With Youth Week now wrapped up for another year, we want to give a massive shout-out to the incredible young people across the Nambucca Valley and Toormina regions. Your energy, leadership, and ideas have made this week—and the weeks leading up to it—absolutely brilliant.
Youth Council Launch: Nambucca Valley Leading the Way
Youth Week kicked off with an exciting milestone: the first ever Nambucca Valley Youth Council!
Becoming U was proud to team up with Nambucca Valley Council to support this important initiative. Young leaders from Bowraville Central, Macksville High, Nambucca Heads High, and Shoretrack came together to explore youth voice, co-design, and how partnerships between Council and young people can really work.
A big thank you to the Council team, the Mayor, Councillors, and Community Development staff for championing this space and making it happen!
Listening, Sharing, Leading: PLACE Visit to Toormina
On Thursday morning, Toormina welcomed the PLACE Listening Tour—a national initiative spotlighting community-led action.
BBYC members Maleeah, Arlo, Darntell, and Hamish stepped up as incredible community guides, showing visitors what’s working, what’s needed, and their hopes for the future of Toormina’s young people.
Huge thanks to everyone who joined and supported this significant visit. These are the conversations that make real change possible.
Speaking Up at Coffs Harbour City Council
Later that day, Darntell and Jack represented BBYC at the Coffs Harbour City Council meeting, passionately supporting a motion to create a Youth and Recreation Hub in Toormina.
Their words were powerful, speaking to the need for safer, welcoming spaces where young people can connect, create, and feel a sense of belonging.
A big shout-out to BBYC adult member Connor Bryant for also speaking and to Councillor Paul Amos Fowler for backing our young advocates. We’re proud of how this crew continues to show up, speak out, and push for change.
Celebrating Our Youth: Coffs Coast Youth Awards
To top off an incredible Youth Week, we’re thrilled to celebrate four BBYC members who were recognised at the Coffs Coast Youth Awards. Each of these amazing young people are leaders in their own right, and we couldn’t be prouder.
Darntell Dickson – Maagunda Gilinggal Award
For demonstrating the strength of culture through leadership, resilience, and achievement.
Arlo Smith – Social Justice Award
For standing up for the rights of others and advocating for positive change in his community, most recently during the PLACE Roadshow.
Ade Kunie Amado-Taylor – Arts and Culture Award
For her incredible contributions to community arts and culture through BBYC projects, performances, and cultural leadership.
Jack Jones – Resilience Award
For overcoming challenges with courage and inspiring others with his strength and determination.
What a week! What a crew!
We’re so proud to walk alongside these inspiring young people, and we can’t wait to see where their ideas, energy, and leadership will take them next.
Stay tuned—we’re only just getting started.
