The Bongil Bongil Youth Collective (BBYC) has come a long way since its early days. What began as a project advisory group of committed community members has steadily grown into a thriving, youth-led collective that works alongside community to prioritise youth leadership, place-based collaboration, creativity and belonging. In the beginning, the advisory group was largely made up of adults who brought their networks, experience, and support to the table, while the BBYC’s young people carved out their own space to participate, learn and collaborate with local partners. Over time, these two streams have come together, blending perspectives and strengths into a single, unified group.
Today, the BBYC is in the process of establishing itself as an unincorporated association. This exciting step means the collective will soon be able to apply for grants, run independent projects, fundraise, and strengthen its position as a youth-led organisation. Recruitment is on the horizon, opening doors for new members to bring their unique voices, skills, ideas, and energy to the group.
One of the things that makes the BBYC unique is its diverse members. Young people, community members, local business owners and passionate advocates for young people collaborate side-by-side, each driving projects that reflect both community needs and youth aspirations. Initiatives such as Place of Plenty showcase how the BBYC can co-design creative, community driven projects that harness pride and commitment to the community that celebrate culture, connection, and inclusivity while amplifying youth voices.
Through this evolution, one thing has remained constant: The BBYC’s ethos of empowering young people and raising their profile in the community. By combining lived experience, intergenerational collaboration, and strong local partnerships, the collective continues to grow as a force for positive change in Toormina and beyond.
