Young people across Temora Shire embraced a range of engaging, educational and empowering activities during the recent school holidays, with Platform Y delivering three successful workshops planned and organised by its Youth Leadership Team. The holiday program began with a special NAIDOC Week Walk on Country at Woodlands Temora in partnership with Britt Hicks from Murrumbidgee Landcare. Using the Wiradjuri Plant Use in the Murrumbidgee Catchment booklet, participants took part in a native flora scavenger hunt while learning about local plant species and their traditional uses. The group was also joined by Councillor Brenton Hawken, who generously shared his knowledge and stories of Wiradjuri culture and language throughout the walk. Participants gained a deeper appreciation of First Nations culture, the significance of native plants and their enduring connection to Country. As part of caring for Country, they also collected rubbish throughout the bushland, helping to leave the area cleaner than they found it. Platform Y Leader Mentor Lillian Oliver also facilitated a Hospitality Workshop, where young people developed practical, job-ready skills including customer service, food safety, cash handling and creating positive customer experiences. Participants successfully completed the NSW Food Authority Food Handler Basics Certificate, providing them with a valuable qualification to support future employment opportunities. Thanks to Holiday Break funding from the NSW Government Office for Youth, Platform Y also took a group of young people to Zana Aerial Dance Academy in Wagga Wagga. Throughout the day, participants challenged themselves by learning a range of aerial and acrobatic skills, building confidence, resilience and trust while stepping outside their comfort zones. Temora Shire Council Youth Development Officer Sheree Elwin said the workshops provided young people with opportunities to learn new skills, make meaningful connections and challenge themselves in a supportive environment. "It has been wonderful to see our young people embrace every opportunity these school holidays. Whether they were learning about Wiradjuri culture and caring for Country, gaining hospitality skills for future employment or trying something completely new through aerial dance, each workshop encouraged confidence, teamwork and personal growth,” Ms Elwin said. "Our Youth Leadership Team should be incredibly proud of the role they played in planning and delivering these activities. Their ideas, enthusiasm and commitment helped create a program that was not only fun but also gave other young people valuable experiences and skills they can carry into the future." Platform Y extends its thanks to all workshop facilitators, volunteers and mentors who helped make the school holiday program such a success. These opportunities are made possible through the ongoing support of Temora Shire Council and funding partners, allowing Platform Y to continue delivering engaging, educational and empowering experiences for young people across Temora Shire.
