Tilka Fosmale, Honey Jade, Antonia Canosa, Lisa Apostolides and production crew. Photo supplied.
Need a bit of small change to get your idea going? Byron shire council’s youth grants may be what you are looking for. Aimed at 15–25 year olds the two $2,500 Small Change grants are aimed at supporting projects by young people for young people.
Last year the Byron Youth Theatre (BYT) received a grant that is enabling Tilka Fosmale, BYT members and other local youth create a short video which will expose what it’s like to grow up in Byron Bay.
‘There are many young people doing amazing things here’ said Tilka.
‘There are also many specific issues we have to deal with which some adults don’t really understand.’
Inspiration for the project came partly from BYT members being interviewed by Antonia Canosa, a PhD graduate of Southern Cross University for her dissertation about the effects of growing up in a tourist destination.
‘Having grown up in a tourist destination in Italy I was interested to explore how young people in the Byron Shire negotiate a sense of identity and belonging amidst the continuous flow of visitors.’
Findings from Antonia’s research suggest that young people have a strong sense of connection and belonging to their community, including the natural and built environment, which is challenged by the transient nature of tourism activity in the region. There are several key challenges that young people face growing up in the Byron Shire including feelings of alienation at peak tourist times. Young people have also talked about the perceived lack of safety at these times and of the impacts of tourism activity on the natural environments in their community.
Transport and events in the north of Byron shire are also problematic and the Byron Youth Serviceare currently looking at ways to address this.
If you are interested in getting involved in this short video production contact Tilka via [email protected].
Applications for the Small Change grants must address one or more of the themes in Byron Shire Council’s Community Strategic Plan: environment, society and culture, economy, community infrastructure or corporate management.
‘We are looking forward to receiving some exciting applications for projects, workshop programs, activities and events that promote a positive image of young people,’ said Rochelle Barclay, community project officer.
The closing date for applications is 9 October 2017. For more information call Rochelle Barclay on 6626 7000 or click here.
