Short Story Program for Shire Youth
Published on 08 September 2023
Mansfield Shire Youth are welcoming short story submissions throughout September, encouraging young people to write about their unique experience of growing up in rural Victoria.
Nola Bales, Executive Manager, Community Health & Wellbeing, said this project will enable young people to articulate their stories and to share their unique experience of growing up in rural Victoria with others.
“Mansfield Shire Council’s 2019-2023 Youth Strategy key areas of focus are to connect, develop and support young people to live safe, happy and healthy lives,” she said.
“When the Strategy was developed 340 people were surveyed, and only 10% of young people felt that always have an opportunity to have a say on things that impact young people in their community and 36% of young people stated they didn't feel their voices are heard anywhere.”
“This project provides young people with an opportunity to have their voices heard, through articulating and communicating their unique experiences, the ways in which they have been shaped, and their hopes for the future.”
A workshop on writing short stories will be facilitated by Sue McDonald, who has a wonderful collection of quirky short stories and has been awarded prizes for her work.
Stories can be anonymous. The collection of short stories will be published in the Mansfield Courier and a curated collection printed for distribution.
The Mansfield Youth program has been expanding over the past 12 months and currently offers the following programs and activities:
- School Holiday Program
- After School program - Youth Chop n Chat (Monday), Arts/Craft and Games (Tuesday), Youth groups and games (Wednesday)
- Youth celebrations, leadership and performance opportunities throughout the year
Bookings are also open for Mansfield L.E.A.D. 4 day program for young and emerging leaders to be held in November.
This initiative has been made possible courtesy of a $2,000 grant (excluding GST) from Victorian Youth Fest 2023. For more information please visit the Mansfield Shire Council website www.mansfield.vic.gov.au or Mansfield Youth social media pages.