Connecting young people in the region with local services, sporting groups, employment opportunities, volunteer roles and community organisations, the Echuca Moama Youth Expo was recently held at Echuca Stadium.
A collaborative effort between CCLLEN and Campaspe Shire Council, the expo was held on Thursday, September 12, for students in Years 7 to 10.
Around 1100 students from Echuca College, Echuca Twin Rivers Specialist School, St Joseph's College Echuca and Rochester Secondary College joined in on the day.
CCLLEN project support officer and event organiser Nikki Harris was delighted with the response from students and stallholders, including the response to the introduction of an event ‘passport’.
“Students have been very engaging this year in particular,” she said.
“We’ve got a little card where they’re asked to engage with at least four stalls in a certain category. They get that stamped and go into the prize draw.
“That’s been a really great initiative, and we’ve had some great feedback from the stallholders.”
A group of students from the participating schools played a part in organising the event, working alongside the Campaspe Shire Council Youth Action Group and CCLLEN to put the expo together.
This includes Rochester Secondary College students Jack Shotton and Asha Dodd, who enjoyed working behind-the-scenes with fellow co-design group members.
“We helped organise who was going to be coming today, where the stalls were going to be and the different raffle prizes,” Asha said.
“It was good getting to meet other people, we had people from other schools mostly in our year level, so it was good to make new friends.”
“Just seeing their ideas as well and their thoughts on it,” Jack said.
There were 40 exhibitors at the event including Campaspe Regional Library, Bendigo TAFE, EMFM, headspace, Echuca Regional Health, the CFA and Crossenvale Community House.
“I think it’s cool to see what the companies and organisations around us offer,” Asha said.
“Things we can sign up for (like) Bendigo TAFE ... considering what we can do in the future.”
Mrs Harris echoed these sentiments, highlighting the diversity of offerings close to home.
“It’s a great opportunity for the students to see what’s in their local community,” she said.
“The sporting clubs, the services that are available.
“It’s been great to have Community Bank on board to help them with opening their first bank account.”
Campaspe Shire Council was proud to support and play a part in coordinating the event.
Council staff members were on hand to promote their services and encourage youth involvement.
“We are thrilled to have had our youth development team, along with library, aquatics, recreation, community partnerships, waste education, events, arts and culture and team members play a role in this initiative,” Mayor Rob Amos said.
“The success of the expo is a testament to the collaboration of many local organisations and schools working together to foster a supportive environment where our youth can thrive and explore a multitude of opportunities.”