Pop-up workshops and mixer session to build on great youth project ideas

Ideas from the Bega Valley Youth Forum are evolving into projects to improve life for local young people.

27 July 2022

Ideas for a better life for young people in the Bega Valley will be given a boost throughout August with a series of pop-up workshops at libraries and a mixer event held as part of the upcoming Festival of Daring Possibilities.

Council’s Youth Resilience Officer, Callum Champagne said the Future Shaper Pop-Ups and Future Shaper Mixer were designed to support young people wanting guidance to transform their ideas into workable project proposals.

“If you’re a young person with a great idea and want to work with us to turn that idea into a real-world project, then come along to one of our pop-up events,” Callum said.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s something you want to lead or simply share for others to develop.

“In one afternoon, we’ll take you through a cutdown version of our recent Future Shaper camp workshop and pull together a simple proposal to express your project idea clearly and simply.”

Each Pop-Up session will run from 4pm to 6pm, with afternoon tea served.

  • Friday 5 August, Bega Library
  • Tuesday 9 August, Eden Library
  • Wednesday 10 August, Tura Murrang Library
  • Wednesday 16 August, Bermagui Library

Callum said the Pop-Up sessions are a follow-on from the Bega Valley Youth Forum held in late May and the Future Shaper Camp in July.

“A small group of young people took the strongest ideas from the forum and workshopped them at the camp; digging deeper to short list, prioritise and develop some key projects,” Callum said.

“Now we have seven solid project proposals ready to transform into real life solutions to the challenges faced by local youth. The projects address issues such as social isolation, youth creative expression and access to recreational opportunities and events.

“We’re keen to connect with other young people who may not have made it to these events, but who still want to express their ideas.”

Project proposals from the camp and pop-up sessions will be showcased at the Future Shaper Mixer, which will take place immediately before the opening of the Festival of Daring Possibilities at the Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre on 26 August from 4pm.

“We’re creating a space to mix informally and make connections with prospective mentors. Project proposals will be displayed and conversations will happen in a relaxed setting,” Callum said.

“It’s one final opportunity to get involved with the Future Shaper program and the chance to chat with as many helpful community members as possible.

“The next stage is to invite enthusiastic young people to get involved in small working groups to design, develop and carry out the projects with the support of mentors.”

You can find more information about the Future Shaper Pop-Ups and Future Shaper Mixer on Council’s website.

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