Participants
Our first Learning Network event for 2025 was held on 3 April, exploring the story of Learning the Macleay, a community-led initiative that has taken big steps since its beginning only 2 years ago :
From kick-off and making connections and building momentum at ChangeFest23 To hearing the community voice through deep engagement To community action around key areas of priority including community governance We heard from Jo-Anne Kelly (Partnership Lead) and Robert Silva (Project Officer) as they shared the “Dunghutti way”, acknowledging that methods may differ across communities
Jo discussed the community’s journey towards healing, education, and alignment. She highlighted the importance of acknowledging the past, the need for a concerted effort to make a change and the importance of having the community at the center of decision-making. She discussed their pillars of healing; educating and aligning and the focus areas of the community: racism, relationships, and right timing.
Through a community survey and engagement and the community leadership, they are now focusing on making the community safer and better for young people. The Yuwa Nyinda Dream Academy exposed local young people to a range of interactive activities with the old saying “you can’t be it, if you can’t see it”.
A follow up survey and engagement of young people have highlighted key themes of importance, and after the presentation, the small group discussion took place on three different themes identified – Community & Social Support, Youth Empowerment & Voice and Support for young people in custody. Together we all explored the similarities and the differences across communities and our work related to these thematic areas and beyond. This provided an opportunity for Learning the Macleay to test these key themes ahead of the Yuwa Nyinda Youth Summit occurring the following week which will bring together diverse stakeholders to develop 2 action plans.
We also heard amazing local music “Dunghutti Rythym” from Kempsey High School and The Black Truth “There’s still Hope’.
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