Miyay Birray CEO Darrel Smith, left, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Miyay Birray Chairman Lloyd Munro, Beyond Empathy Project Manager Jemma Craigie, Noffs Foundation Social Worker Terrence Murphy and Miyay Birray’ Glen Crump.
Wednesday, 21 February 2018
MOREE’S young people will undergo months of arts mentorship, culminating in an empowering public art event, thanks to a $50,000 partnership between Beyond Empathy, Miyay Birray, the Noffs Foundation and funded by the NSW Government.
StART Moree will help young people who are passionate about art develop their skills, build a catalogue of work and identify paths for future work in their chosen field.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced the funding last Friday while in Moree, saying the project would deliver incredible opportunities to young people in Moree and Mungindi.
“Led by Beyond Empathy, this project will partner young people with charismatic and creative professionals to turn a passion into a fully realised public performance,” Mr Marshall said.
“At the end of the year, the entire community can come together to watch a professional performance that will be colourful, fun, and feature the best local talent.
“Virtually every element of the production will be driven by the youth, from the art style, to venue selection, to lighting during each performance.
“At the conclusion of the ‘mini-festival’, each young person will not only boast new skills but have an increased sense of engagement with their peers and community.
“Through several months of mentorship, at-risk young people will chase their dreams and build crucial skills that boost their employability and sense of self-worth.”
Mr Marshall said the program would meet a demand for extra variety in local youth support services.
“Young people have incredible passion and drive, but often lack the opportunity to set their goals in to motion,” Mr Marshall said.
“This can lead to a feeling of disconnection from your local community, and while sporting programs have had excellent results for many, they’re not for everyone.
“StART Moree will help the region’s youth turn their boundless energy into a productive outcome with a specific goal of assisting at-risk young people.”
Beyond Empathy Executive Director Kim McConville said the project would develop young people’s motivation, confidence and personal capacity.
“The journey young people will have taken will include new skills, acquired passions, come to understandings and can take on responsibilities for changing their worlds,” Ms McConville said.
“They have access to opportunities to grow and participate in their community.
“Our project focuses on youth self-sufficiency, producing a popular local event full of colour, sound and movement that reflects the interests of the young performers who will be inspired and mentored by professional artists.”