Clarence Valley Council will officially work alongside Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation Youth Services Team (BNMAC) to support the delivery of a valuable youth program in the Lower Clarence.
The Lower River Legends Program is a peer support initiative designed to enhance health and wellbeing outcomes for young people in the region. The program aims to strengthen resilience and support young people through consistent mentoring and healthy relationship building.
The program was piloted in 2022/2023 with sporadic funding provided by the Australian Drug Foundation. Positive outcomes were reported by participants with improved behaviour and lifestyle choices and connection to community services.
Clarence Valley Council's Director Corporate & Community, Alex Moar, said she's pleased to have this valued Partnership Agreement with BNMAC to support young people in the Lower Clarence.
"This exciting partnership agreement with BNMAC will see the continuation of this successful program for the next 12 months.
BNMAC has provided funding to support the delivery of the program, which represents a significant milestone for the Council, Bulgarr, Lower Clarence young people, and our broader program partners within the Clarence Youth Network."
"The Lower River Legends program features weekly sessions where participants engage in physical activities at CrossFit in Yamba and educational topics related to health and wellbeing. The curriculum covers goal setting, mental health, anger management, healthy relationships, body positivity, and healthy eating."
"The program works closely with Maclean High School to ensure participation of young people each week and is supported by Clarence Youth Network members who deliver key messages in interactive sessions. The model works to increase self confidence and knowledge of support services available to young people and how to access them."
Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation CEO, Scott Monaghan, said the organisation was proud to support the Lower River Legends Program with funding that would ensure the program continued consistently throughout the year.
"It's the first step in what we hope is a long-term partnership to help young people in the Lower River.
"We're trying to shift the focus from crisis interventions to having families and young people experience high quality support and outcomes before the crisis occurs."
BNMAC Youth Program Manager, Tara Woods, added that ensuring continuity of the Lower River Legends Program would have real tangible benefits for participants.
"Consistency with support for young people in this area is a significant issue. Having the Lower River Legends Program continue for the year without any gaps will be so beneficial – it keeps youth engaged with school and other supports like mental health, that are of so much importance for their wellbeing."
Based on participant feedback, the program will also explore additional topics such as drug abstinence, sexual education, and home workouts.
