watson Manager

Damien Ferguson Group Training Company

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General Manager’s Report .....(secrets from under the sarong!)

“Maggie, don’t you feel guilty about abandoning your children just before Christmas?” No. Nor do I feel guilty about missing the Youth Connections Inc. Christmas party – again. Why should I? It’s time to think about me for a change! For the past three weeks I’ve been: Sleeping – twelve hours a night Eating – breakfast at 3 Swimming – in the lagoon and Sunbaking – with happy ending! Over the past three weeks I’ve also had time to reflect on another exhilarating year. This organic organisation continues to grow, and were the annual report to be comprehensive, then there would be 365 articles – because everyday something new happens. Everyday is different!

This is part of what makes Youth Connections so exciting – the other part, is that we’re always looking for where the gaps are and the putting strategies in place so that we can move to fill the gaps. I believe Youth Connections Inc. needs to become a Gateway, so that every young person who walks through the doors can be presented with a range of education, training and employment options, and can receive the necessary support to enable him or her to continue on their transitional journey.

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No young person should be allowed to leave school unless they have first passed through the Gateway and have someone who can help guide them in the right direction. My long term vision for the organisation is for it to become a brokerage service, referring to programmes already in place and remaining close to our original premise: Turning Education into Jobs. In the short term my vision involves: * Tightening partnerships with schools so that Youth Connections is trusted implicitly to manage a young person’s transition from school to the world of work. * Tightening partnerships with industry so that young people can find employment that offers enough variety and incentive to stay on the Coast, instead of relocating to Sydney. * Creating a youth-focused employment agency, because presently there is little in the way of job brokerage for young people who are job ready. * Initiating a “Baby Connectors” for young people aged 9-14 who are not attending school and need a place to go. * Networking with the parents of school kids and determining what skills they can offer to help develop industry skills in all young people in our community. My vision for the immediate term, is even better! I plan on: * Rolling onto my back. * Sleeping off my coffee susu and French baguette breakfast. * And, at around eleven tonight, slipping into my high heels and heading for The Heart of Darkness for a night of dancing and margaritas! Do I feel guilty? Most certainly NOT!

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19/2/07

Dear diary, Today I almost got run over by a forklift.

It was at the Sanitarium factory at Berkeley Vale, during an Industry Visit. Luckily the factory follows safety precautions to avoid forklift accidents like using flashing lights and horns. I learnt this today. I also learnt about the clothing that must be worn at all times, the number of people employed at the factory (2000) and the attitude the Manager looks for when hiring new staff. He looks for people who like to work hard. I like to work hard! I also like to eat, and at the end of the factory tour a lady cooked us Sanitarium hamburgers. They were free. It was a good day!

Event Overview

Age range: 18-21 Number of participants: 5 from the Transition To Work programme attended Funding body: Transition to Work is funded by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC)

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Dear diary,

I got a new tongue ring. It looks sick. It’s blue. Sparkly. And the girls love it. Seriously.

It was still hurting this morning when I went to the Work Ready Day run through Youth Connections Inc. – not that I’d admit that to anyone, but it was. I didn’t expect much from the day. The school was makin’ me do it. I didn’t mind, because it meant a day off school. But it turned out alright. We covered things like picking subjects that you enjoy, and that relate to the kinda work you want; how to impress an employer; how to go for an interview and what to wear. That’s when I flashed my tongue ring. The chick next to me smiled. The guy from Youth Connections shook his head. He told me that most employers would make me take it out for work. Yeah, well I’m not doin’ that, I just got the damn thing done. The guy said that if I was keen on keeping it, maybe I should look at working in a record store or tattoo parlor or at Youth Connections, in which case, my look was probably too conservative. Sick, I thought!! So when mum asks me on the weekend why I’ve just got my eyebrow pierced, I’ll be able to tell her it’s for work!

Event Overview

Age range: Year 11 VET students, Youth Pathways clients – year levels 8-10. Number of participants: More than 1100 students across the Central Coast. Funding Body: The Department of Education, Science and Training

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30/4/07 – 2/5/07

Dear diary,

Who wakes up at seven in the morning when they’re on holidays? We had to, when we went on Boot Camp to Port Stevens with Nikki, Maggie and Sandra. It was a Transition To Work Living Skills Excursion aimed at equipping us with skills for when we decide to move out of home. We learnt lots of skills, like:

● How to break into a house when you lock yourself out, ● How to electrocute yourself on a toaster, and ● How to get sardines out of a can.

Mmm, yuuum sardines from a can! They were so disgusting, I had to have a third helping.

Event Overview Age range: 18-21 Number of participants: 4 Funding body: Transition to Work is funded by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC).

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25/5/07

Dear diary,

Strewth it was hot in the overalls today. And millions of bloody kids, all askin’ about the six wheeler – they’re lucky I didn’t run ‘em down in it.

They came to Central Coast Group Training for the Try-a-trade day.

The kids had the opportunity to move between a number of different trades and get a mini-trial of each. There were over 20 trades represented, including plumbing, hairdressing, hospitality, beauty, carpentry and sign-writing. Now obviously, fiddling around with a few wires isn’t going to give you a true impression of what it would be like fixing electrical malfunctions five days a week – but it’s a taste.

I think the kids benefited most – not from listenin’ to old fellas like me (‘coz what would I know with 28 years of industry experience?) but listenin’ to the young apprentices talk about their experiences.

I hung the overalls up on a hot but enjoyable day.

Event Overview

Age range: Year 9 & 10 students Number of participants: 200 Partner Support: Central Coast Group Training, Hunter Institute of TAFE NSW, World Skills Australia Funding body: The Department of Education, Science and Training Sponsor: Central Coast Community Chest

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7/6/07

Dear diary,

Great news today – a student who was part of the Structured Workplace Learning programme – and who I found a work placement for at Lizottes, has landed a job as the chef’s personal assistant!

I’m one of the “downstairs crew” – responsible for co-ordinating the work placements of year 11 & 12 students studying Vocational Education and Training subjects as part of their HSC. Each year, our team co-ordinates around 3000 work placements for school students across the Central Coast. The students benefit by gaining practical, industry experience, and employers benefit by being able to determine whether a student could be a potential employee.

This particular student’s success in obtaining permanent employment – is by no means isolated! But it still puts a grin on my face.

Structured Workplace Learning is a well-established programme, one which is highly satisfying and highly effective.

Event Overview

Age range: Year 11-12 students Number of participants: 3022 Funding body: NSW Board of Vocational Education and Training, The Department of Education, Science and Training

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8/6/07

Dear diary,

It was so refreshing to be in a room full of chicks, who were all really into IT, and

proud of it. I’m talking about the Tech Girls workshop I attended today – a workshop to encourage female participants to enter the IT industry. We listened to inspiring female role models who have made it in the industry, and there was such a feeling of support among the girls. The giveaways were great – three girls won a NOKIA phone. I didn’t win a phone but I did get a free Youth Connections pen….

Event Overview

Age range: 14-18yrs old Number of participants: 170 students Funding Body: The Department of Education, Science and Training Sponsorship: Hunter Institute of TAFE, University of Newcastle, UTS, University of NSW, NSW Department of Education and Training, Wyong High School, BWSC – Woy Woy Campus, Terrigal High School Mingara, Nokia, Lexmark, Optima, Apple, Microsoft, Modern Teaching Aids, Electroboard, IBM/AWISE

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8/6/07

Dear diary,

Today Transition to Work went to Speed Meet, which was organised by Youth Connections Inc. The idea of the day was to provide a networking opportunity for the young people to meet other young people with disabilities in a non-threatening environment, and to exchange their names and telephone numbers if they thought that they’d like to be friends with someone. It was attended by several other disability service providers for young people on the Coast. The kids said they loved the games the most – getting zipped and bonged – and, of course, the lollies were a smash hit!

A lot of organising – but definitely, a worthwhile day.

Event Overview

Age range: 18-21 Number of participants: 120 from Transition To Work programmes across the Central Coast Partner Support/Funding body: Transition to Work is funded by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC).

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13/6/07 - 14/6/07

Dear diary,

We went to Erina Fair today for the Retail Skills Showcase. I was planning on sneaking away for a bit with the girls to have a look at some jewellery, but it ended up being real good, so we stuck around. They got us into groups and were given a shop. We were instructed to design the shop window. The guys designing the window of the shop opposite lined up the male mannequins and put bikinis on them!

Our window on the other hand, looked really professional. I loved picking what colours would go together and figuring out the arrangement. Finally I’ve found something that I really like, and that I’m good at!

Event Overview

Age range: Year 11&12 retail students Number of participants: 200 Funding Body: The Department of Education, Science and Training Sponsors: Erina Fair, Business Central Coast, Bank of Queensland, Gosford City Council, Wyong Shire Council, McDonalds, Central Coast Business Review

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27/6/07

Dear diary, Such a buzz in the air this evening!

I’ve just come from the Pathways Event – Recognising Achievements in Aboriginal Education and Training. The evening was remarkable, because for too long there has been no formal recognition of achievement for Aboriginal people in education. Not only does it help build a positive public profile, but it also creates within the Aboriginal community a positive profile of education and stresses the value of education. The role models who spoke at the evening were inspirational, in particular, Karen Jones, the School Education Director for the Department of Education and Training, and the first Aboriginal woman to achieve a director’s role within DET. Role models like Karen prompted many of the older audience members to think about what they can do to either further their own education, or to support the education of the younger generation. A number of business and industry representatives also came to acknowledge the achievements and their presence was important as they are the ones who will be influencing curriculum by informing schools of industry needs.

Overall, it was great for Youth Connections to be in this partnership and as Chair, I was proud to attend on behalf of the organisation.

Event Overview Number of participants: 150 Sponsors: University of Newcastle, Hunter Institute of Technology TAFE, Central Coast Community College, The Department of Education, Science and Training. NSW Department of Education and Training, Youth Connections Inc.

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9/8/07

Dear diary,

How’s that mongrel dog programme going? What? I’d asked. Half-grinning, as the picture limped to life.

Well, Youth Pathways is just like a loveable mongrel dog – it can be friendly, it can give you a warm lick, it can put it’s head against your leg . . . and then the next minute, it’ll turn around and bite your ankle! Youth Pathways is coming up to its third year, and there have certainly been a few less ankle-bites. The aim of the programme remains the same – to assist young people in overcoming their barriers (educational/social/personal/cultural) and to re-engage them with the community so that they can complete year 12 or its vocational equivalent. The results, however, continue to improve, with much positive feedback from schools, parents, and the young people themselves. I was lucky enough to visit the Connectors House today, while the young people were preparing their performance for the official opening of the Connectors House. The Connectors Programme is available to Youth Pathways clients and it strives to re-engage young people disconnected from education. Participants in the programme commit to experiencing a new way of doing things, and this allows them to evolve and broaden their understanding of self. The programme meets outcomes by covering the key learning areas through rhythms, routines, repetitions, moderations, short-span lessons and alterations. So I sat with a mask in hand and listened to one of the girls reflect on the six weeks she’d participated in the programme.

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I’m glad I got help doing my assessments, she said. I’m glad I got a perspective from outside of school, which made me realise I should try and stay until at least year 10, she said. And, no offence, but I’ll be glad if you can piss off, because as you can see, I have an important rehearsal to do for our performance tomorrow! Oh, yeah, sorry! I stumbled, and gave my ankle a quick rub, before hot-footing it out of there.

Event Overview Youth Pathways Program Age range: 13-19 Number of participants: 650 Funding body: The Department of Education, Science and Training.

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13/8/07

Dear diary,

When I’m scared, my hands get sweaty. My hands are sweaty. I wipe them on my black pants. My hands are sweaty and my stomach feels sick. The same feeling I get when I’ve eaten too much chocolate cake, or when the teacher asks us to pair up for an in-class activity. It’s my first day of work placement for Hospitality. I’ve never done work placement before. My teacher said that the people at the Country Cottage Coffee Shop are really nice, and that they often take kids with a disability for work placement. I’m still scared, And then I meet Paul. Paul runs the coffee shop. He shakes my hand. I’m embarrassed to shake his hand because my palm is wet. But he has a nice smile and doesn’t seem to notice. He asks me which my favourite tea-pot is. The walls of the coffee shop are covered with tea-pots! My favourite is the bright red one, and I tell him so. Then he introduces me to the other people that work there, and takes me to the kitchen where I start by cutting up tomatoes. Throughout the week I meet all sorts of people at the coffee shop! There’s an Aboriginal man with glasses, who comes in every day to read the paper. His name is Uncle Phil. There is a stern looking German man who works for Youth Connections. He has a shiny head. On Thursday a girl comes in who has beautiful curly hair. She sings and plays the guitar. My favourite song is the Roly-Poly-People song. Everyone in the café claps!

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When it comes to Friday afternoon, I’m sad to go, because my teacher was right, the people here have all been really nice to me. Paul puts his hand out to shake mine, and by now, I don’t even have to wipe it on my pants!

Event Overview

Pathway Advocate Age range: Year 11 & 12 students with a disability studying a VET subject for their HSC Number of participants: 120 Partner Support/Funding bodies: The Department of Education, Science and Training, NSW Board of Vocational Education and Training.

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4/9/07

Dear diary,

Free nibbles and wine – The School and Industry Leaders Forum was destined to be a success! Or at least, well attended . . . As it transpired, it was both. Nearly one hundred people were invited to the event, organised by Youth Connections Inc. The evening aimed to provide career education for Principals and Industry, and to create awareness around local job prospects, local skill shortages and career pathways. Represented at the forum were school principals, careers advisors, students and industry representatives. What unfolded was a trivia night, facilitated by Brad Storey from the ABC. Questions ranged from the conventional curly-tailed sport/music variety, to questions more sharply focused on careers and the local labour market.

We also had a paper aero plane throwing competition. It was hilarious to see hundreds of men and women in suits (including school Principals) perfecting designs and throwing for their lives to win a bottle of wine! There were some positive outcomes of the night, including: A Principal/Industry exchange between Andrew Newman (Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College) and Ian Sutton (Equilibrium Inc.) – they won a draw to swap places for a day. An industry visit by Paul Smith (Careers Advisor – St Phillips College) to Central Coast Area Health And, for a closing spike of irony, the head of Magenta Shore’s kitchen won a free dinner – at the restaurant of his arch competitor!

Event Overview Number of participants: 115 Funding body: The Department of Education, Science and Training.

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6/9/07

Dear diary,

If you stand still for too long they come loping hungrily toward you. If you don’t see them straight away, you’ll definitely see them afterwards, locked between your toes, or latched to your ankle.

Drooling blood.

After a year working on the Cooranbong Project with Equilibrium, we got used to the leeches.

The project was for participants in the Youth Pathways and Transition To Work programmes. The aim of the project was to repair the river system in the area as well as do some regeneration work. I really enjoyed the project – the blokes running it were all pretty cool – and we all had the opportunity to complete modules in Certificate 1 in Conservation and Landcare Management if we wanted.

I learnt lots working out in the bush like how to respect the environment and how to work in a team.

I also learnt that leeches make fantastic weapons!

Event Overview Age range: 13-19 Number of participants: 45 Partner Support: Equilibrium, Tuggerah Lakes Community College

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18/9/07

Dear diary,

Red carpet, high kicking dancing girls, nibblies that were smashed through in five –

yes – this years VET awards celebrations were HUGE!

In fact, they were so huge, that all the Youth Connections staff members present were roped into carrying extra chairs to cater for the 700+ people crammed into the hall.

The audience consisted of students, teachers and employers who had hosted a student throughout the year so that they could complete a compulsory week of Work Placement as part of each VET subject.

Country Cottage Coffee Shop were inducted into the hall of fame, in recognition of their outstanding commitment to providing Work Placements for Hospitality students.

Overall, a sensational night! Event Overview

Age range: Year 11 & 12 VET students Number of participants: 700 Funding bodies: NSW Board of Vocational Education and Training, The Department of Education, Science and Training Sponsors: Australian Technical College – Central Coast, Business Central Coast, Career Advice Australia, Catholic Schools Office – Broken Bay, Central Coast Business Review, Central Coast Leagues Club, Cirrus, Erina Chamber of Commerce, Gosford Chamber of Commerce, Gosford City Council, Hunter Institute of TAFE, NSW Department of Education and Training, Rotary Toukley, Toukley & District Chamber of Commerce, Wyong Chamber of Commerce, Wyong Shire Council

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20/9/07

Dear diary, It’s what we all agree on, over a quiet beer on a Thursday night at the Bowlo. Young people these days don’t have any respect for each other, or their elders!

Or so I thought, until today, when I attended the Generation Y Workshop at the

Kincumber Men’s Shed. At the workshop, I learnt that the situation was, in fact, a lot more complex. I learnt that we’re dealing with a generation who don’t read, don’t watch TV, but play constantly on their computers. Their typical attention span is only seven minutes. When it comes to employment, they’re not in it for the long haul (like we were back in my day) they change jobs regularly and are after personal and job satisfaction ALL THE TIME. And, I was glad to learn, my assumption about them being disrespectful to their elders was not completely incorrect, as one of the key characteristics of the generation, is the fact that they are not as influenced by authority or role models as in previous generations. Hmph!

However, myself, and the other mentors at the Men’s Shed, have come away with a much better understanding of why young people today behave the way they do, and I think this understanding will assist us when we are mentoring Gen Y’s. I look forward to sharing these insights with the fellas next Thursday night!

Event Overview

Age range: 10 – 18 years old Number of Participants: 16 Partner Support: Kincumber Men’s Shed

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8/10/07

Dear diary,

I felt a surge of delight at the prospect of acting as school Principal for the day. Imagine! I could kick my heels up onto the desk, expel kids, roar at school assemblies, sack teachers, and get other people to make me coffees! It was soon to be a reality – or so I thought – as I’d won a prize at the School and Industry Leaders Forum. My name was drawn from a lucky dip hat, alongside Andrew Newman’s (the Principal of the three Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Campuses) and the prize was the opportunity to swap roles for the day . . . The concept behind this, was to allow for schools and industry to forge a link, and to gain a better understanding of each other. The first part of the swap had run smoothly. Andrew had spent the day dodging worms with me at the North Gosford Learning Centre. He worked alongside the boys, participating in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the natural systems gardening project that I’ve implemented in the school. Today, it was my turn to join him. We visited the three campuses under his auspice, and I spoke with the Principals at each about the various Conservation and Landcare Management programmes I’m running with young people who are disengaged from education. All Principals were keen to initiate similar programmes in their schools! Although I didn’t get to fulfil my wicked fantasy of what a Principal should be, I was able to stir interest in these programmes for implementation in 2008, and Andrew’s enthusiastic support was heartening!

Event Overview Principal / Industry Swap Participants: Ian Sutton of Equilibrium, Andrew Newman - Head Principal of Tuggerah Lakes Secondary Colleges

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15/10/07

Dear diary,

Today there was a new lot of Youth Pathways kids at the Community Garden.

We gave them chillies.

Raw. Red. And fresh off the chilli bush. Then we sat back on the grass and laughed as they went red and started to cry.

That’s ok, me and Andrew were allowed. We’re veterans of the Community Garden, a project that sealed a partnership between Youth Connections Inc. and Equilibrium (an organisation dedicated to conservation) about 18 months ago.

Throughout the year, Andrew and I have been working through our Certificate 2 in Conservation and Landcare Management. Next year, we’re both planning on going to TAFE in West Ryde to get our Certificate 3, and the guys who run Equilibrium are planning on making us custodians of the Community Garden. The Community Garden space is provided by the Gosford Anglican church. You should come and check it out, hey! We’ll even give you a friendly taste of some of the treats we’re growing.

Event Overview Age Range: 13-19 Number of participants: 150 Partner Support: Equilibrium, Hunter – Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Tuggerah Lakes Community College

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18/10/07

Dear diary,

The paint cupboard has been attacked. Craftily, with a screw driver. On the table the culprit has left the offending tool, along with a fan of paint hardened brushes. Paint hardened brushes set my teeth on edge.

It’s a Thursday afternoon, and Skool’s Out is on, an after school programme for young people with a disability.

Over the past couple of months we’ve run workshops in cooking, dance, drama, and drumming. This afternoon, it’s art.

I’ve got a stash of backup brushes, so I grab these, and we get busy: laying newspaper, pouring the paint, experimenting with colour, looking from mirror to paper and back…

The afternoon runs smoothly – but afterwards – I am careful to relock the cupboard. He’ll have to think of another way, next week.

Event Overview

Age range: 15 – 19 years old Number of participants: 12

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2/11/07

Dear diary,

The kid came through the curtains and everyone went silent. He was wearing the white mask. He stood neutral on stage and was totally still. Except for his white-gloved hands. They knit into fists, then broke, then knit into fists again.

Outside, the rain fell.

It was a powerful moment – in a powerful performance. The room was packed; with Youth Connections staff, teachers, our local MP - Marie Andrews (who officially launched the house and also provided a donation) and members from other community groups, including Rotary, Newcastle Permanent and two CDSE representative.

All came to launch the Connectors new premises, a project branching from the Youth Pathways programme. And it was the participants in the Youth Pathways and Skool’s Out programmes performed - displaying skills, talents and focus that often remained buried in a normal classroom.

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The kid now on stage usually couldn’t sit still for more than 5 seconds, yet here he was holding us, holding our attention, from behind a horrifyingly still, blank, mask; his fists bunched white.

He turned, sharply, and left the stage.

We all breathed out. Outside, the rain stopped.

PS. The performance at the official launch prompted glowing feedback. One Central Coast school gave case studies of a number of young people who had been truanting, or considering leaving school, and who now, as a result of the programme aspired to complete their year 10 or had gained employment.

It’s working! Masks and all – it’s really working.

Event Overview

Participants: The house is used for the Connectors Program and the Skool’s Out Program. Age range: 13-19 Number of participants: 250 Funding body: Newcastle Permanent, Clubs NSW (Community Development and Support Expenditure Funds)

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19/11/07

Dear diary,

I got dumped on a really big wave today at Terrigal. It was my first time ever on a body

board. We went body boarding as part of our Transition to Work Sport Programme. I’m glad I had a chance to try it, even though I got sand up my nose. After this, I had a rest on my towel. Maddi came out of the water with seaweed on her head like a wig. She started chasing seagulls up and down the beach and squawking, and we knew she had had too many coffees. We got ice-creams and then it was time to go home.

`

Event Overview

Age range: 18 - 21 Number of participants: 5 Funding body: Transition to Work is funded by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC).

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20/11/07

Dear diary,

Finally, the day of the hotly anticipated, fiercely promoted Enterprise Big Day Out. Two months of hard work, about to come to fruition. A platform from which a group of entrepreneurial young people could inspire other young people – still at school – to strive toward realising their ambition, and then what happens?

I rock up to Oasis Youth Centre at 7.30am, to find a kid splayed at the bottom of the skate ramps, coughing up gluts of blood. Thank you, Claudia, for the compulsory staff first aid training! I ease the kid onto his side, and wait for the ambulance.

After the blood has been hosed and the kid wheeled away, I am informed that the room we booked weeks ago is currently having the carpet torn up. Argh! We frantically relocate to the shed, which, at 8.00am, is already heating up like an oily wok…

Two of our speakers are running late. The kids are poking each other, growing sweat patches on their backs, and the teachers are scowling.

Then finally, FINALLY it’s up and running. The result is amazing!!

I drift between groups, listening to the young role models speak of their business ventures, sporting accolades and travel adventures – all incredibly inspiring and incredibly motivating.

The day winds up with boxes of free chocolate. I take two.

Event Overview

Age range: Year 9 & 10 students Number of participants: 50 Funding body: The Department of Education, Science and Training

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26/11/07

Dear diary,

We went with that mad bugger Jim to the Youth Booth at Wyong today. It was for medical and health checkups – not just for us Koori kids – but other kids too if they wanted it done.

We did a drug and alcohol workshop, a sexual health workshop, and we even got a free wee test so we could check to see if we had STD’s.

Jim did it first.

It was a good day, with free cake for everyone at the end.

Jim really needed the free cake!!

Event Overview

A Koori Connect event Age range: 13-18 Number of participants: 23 Funding body: The Department of Education, Science and Training Sponsor: Youth Health

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26/11/07 – 30/11/07

Dear diary,

Sit a kid down at a computer and they won’t just work on one task at a time – like the logo they’re supposed to be doing for a major community event – they’ll be working on ten. Flicking from YouTube to Facebook to Myspace to MSN to bubblebox.com. Every time my back was turned, up jumped about 10 screens.

Over the last two weeks I’ve been facilitating 2 groups of VET IT students,

working on Community Enterprise Projects. The students designed logos for the VET awards, and the Retail Skills Showcase; created business cards and advertising material for local small-businesses on the Coast; and gained a lot of insight into working as a team – to a deadline – to produce results.

Event Overview

Age range: Year 11 & 12 students Number of participants: Groups of 10 or less for each project. 10 projects per year. Duration: One week Funding body: NSW Board of Vocational Education and Training

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30/11/07

Dear diary,

We met the Mariners today – in their change rooms!

G’Day, John Aloisie said. How’s it goin’?

It had started well! Next thing, John would be asking me for my number. “I’m Paula”, I told him, and shook his hand.

The TTW crew crowded behind me and we got down to business: signing flags, taking photos, cracking jokes. The girls nearly followed the blokes into the showers. Luckily I was there to pull ‘em up!

And the best part? Seeing the kid’s faces. Seeing them grinning.

Event Overview

Age range: 18-21 Number of participants: 5 Funding body: Transition to Work is funded by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC)

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3/12/07

Dear diary,

I rated the morning tea six out of ten. We ate it in the rocket. I haven’t been to the rocket park since I was a little kid! We were there to celebrate the

International Day of People with a Disability. There were crash courses in sign language, drumming and the other girls knew heaps of people, I was sad, because I didn’t know many people. And I was sad because we didn’t get to go in the bus. I like the bus.

Event Overview Age range: 18-21 Number of participants: 50 Funding/Partner Support: Central Coast Disability Network

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15/12/07

Dear diary,

We hung out the bus windows and shouted at people walking past.

Pull ya heads in, boys! Or I’ll pull ‘em in for ya’s!!

We settled back down on our seats (‘coz we didn’t want Jim to cut sick at us) – but we were still pumped. It had been a mad day at the beach – learning to surf as part of the

Indigenous Surf Programme. It’s heaps harder than it looks, I only caught two waves!

Anyway, we were going along when we saw a jumping castle in the ground – like a big spongy pillow, and we yelled at Jim to stop so we could have a play. We were in the middle of a back flipping competition when a security guard stormed over and shouted that we had to pay. Didn’t say it nicely or anything – he shouted! Well, one of the boys didn’t like the security guards attitude, so he started to get a bit smart and then Jim came over and roared:

Pull ya head in! The cook’s lookin’ for wood!

We all laughed and raced back to the bus.

I can’t wait for the next surfing day!

Event Overview

Koori Connect

Age range: 10 – 18 years old Number of participants: 15 Sponsors: Mingaletta., Central Coast Aboriginal Men’s Group, Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council

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17/12/07

Dear diary, School and me go together about as good as vegemite on ice-cream.

I was thinkin’ of dropping out and then I found out that I could do a School Based Apprenticeship in metals and engineering. I’ve always enjoyed mucking around with metal and welding, so I thought I’d give it a go. I talked to one of my teachers, who got in touch with Youth Connections, and soon I had a metals and engineering apprenticeship lined up at West Gosford. I went to school four days a week, and to work for the metal fabrication company on the other day. If I hadn’t been doing this, I don’t think I would’ve stuck out year 11, let alone be thinking of going on to finish year 12. My boss says that when I finish year 12, he’ll employ me full-time. I’m stoked!

Event Overview

Age range: Yr 11-12 students Number of participants: 56 during 2007 Funding body: NSW Department of Education and Training

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19/12/07

Dear diary,

Y’reckon a man would get a break on the weekend. Half my luck! If I’m not takin’ my Koori kids surfin’ or out bush, then I’m home entertainin’ my flat mate’s kids. Today, my flat mate’s kids are jumping up and down on my bed. In muddy sandals. Oi! Get outta here, you lot! I tell them. Go outside and play with the spiders or bindys or somethin’ . . . I need some space to think.

It’s coming up toward the end of the year and I’ve been running the Koori Connect Programme for three months. The programme is for young Indigenous kids disengaged from their communities or education. Presently, it provides a reference point for Indigenous kids to get connected with their culture and the services available to them. Presently, it’s about facilitating opportunities. But I want to take it further. The biggest issue I see, facing Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, is a lack of understanding and a lack of communication between the two. I want my kids to be fluent in both cultures. To be the intermediaries . . . And this is just the start of a range of expectation and aims I have for the programme. I want my kids to get through to year 12. I want my kids not be involved in domestic violence. I want my kids to be socially and politically aware – and to act on this knowledge.

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I ask them – so what are you going to do for our community? What can you give back to our community? I hope that Koori Connect will become a platform from which young people can become leaders and then use their position to promote understanding and more effective communication so that both cultures can co-exist harmoniously. That’s where I want to take this programme in the future. But right now (hearing a jarring crockery crash from the kitchen) all I want is a bit of peace and quiet. Oi you kids! I tell ‘em, PULL YA HEADS IN!

Event Overview

Koori Connect Age range: 10 – 18 years old Number of participants: 150-200 participants throughout 2007 Funding body: Department of Education, Science and Training