How do you treat yourself?
It isn’t often that we stop and take stock of how we treat ourselves, how this influences us and the outcomes it has.
But this is the question that is being looked at as part of the Byron Youth Theatre’s (BYT) new production that will be shown to local high school students next term and the screening of That Sugar Film on April 27 at the Byron Theatre starting at 6.30pm.
Young people are ‘curious to find out about the body, mind and spirit, as I think we all are,’ said BYT director Lisa Apostolides.
That Sugar Film screening April 27
‘We can all do with helpful reminders about our health and well being. That Sugar Film is one great reminder and an eye opener to the fact that not everything we have been sold as “healthy” is.’
Damon Gameau, who wrote and starred in That Sugar Film, will conduct a Q&A following the screening in Byron.
‘His first hand experience is remarkable and he will be able to share this with us as well as shedding light on other aspects of the film and his future production,’ said Lisa.
‘As a husband and father, he is perfectly placed to share about the challenges and demands of a busy work schedule, family commitments and personal health just like many of us.’
The ‘Treat Yourself’ project has been funded by Santos Organics and community donations through the Australian Cultural Fund, and will specifically engage with year seven and eight students at the Byron and Mullumbimby high schools and Shearwater.
‘BYT’s production looks into device usage, sleep patterns, exercise, mental health, connection with nature, social relationships, accepting different perspectives as well as diet,’ continued Lisa.
‘This is just one part of the overall project which also has an obstacle course and motivational talk with Lisa Parkes of Ninja Play Academy Byron Bay and Amanda Allen of CrossFit Byron Bay and a fun yoga and meditation session with Rocky Marte and Stefani Shulien from Byron Yoga Centre.’
The screening of That Sugar Film is open to everyone, with under 18s free and other members of the community $10. You can book tickets online through the Byron Community Centre or visit the Byron Community Centre on Jonson Street, Byron Bay.
Lisa adds, ‘To be really clear it is not about saying “Don’t ever eat sugar again!” It is not just focused on diet.’
‘We are using the word “treat” in different ways to open up discussion in a broader context.’
‘Come see the film with your children. Let them lead the discussion, let them ask the questions and let’s listen to them. Young people love it when there is real shared learning.
‘We would love to hear back from families who attend the event and especially those whose children also experience the Treat Yourself project regarding what impact it has had on them six6 months down the track.’
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
