New Ballina youth festival – Thrillfest – announced for Youth Week

A new youth festival, Thrillfest, will be held in Ballina for the frst time during Youth Week, featuring a battle-of-thebands, skateboarding workshops, and football drills – and free buses will ferry young people to the events.

The Ballina Youth Network is organising Thrillfest, and the notfor-proft organisation Social Futures is part of that network. The festival will be held on April 16, from 11am, at Missingham Park, Ballina with the support of Rotary Ballina, Cherry Street Sports Club, Ballina Shire Council, Hartley’s Fruit Shop and Ballina Buslines.

Social Futures Children Youth and Families Manager, Kiara McBeath said the Thrillfest lineup was a testament to the diverse interests and skills of the region’s young people.

“Thrillfest festivities kick off with the Battle of the Bands, where aspiring musicians will hit the stage to compete for amazing prizes,” Ms McBeath said. “Get ready to cheer for your favourites and witness the birth of the next big thing in music.

Four new bus shelters on the way for Lismore: Saffn

STATE Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn says Lismore City Council will receive $70,000 in NSW Government funding to build four new bus shelters in Lismore.

Ms Saffn said Transport for NSW had confrmed funding for three new shelters in Goonellabah and a fourth near Lismore Base Hospital.

She said the projects are being delivered under the latest $1.6-million round of the NSW Government’s Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Grant Scheme (CPTIGS).

“I know from my contact with Lismore City Council’s Traffc Advisory Committee that the council is proactive in seeking funding to improve and maintain its bus stop network, a priority which I have always supported,” Ms Saffn said.

“I’m very pleased to see three new bus shelters on the way for Goonellabah – Waratah Way-Acacia Avenue;

Waratah WayKookaburra Terrace; and Grevillia GroveKookaburra Terrace.

“The planned bus shelter for Uralba Street-Hunter Street should be a plus for bus passengers needing to get to and from Lismore Base. “New bus stop shelters make public transport more accessible and attractive as an option to get around our local area so this investment is well targeted.

“They will provide better comfort, security and weather protection for public transport users.

“The next round of the CPTIGS opens on 1 July this year so I encourage local councils to check their eligibility and apply for funding.”

For a full list of councils and funding amounts visit: https:// www.transport.nsw. gov.au/operations/ communitytransport-operators/ country-passengertransport-infrastructuregrants-scheme

“You can also grab a board and join a skateboarding workshop run by Truckstop Skate School. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned skater or just starting, the Truckstop experts will guide you through techniques and tricks that’ll have you owning the pavement in no time.

“And for the sports enthusiasts, join in on our lively footy drills – a chance to show off your skills and maybe even learn a few new ones.

“The day is all about celebrating young people and their immense talents – from music to skateboarding to sport. And of course, it’s all about having fun!” There will also be interactive games, and a free BBQ lunch.

“In an effort to make Thrillfest accessible to every teen in Ballina, there will be free transport on the day,” Ms McBeath said.

“Every bus network in Ballina is supporting this event by offering free transport to Tamar Street all day long for young people,” Ms McBeath said.

“Join us for an unforgettable day of fun, friendship, and fanciful feats. Ballina’s youth are the heartbeat of our community, and Thrillfest is here to celebrate that energy and creativity.”

National Youth Week, April 11-24, is a weeklong celebration of the contribution that young people make to Australia. It is a joint initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments. Each year, all over Australia, events are planned and organised to celebrate and recognise the contribution of young people.

Know of a community project that needs a funding boost this year?

Applications are set to open for two streams of Council grants on offer for 2024-2025 community projects and creative activation of public space.

The two grant streams are:

• Community Initiatives Programgrants of up to $5,000 per organisation on offer (with a total pool of $57,500) for investment into inspiring community projects.

• Creative Public Spaces Small Grants –seed funding of up to $5000 (with a total pool of $15,000) for new temporary or permanent art works in public spaces in the Byron Shire.

Applications for these programs open on Monday 8 April and close on 30 June 2024. Further information, eligibility details and the application forms are available from Council’s website.

Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon said the purpose of Council’s investment in the funding programs was to deliver small grants that could make a big difference to community groups and creatives and help them to generate amazing outcomes.

“Last year Council supported a Japanese language play group, environmental initiatives through Mullum Seed, creative youth projects and lighting up the Love sign in Mullumbimby. Council’s grass roots funding programs have been running successfully for many years now and have been proven to help make outstanding projects happen in our community,” Mayor Lyon said.

“It’s one small way we can help to enrich community life and build connections to one another,” he said.

“Our grant application processes have improved over recent years - there is no longer a need for matching contributions from applicants and the assessment criteria have been simplifed.”

“We encourage applications for any event or project that supports the environment, the creative life of the community or that improves access and inclusion and opens up ways for more people to participate,” the Mayor said.

To fnd out more about the Community Initiatives Program and the Creative Public Spaces Small Grants program, go to Council’s website.

Eligibility criteria vary for each grant program so please read the terms set out on Council’s website.

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

‘LEEMS, there’s NOTHING like dancing’

‘Leemo Cat’ back. I must tell you that in the almost 12 yrs since accepting the ‘house sharing’ OFFER (+ my own bedroom, QS bed, blankies, food, toys, TV, Vet visits, & stu ) from ‘Mum Jane’ I have observed some rather peculiar behaviour patterns on her part. I ‘spose some of them may well have been acceptable many years ago but now that she’s getting old I feel she should be living her life as a more socially graceful elder woman who has hopefully gained some wisdom & dignity in her 74 years & adapted her habits accordingly. (Like her wise 90 yr old friend Audrey!) NUP, hasn’t happened. Mum has a somewhat deluded belief that SHE can actually dance. (She also thinks she can sing!) Mum, (to the dismay of neighbours) has at LEAST 2 music sessions weekly. I spend my time running back & forth on my delicate paws carrying ‘apology’ notes in my mouth to the closest neighbours saying “it’s that day of the week again but, remember, this too soon shall pass.” OMG. It’s ne for them ‘cos they only hear the music, they DON’T have to witness Mum, hmm, dancing. Oooh, it’s not at all nice: it’s kinda like she’s having an apoplectic t. Having no dance partner she uses her walking stick or a broom, swinging around with gusto whilst treading the boards with a display lacking all grace & dignity AND singing: Gross! Hmm? Ponder & question time. ‘Mum, what’s with the ‘dancing’ STUFF? Why not sit down, put a snug knitted rug over your knees and read a Jane Austen book or ‘Wise Tips for Elderly Women?’ Crikey, she gave me a bemused smile and said ‘Leems, in all your reading, have you not heard the saying ‘Dance like no one is watching: Sing like there’s nobody listening, and Live TO-DAY like its Heaven on earth.’ NO, I had NOT! ‘Well, Leems, a few FACTS about life as a human old woman. Are you perhaps, aware, my dancy stu , no matter how appalling to you it may be, brings me joy. For example, dancing around like a deranged unicorn with 2 legs can improve my exibility, minimise stress or depression, give me increased energy, improved cardio health and better co-ordination strength & balance AND, Leems, dancing puts me in a calming meditative state where my mind is completely focused on the present fun moment, rather than on stress of the past or future. Gottit? Hmmm? I’m not certain I have ‘gottit’ but the old lady kept talking. ‘AND, Leems, having this chat with you I feel it would be truly ni y if WE could learn to dance together. Perhaps we could be on A Talent Show? (MY secret thought was we could more likely be on the 7pm news. ‘Old Lady & Cat Arrested’ a er complaints by neighbours regarding loud music & yowling, mainly from Cat’) ‘So, let’s try a waltz Leems? We can get into the lively stu when you’ve learned.’ I had a slight conniption and decided to voice my feelings. ‘Mum, I am bloke and you are girl. I’m ‘sposed to put my arm around your waist. I short; you tall; you may suggest how this can be accomplished? Will you lie on the oor? AND then, how will you get back UP from the oor pray tell? And what about ‘twirling’ you?

My paws can’t twirl you unless I’m standing on your head clawing it, and THEN there will be much twirling & screaming I suspect.’ OMG, she got “that” look and informed me ‘Creedence Clearwater’ ni y ‘dancey music’ was about to play ‘Midnight Special’ ‘so suck it up Leems!’ I’m outta here for ‘week-long sleepover ‘anywhere.’ Nitey. Leemo.

Lismore City Council Empowers Youth with Dynamic Workshops During 2024 Youth Week

Lismore City Council is fully engaged in the upcoming 2024 Youth Week, committed to fostering creativity and empowerment among our younger residents through an array of dynamic workshops.

Scheduled from Tuesday, April 16th to Saturday, April 20th, this year’s Youth Week boasts an inspiring lineup of activities tailored for individuals aged 12 to 24. Participants can anticipate a platform for self-expression, skill development, and meaningful connections with like-minded peers who share their passions. The event offers a diverse range of workshops, each designed to unlock creativity and cultivate empowerment. From delving into the fundamentals of flm writing and production to exploring the vibrant realm of digital art, storytelling, and natural crafts with renowned artists, there’s something for every young enthusiast. Notable artist Chris Lego will lead a captivating exploration of zines from around the globe, providing a unique avenue for artistic expression.

Mykaela Baillie, Lismore City Council’s Quad Placemaking Offcer, emphasized the signifcance of this initiative in providing a supportive environment for youth to express themselves and contribute to their community. The overarching theme, “Express. Empower. Get loud!”, underscores the importance of celebrating individuality and fostering a sense of unity among young people across NSW.

Since its inception in 1989, Youth Week has evolved into a nationwide celebration, engaging thousands of young Australians annually. It serves as a platform for youth engagement and empowerment, offering opportunities for personal growth and community involvement.

The 2024 Youth Week program includes a variety of engaging workshops:

Quad Offsite: On Country Forest and Forage

Location: Namabunda Farm, 112 Whites Avenue, Alstonville

Date and Time: Tuesday, 16 April, 10am – 3pm

Discover the wonders of our local ecosystem as you forage for native foods and fbres and participate in the restoration of Youngman Creek’s Big Scrub rainforest.

Collage Club

Location: Goonellabah Library, 27 Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah

Date and Time: Tuesday, 16 April, 2.30pm - 4.30pm

The Collage Club is an ongoing community engagement and creative recovery program. It is a free, accessible program that enables the community to get together and enjoy the process of making collages in a supportive environment.

Quad Offsite: Jarjums on Paper

Location: Amarina

Aboriginal Artist Run Initiative, Shop 1/126 Molesworth Street, Lismore

Date and Time: Wednesday, 17 April, 10am – 1pm

Explore the rich world of digital art, storytelling, and natural crafts with renowned artists in a series of drop-in workshops.

Screenwriting and Film Workshop

Location: Lismore Library

Meeting Room, 44 Carrington Street, Lismore

Date and Time: Wednesday, 17 April, 10am – 11am

Dive into the basics of flm writing and production, guided by an acclaimed flmmaker and writer.

Zine Making Workshop (2-day workshop)

Location: Elevator ARI, 3 Rural Street, Lismore

Dates: Thursday, 18 April and Saturday, 20 April, 1pm - 5pm

Create and explore zines from around the globe with artist Chris Lego in this immersive two-day workshop.

Acting Workshop with Madeleine West

Location: Goonellabah

Library, 27 Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah

Date and Time: Thursday, 18 April, 10am11amThese workshops encompass a range of creative disciplines, providing participants with valuable skills and experiences. For further information on Lismore Youth Week activities, visit www.lismorequad. org.au/youth-week-2024.