It will operate in conjunction with NSW Police’s Youth Strategy, geared toward reducing the number of young people engaging in anti-social behaviour and criminal offending.
An information session was recently held with representatives from Deniliquin High School, Vinnies Services, NSW Police, Yarkuwa and other organisations and businesses.
The aim was to spread awareness about the group - a collective of like-minded people wanting the best for the youth of Deniliquin - and the aim to change engagement, outcomes and the lives of young people in Deniliquin.
Another aim is to break down the stigma around policing of young people.
Once officially formed, members from the community will be invited to join.
In the meantime, the group will be raising funds to bring a Phunktional Arts presentation to the community.
Phunktional Arts is a not-for-profit organisation delivering community arts and cultural development projects, as well as educational theatre performances.
From these different projects and performances, Phunktional hopes to create a safe environment for hard conversations, and, give youth seeking support that option.
“Our purpose is to support the creation of art that is a catalyst for greater connectedness, community engagement and intercultural understanding,” the organisation said.
The vehicle for opening up conversations and to continue to address the tough topics will be Phunktional’s original screenplay ‘Love Drunk’.
It was written in 2005 and has been toured around the country by Phunktional Arts for well over 10 years.
A Deakin University evaluation on the play said “The script has been adapted to remain contemporary in the way it explores issues of concern to young people”.
“The play deals in an unvarnished fashion with sexual assault, safe partying, domestic violence and racism,” the Deakin evaluation continued.
“Additionally, the play is a moral commentary on masculinity, friendship and respect.”
The Deni Youth Initiative hopes to raise $75,000 to bring the Phunktional Arts stage show to Deniliquin, and to help with formation of the group.
The goal amount will cover the cost of living for the artists in residence from Phunktional, and a number of costs related to the starting of an organisation like this and its activities.
Donations, which are fully tax deductible, can be made to the Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre Charity Account - BSB: 633 000; Account: 221 278 070.
Please send an email to david.crew@yarkuwa.org.au to advise of payment, for a receipt to be issued.
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