Our community's young people have been left inspired and empowered. The Yuwa Nyinda festival became a place to spark creativity and confidence over two fun filled days. With every laugh, conversation and activity these young people discovered the power of their potential—and this is just the beginning of their journey.
At a time when many young people feel overwhelmed by the challenges of life, the Yuwa Nyinda Dream Academy offered an opportunity to reflect and focus on dreaming.
The event addressed concerns raised in community discussions that young people in the area were struggling to envision a positive future due to various social and economic challenges.
"Yuwa Nyinda," which translates to "Yes, You" in Dunghutti language, reflects the festival's goal of empowering both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth in the community. The initiative aimed to help young people regain the ability to dream and set goals for their futures.
Kempsey Shire Council played an active role in the festival, with the community engagement team collaborating with the library team to create a successful activation.
Council's booth was a hive of activity, featuring a photobooth, virtual reality goggles, and an art station where participants were asked to answer a simple yet profound question: "What's your dream?".
The responses were as diverse as they were inspiring, from aspirations of becoming a nurse to help others, to dreams of attending university and achieving financial success. It was a powerful reminder that our youth have dreams—they just need the opportunity to express them.
One of the highlights of the festival was the creation of the Freedom Ride memorial mural, a project proudly supported by the Council. This mural stands as a symbol of our commitment to acknowledging past injustices and working towards healing and unity within our community.
The financial support provided by the Council underscores our dedication to fostering a community where every young person feels seen, heard, and valued.
Supporting our youth is not just an investment in their future; it's an investment in the future of the entire Macleay Valley. By helping our young people find their purpose, place, and passion, and by daring them to dream, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive community. The Yuwa Nyinda Dream Academy festival was more than just an event—it was a powerful statement of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision of hope and possibility.
Together, we can continue to inspire our youth to dream big, because when they thrive, our entire community thrives.
