A new publication is about to hit the streets around Byron Shire from November 16.
At 32 pages, Sonder will be produced as an A4 publication and roughly 1,000 copies will be distributed in Byron Shire cafes and bookshops.
What makes it different is it’s a vehicle for the younger members of the community to voice their opinions and showcase their writing and artistic talents.
It’s been funded partly by the Youth Training Station, a not-for-profit organisation that is auspiced by the Mullum Music Festival.
The Training Station’s focus is to provide ‘real support and alternatives to young people in regards to career and life choices.’ Further funds came from Byron Shire Council, which helped pay for layout, design, printing and distribution.
One of Sonder’s writers is Byron Shire Youth Council member Hayley Acton, and she explains how it came about.
‘We hosted with our Youth Council budget a zine-making workshop, which was facilitated by the incredible Beck Marshall. Approximately 20 participated by either writing, editing or submitting artworks. Weekly meetings were held with the working party to review articles and designs with Beck.
‘We initially aimed to have Sonder printed at the end of 2014 and have it out to the public by December; however we encountered editing and financial issues that prevented the print going ahead that year.
‘Thankfully we received more funding from the Youth Council’s 2015 budget and the Mullumbimby Training Station that is allowing us to now go ahead with the final editing and publication of Sonder.’
