On the 1st of April 2026, 37 young people and the people who support them came together at the Dunn Lewis centre for a Youth Collective workshop. The question guiding the day was simple: what’s possible when we notice, energise, and build on what already exists for young people in our community?
As the workshop unfolded, participants explored their shared hopes for the Collective: stronger connections, pathways for young people, and opportunities to collaborate across organisations.
Carly from the Country University Centre South Shoalhaven hosted a values activity which helped the group uncover common threads and values to guide our work as a youth collective together: kindness, creativity, respect, connection, and collaboration.
We then moved into an ‘ask for what you need, offer what you can’ activity where the group shared over 110 needs and offers with key themes around safe spaces, funding, youth engagement and collaboration.
The workshop wrapped up with a commitment from the group to come together quarterly.
If your group or organisation is based in the South Shoalhaven, works with young people, or supports young people and you’re keen to hear more, please reach out to Kate at kate@communityconnectss.com.au