Youth

As reported in the previous issue of the [Buloke] “Times”, Donald’s Jacob Donnellon had a big weekend ahead of him. After having been selected as a state finalist in the 2024 Junior Rural Ambassador program, he was headed to Kaniva for the VAS deciding round ... Say congratulations to the 2024 Victorian Junior Rural Ambassador champion!

You know that the approach of Brisbane’s government to tackle youth crime is off the rails when their own Auditor General says ‘64 per cent increase in the average daily number of serious repeat offenders, from 2018–19 to 2022–23’, The KAP Leader and member for Traeger has said. “A 64 per cent increase! This from a government who is trying to tell Queenslanders that crime rates are coming down – they best have a read of their own report”, Mr Katter said.

Rabobank’s Rabo Community Fund has partnered with the ‘edu-tainment’ brand ‘George the Farmer’ for the third year to help educate children about where their food and fibre comes from in a fun and engaging way during this year’s National Book Week – August 17 to 23.

Bob Beadman ... on the one hand there is a view that the courts are too harsh. The social reformers, a few academics, and the unaffected in the suburbs of our major capital cities subscribe to this view, I suspect. And on the other hand, the victims of repeated break-ins, or home invasions, regularly by repeat offenders on bail, believe the courts are too lenient.

There is an old saying. Just because you said something does not mean they heard you. We live in the 24/7 communication age. The challenge for any leader is which form of communication is the most effective ... 10 communication tips for our next generation ...

Corryong College presented its own version of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland to appreciative audiences from June 19th to 21st, infusing contemporary elements into the timeless story. More than 100 students developed their acting, singing, musical and technical skills throughout Semester 1 culminating in a ‘wonderful wonderland’ of characters and musical experiences...

Tick the box for Yes or No. The handwritten note we would have our friends pass on to those we were sussing out as potential ‘boyfriends and/or girlfriends’ when we were at school ... With the introduction of smart phones and other handheld devices, social media and a whole lot of angry, jealous, nasty, cruel and self-indulgent sick human beings, we are now faced with a new type of bullying called ‘sexploitation’.

Hay Inc has delivered the Hay Inc Rural Education Program for 10 years, and now have 145 young adults that make up the Hay Inc Alumni. After completing their final training week,  graduation was held after competing in the Junior Sheep Judging at the 2024 Hay Sheep Show.  

Nhill College celebrated ‘World Music Day’ on Friday with over 60 students performing. The Year 7 Bucket Drumming Group welcomed our concert goers with a series of traditional and not so traditional patterns they have been working on in class. This was followed by the Junior Voices singing, ‘I Am The Earth’, written by Glyn Lehmann in 2008.

There was a parliamentary sitting with a difference in Alkimos this week with just the House of Representatives Speaker and one member of Parliament in attendance. On Thursday Shorehaven Primary School welcomed the House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick and Pearce MHR Tracey Roberts as part of the Parliament in schools program.

For the first time in its history, Irene McCormack Catholic College has welcomed a House of Representatives Speaker to the college. A college spokeswoman said Speaker Milton Dick’s visit provided an opportunity for Year 11 and 12 students to gain first-hand insights into the workings of the Australian Parliament and the impact of successful policy implementations in their area.

The first Residential Youth Justice Facility in Tennant Creek is set to open this week. The facility, located in Juno about seven kilometres east of the town, will be able to accommodate up to six youth involved in the justice system until a purpose-built facility is completed.

A mentoring session for Narrandera High School Boys to the Bush participants brought together a group of 10 enthusiastic participants. The session aimed to promote community spirit, resilience, engagement, confidence building and respect among the students and activities were designed to provide opportunities for meaningful interactions and personal growth.

Narrandera High School Year 12 student, Tahlia Gilbert, has been named Riverina Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander VET Student of the Year for 2024. She now moves on to the state finals. Tahlia is in her final year of her school-based traineeship - Certificate III Human Services with Murrumbidgee Local Health District working at the Narrandera Hospital.

Sarah Herrmann. This Pride Month has an extra layer of celebration for the Copper Coast Gay Straight Alliance. The alliance has marked five years of providing a safe space for more than 50 local LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies to socialise ... The GSA gives the teenagers a chance to interact freely ... and form a support network ...

With an unusually late start due to Wycheproof-Narraport having no under-17s, the teams were bolstered by some of the girls who have been playing in the girls competition and an exciting, albeit low-scoring game ensued.

Acclaimed children’s author Rory H. Mather is set to brighten up winter school holidays in Southern Downs Regional Libraries when he visits to take mums, dads and kids on an adventure through his captivating children’s books.

Serena Kirby. Denmark Primary School’s new principal Luke Breman aims to bring calm and stable leadership to the school ... Luke said there would be a renewed focus on quality, evidence-based teaching programs across the whole school.

Joanna Tucker. A study by Victoria University’s Mitchell Institute has found childcare accessibility in the federal electorate of Grey to be the worst in Australia ... Kadina Child Care Centre director Caren Hammerstein said the centre has 105 children on its waiting list.

Kerang Soccer Club (KSC) held its inaugural Inter-School Soccer Championship at Atkinson Park, Kerang on Sunday, June 2. Koondrook Primary School took the honours, defeating a competitive Kerang South A side 1-0 in the grand final.

The annual Combined Wilcannia Cross Country Run was held last Friday. All students did their best and many exceeded their own best times from 2023. Well done to Jarren who saw a friend in need and gave Todd a piggyback for the final leg of the race.