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BYS is a not-for-profit incorporated community association committed to providing services for young people between the ages of 12 -24 and their families. Our services are based on a sound understanding of young peoples' needs and experiences.
We were established in 1987 and have been the primary provider of youth services in Byron Shire ever since.
BYS advocates for young people and provides programs and facilities that support and empower young people and their families.
"YOUNG PEOPLE MATTER"
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A word of commiseration to all affected by early-April floods - our hearts are with you and wishes that the sun shines anew and bring rejuvenation from the debris.
Although not affected severely, floods did require the postponement of Bruns Sk8park, a National Youth Week activity funded by Byron Council, run by BYS and Byron Skateboard School. The delayed competition was well attended nevertheless, and was a great day, in no small part due to the generous sponsorship by many local businesses. A big thank you to sponsors for their support.
April Flea also hosted the National Youth Week iSNAP photo competition and the Blues Fest Grommet competition, both of which showcased the exceptional talent of young people in our region. Community support of iSnap was exceptional, with incredibly generous sponsors donating not only prizes, but also cash for the winners, exhibition space and support of young people. The photo entries are still exhibited at the Brewery until 10 May, for those who want another look. Thanks to all entrants and participants and supporters!
We are always on the lookout for volunteers to help us with our important projects, so if you have the time and the inclination, contact us and we'll get you busy supporting us to support young people.
From BYS staff, Committee of Management, volunteers and students, may May be stupendous for you and yours and remember to give a smile of encouragement to the young people in your life.
From all of us @ BYS,
Byron: 6685 7777
Mullum: 6684 3086
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MULLUMBIMBY COTTAGE
After school holidays, groups have re-commenced at the Cottage. Even on rainy days groups have a comfortable space to hang out in,
donated blankets and cushions (thank you kind people) and a nutritious and warm meal cooked by Dr Liz.
Thanks to a successful grant application, BYS has received some funding from NRCF that allows us to offer a great opportunity for a group
of girls from Mullumbimby High to participate in a pilot program. Nalia Dubay (Bundjalung for 'group of girls') will be facilitated by Deb Pearse
and Nickolla Clarke. Nickolla has already done some great work with Byron Council and with the Deadly Dancers and is well on her way to
being an acclaimed Indigenous artist
.
Simplistically the group will develop the capacity to create a cohesive, positive group who will continue to work with other service providers,
create change within their peer groups, create links between cultures, provide information and increase understanding and promote behaviour change
with the aim of keeping country clean. Part of the program will also involve participation in the Dolphin Dreaming program at Byron Bay Lighthouse.
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Byron Distance Education @ the YAC
Distance Education Students took a break from the books at the end of first term to spend time with Byron Local Skater, Flavio
Biehl, from
Byron Bay Skateboard School
. Flavio talked to the Year 10 students about how skating took him on an exhilarating journey from Brazil to Byron and helped to shape him as a person who makes a living doing what he loves.
The young people then took to the decks to practice skating tricks and techniques. They skated for over an hour, it
was a great outlet for all their fantastic energy, daring and creativity. The physical activity also helped the students settle and concentrate on school work later in the day.
Youth Worker Dale Shaddick, The Byron Youth Service and the kids from Distance Education would like to give a huge thanks to Flavio for generously sharing his time, passion and knowledge!
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BYS @ Bluesfest 2017
Thank you to all the Bluesfest crew, Chargespot, volunteers: Cybele, Angela, Ritamba, Mark, Dale, Walter, Patrick, Thea, Gina, Lindy Lou & Rebecca, and patrons for all your energy, commitment and awesome support at Bluesfest!
Thanks to Kinoko for a yummy dinner to thank our volunteers!
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Battle @ Bruns for Youth Week
Sunday saw the Brunswick Heads Skate Park fill with Skate fanatics of all ages. The event was the yearly Battle @ Bruns Skateboard Competition Hosted by Byron Youth Servive in collaboration with Byron Skateboard school, funded by Byron Shire Council as part of National Youth Week.
Results
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Girls
- Haylie Powell
- Indiana Barnard
- Izzy MyPherson
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Under 8s Boys
- Oscar Southerden
- Jake Thatcher
- Rowan Shiris
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Under 12s Boys
- Karlin
- Riley
- Nakula
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Under 16s Boys
- Nixen
- Sam
- Bailey
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Opens
- Sambo Remwick
- Michael Mitchell
- Luke Phillips
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Masters
- Brash
- Tony
- Flavio
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The weather was favorable with not a drop of rain to hinder the keen Grommets.
Food was donated by Local Businesses:
The Village Green, IGA and Bruns Bakery,
and a Free BBQ was provided to keep the busy kids satisfied.
Sponsors include Stash House, Truckstop, Skull candy and Skate All Day.
The Next Skate comp to be held in the Byron Shire is Rukkus, in Mullumbimby on Sunday 16th July.
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iSNAP Photography Competition for Youth Week
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Troy McFarlane - Runner up
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Marli Maddison - Runner up
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Liam O'Donnell - Runner up
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Thank you to our generous sponsors:
Byron Brewery
Byron Bay Dive Centre
Byron Coastal Real Estate
Byron Hire
Byron Taxis & Limousines
Byron Writer's Festival
First National Real Estate
Fuji Film - Byron Bay
2 Die 4 Live Foods
The Balcony
Tully's Cafe
and a special thanks to Sally Alvin for her wonderful work in organising the Competition!
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Courses - Programs - Activities
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Hospitality and Events Certificate II and III
beginning 15th of May!
The course is highly supported with small class sizes and skilled support workers. It can be looked at as a soft entry into the local job market as we pair the students up with local businesses. We are now taking applications and places are limited. Please pass this on to any young people who you think would be interested. Ages 16-24.
Please contact me if you have any further questions or need some more information.
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BARISTA COURSE
When:
Tuesday 23rd May, 4pm - 7pm
Tuesday 13th June, 4pm - 7pm
How much: $50
Who: Ages 15 - 24
Where: Byron Youth Activity Centre
1 Gilmore Crescent
Byron Bay
To book a place call 6685 77 77
Thanks to Byron Bay Coffee Company for donating coffee for our course!
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Safe Drivers Course for Learners
The Safer Learner Driver Course is a combined theoretical and practical Course for under 25 year-old learner drivers who have completed 50 hours of log book driving hours. The Course involves two Modules:
- Module one: A three-hour facilitated group discussion on how to manage risks on the road. This will involve a maximum of twelve participants and will be delivered by a facilitator.
- Module two: A two-hour in-vehicle coaching session to develop low-risk driving strategies. This will involve two participants and a coach.
Participants who complete the course will receive a bonus of 20 hours credit recorded in their learner driver log book.
COURSE NOTES:
- BYS is an RMS authorised Course Provider
- The Course costs a total of $140 for both modules.
- Participants may enjoy completing the Course with a friend particularly for the in-vehicle session.
- For more information please contact: Steffie Sims on 6685 7777 or email info@bys.org.au
Next Course dates:
Wednesday 31st May - 4.30 to 7.30pm
To book visit:
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Work and Development Order (WDO)
The Work and Development Order (WDO) Scheme is an initiative that offers vulnerable young people (aged 12-24) the opportunity to clear outstanding fines with activities at the Byron Youth Service like unpaid/volunteer work, counselling, & participation in courses or programs.
WDOs are available to anyone who is homeless or in acute financial hardship, as well as people living with mental illness, intellectual disability, cognitive impairment or serious addiction.
Byron Youth Service is working together with Legal Aid NSW and the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW) to link eligible clients with the program.
For more information call BYS on 6685 7777
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What an amazing Blues festival we had!! Many thanks to Byron Youth Service and Bluesfest organisers for keeping The Brain , alive and well at Blues.
BYT members Aiyana Ellis, Kia Walsey, Oberon Marriott and Brynn Davis Hay got into the the spirit of The Brain this year and managed the hot temperatures and dust to engage the crowds with Lisa and Mandy Morris.
" It was a great experience and very tiring in the heat, people were really interested in our work and thought the Brain was a good way to remind people to look after themselves!" shared Aiyana.
Also during the holidays Oberon, Brynn and Honey Jade were involved in the very successful Pop up Playspace initiative created and organised by Valley Lipcer of Roundabout Theatre.
Using a mixture of good old fashioned games like egg and spoon races, cards, giant twister, chess as well as energetic dance sessions BYT members played with a a whole host of young people tourists and locals and their parents. The funding for this initiative came from Byron Council.
PASH rehearsals are well underway and the 13 strong cast are excited to be performing this informative and entertaining piece again on June 15th and 16th. Check out the PASH website for details. There are plans for a Community performance/talk evening in Byron during the conference dates, so watch this space and facebook page for more details.
All local high schools have now booked the Here Today Project Part 1 which explores issues of bullying and it's connection to youth suicide. This has been funded by the Country Arts Support Program, Regional Arts NSW. The scenes which BYT members have developed will be used in an interactive style performance workshop which allows young people to suggest and try out solutions to the issues presented.
BYT are hoping to present this production again for a World Suicide Prevention Day event to be held in September.
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Quenton Bruce, 17 years old, Barista Student
1. What has been the best experience in your life?
All of it.
2. What inspires you?
Different things have inspired me in my life at different times, so it's hard to pinpoint one thing that inspires me. It's all good.
3. Who would you like to meet and what would you ask them?
Neil Armstrong. What was space like?
4. What would you like to see happen in Byron Bay?
For everyone to slow down a little bit.
5. When do you think a person becomes an adult and how?
Strong-minded but respectful of others and realizing it's about meeting in the middle. Whatever age bracket that happens in.
6. What do you believe in?
As soon as you start to believe in something a bit too much, you start to push out other stuff, which is counterintuitive to what you want to do. I'm open to other people's subjective ideas.
7. What has been the worst experience in your life?
Taking life too seriously.
8. What would you like to change in the world?
Nothing. I would like to influence people but I can't change anything.
9. What's important in a relationship?
Don't do it for false reasons. Be honest. You should do it for reasons you know and care about.
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Northern Lights rocks!
After a few weeks break during the school holidays Northern Lights free youth events in Ocean Shores resumed Friday the 28/4! We made vision boards and worked on our future goals! Our funding for this initiative is running out so if you wish to support or be involved in keeping these great programs for young people going then get in touch.
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STREET CRUIS
E
Cruising the Byron Shire on Friday nights from 8pm till 12am.
THANK YOU TO OUR AWESOME SPONSORS!!!!
BYRON CAPTURED WATER
EARTH N SEA PIZZA
&
BYRON BAY POLICE
for allowing us to park the bus on their property!
Your donations are invaluable.
Click on link below to donate!
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Management Committee 2017
Kristie Clifton Chairperson
Michael Goldberg
Vice Chairperson
Ian Leggo Treasurer
Mark Smith Member
Martyn Mills Member
Patrick Lorenz Member
Teeya Blatt Manager
Byron Youth Service Team
Teeya Blatt Manager
Deb Pearse Mullum Youth Coordinator
Rosalie Bryant Byron Youth Coordinator
Stephanie Sims YAC Coordinator
Berri Drum Byron Flea Coordinator
Dale Shaddick Education Support Coordinator
Lindy Lou Smith Links to Learning Coordinator
Karim Kauffman Links to Learning Facilitator
Jonathan Edwards Accountant
David Dalton Street Cruise
Yani Clarke Resident Photographer
Ken Kahlert Northern Lights Facilitator
Community Project Workers
Katie Magriplis Byron Community Campus
Chad Kolzce The Uncle Project
Morag Roseby The Uncle Project
Lisa Apostolidis Byron Youth Theatre
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