In May 2022, ABC Takeover gathered 42 local young people for Shepparton’s first-ever ABC Takeover Youth Summit.
Participants were mostly Year 9 students and older, with students representing each of the secondary schools in the region.
As part of the week-long program, participants talked about local issues that concerned them and workshopped ideas around how the community could address these challenges.
Issues concerning gender identity, racism, mental health, alternative hands-on learning options and homelessness were discussed.
The young people were given the platform and empowerment to seek solutions.
With Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal funding, several local organisations applied for a grant to bring the Takeover participants’ initiatives to life.
The young people who workshopped this issue saw Triple H (Humanity Helping Homelessness) as a community movement to raise awareness and provide support for people experiencing homelessness locally.
Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project, The Bridge Youth Service, Berry Street and Education First Youth Foyer successfully received grants to develop the Triple H project.
Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project communications co-ordinator Amy De Paola said the Triple H project was a testament to the community’s dedication to creating a supportive environment for youth, addressing homelessness and fostering empathy and understanding.
“By amplifying the voices of those directly affected, this initiative highlights how a community-driven approach can assist with tackling youth homelessness in our region,” Ms De Paola said.
Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project was funded to create several videos. These videos featured interviews with local young people who had experienced homelessness and service professionals who worked to assist those who found themselves without a place to call home.
Stephanie Byrne co-ordinated the development of these videos as part of her 2022 Goulburn Murray Community Leadership program project.
“This project and event was a collaborative effort that has empowered young advocates to voice the change we want to see in our community, now and into the future,” Ms Byrne said.
The Bridge Youth Service orchestrated an event on November 15 that served as a pivotal moment for the Triple H project.
All three organisations participated in the evening, showcasing a keynote address by former Shepparton resident and homelessness advocate Brea Dorsett, who shared her journey through homelessness.
Ms Dorsett’s powerful narrative was followed by a panel discussion, shedding light on strategies to eliminate the stigma associated with homelessness and highlighting effective approaches to support young people facing this formidable challenge.
The videos can be accessed via the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project website at www.gslp.com.au
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