Hey, you've found our page!
This is where you can find all the information about the Upper Murray Youth Working Group (UMYWG), check out what we're up to, and what's planned for the future.
We'd love for you to hit that + follow button up top as this will keep you informed when youth events, activities, groups, or meetings are happening - and it's the quickest way to to become a member!
Please explore the site and interact where you can! This is an evolving space so hopefully you'll notice new things popping up here and there as we settle into our new online presence.
If you're a member of the UMYWG it's great to see you here. This is our site and that means we want to make it work for us, so if you have ideas to improve or add to the page, don't hesitate to get in touch!
-Peace out groovers
Have questions about a project, or want to get involved? Contact us below:
| Name | Youth Team |
|---|---|
| Phone | 6076 2176 |
| umyouthworkinggroup@gmail.com | |
| In writing | CNC - 39 Hanson st Corryong, Vic 3707 |
| youthspace@corryongnc.org | |
| In writing | Youth Space - 42 Hanson st Corryong, Vic 3707 |
The Youth Space is a multi-functional space with an open plan living area, wifi, kitchen, and various options for entertainment such as tv, video games, pool table, card games and board games.
3 years ago, the space was just another white-walled office building from a pedestrian's point of view. So in 2021 with the help of some creative and inspired young people, the mural project was born, and has continued to grow ever since!
Now (in 2023) you can see many individual and collaborative pieces on display in our ever-evolving space.
Living and growing up in the Upper Murray means that we are always surrounded by nature's beauty, but the destruction caused by the 2019-20 bushfires became a real eye-opener for many.
As a result the Upper Murray Youth Working Group decided that they wanted to learn more about the relationship between natural disasters and climate change, as well as ways they can be more sustainable in everyday life and create a positive future.
If this is an area you are passionate about, we'd love to hear from you!
What started in 2021 as an 'easy little zine project' in between lockdowns has become much more! We have done research and experimentation into what it actually takes to pull together a media publication, however need a group of passionate young people to take the lead if this is to progress.
Moving forward we are trying to create a supportive network of young photographers, journalists, film-makers, illustrators, and other creatives who are willing to try new things in our community, and share their stories.
Currently we have engaged the year 9/10 photography students to help construct articles for the Corryong Courier which relate to youth events and experiences.
We have also introduced young people to the world of local radio, which could open many more opportunities.
Let us know if you're keen to get involved!
While the Youth Space interior has been getting renovated, the backyard has gained a shipping container for storage, but has otherwise remained untouched.
We have a masterplan that involves adding garden beds, more art, and a small deck for sitting. We can't achieve this alone however, so need any committed young people to help out when it comes time for learning and creating our dream outdoor space!
As part of bushfire recovery initiatives, the UMYWG identified the need for a new/improved skatepark. It's taken a few years, however we are now seeing real progress with the council who have hired a design team, and established a project reference group to advise on the local community's needs.
The main difference we are hoping to see is more variety in obstacles and skill levels so that both beginners and advanced users can enjoy the park.
We are ensuring that young people are being recognised for their input, and have the opportunity to be paid for their time. - Get in touch to learn more!
You may be wondering why the UMYWG logo is a chicken head... well here's the tale that crept its way into all our hearts.
As the red glow in the sky got brighter, and the hot flames started creeping over Mt Mittamatite, it soon became clear that the bushfire wouldn't be going away. Local residents were forced to decide whether they should stay or go; to help protect their community, or get to safety while there was still the opportunity to do so.
People with animals were also faced with the impossible decision to either take or leave them to fend for themselves. In most cases people managed to bring their cats or dogs with them, however in a rural town there's always more animals than this, and it was people's backyard chooks who pulled the short straw in the end.
Our tale in particular focusses on a small chook shed on the outskirts of town, home to about 5 hens. There were no true witnesses to this next part of the story, yet the miraculousness has no other explaination. By this time the fire had blazed through the paddocks that separate Corryong and the mountain, and soon was licking the sides of the chicken house. It would seem that all was surely lost for the poor girls who were currently trapped inside, yet as the flames raged from every angle, their plastic water barrel suddenly gave way - flooding the pen and extinguishing the blaze! The chickens were discovered shortly after covered in ash, charcoal and smoke, but alive.
Chickens aren't often used as a symbol of resilience or survival, generally because the term has become associated with being scared or unwilling to try things. But after hearing this story at one of the first UMYWG meetings, the group decided to embrace the chicken head logo with full force, as it seemed to represent us more than any traditional symbol of survival ever could.
As for 'high def', well that's another story... (let me give you a hint; it's better than 'low res')
And a big thank you to Hannigan our local artist for designing and refining our logo!
We want to run events and activities that you're actually interested in - but we don't know what's cool or not unless you let us know! (max 140 characters).
5 September, 2022
Klein says:
Meditation classes/acting classes/reading group (theres a group like this in melbourne, “Read The Room” thats cool)
1 September, 2022
Emmatt says:
Dungeons & Dragons, Wood working, Video Games
Future Proof is a federally funded Victoria-wide initiative which is managed by the YACVic Rural team to provide training, and networking to all the partners. The CNC joined the project in Feb 2023. Future Proof aims to provide place-based, and youth-led upskilling opportunities to young people in bushfire affected areas, so they can be better prepared for the future.
The CNC youth program has been a recipient of Engage! funding since 2015. The program has supported Corryong Youth to explore new topics and give them a voice in the kinds of activities which were being delivered. If you want help getting an idea off the ground, just gather a small group of friends, and we can help make it happen!
Links to different mental health services for young people.
Organisations and committees who assist young people wanting to make a change.
