Local projects leading positive change for young people
Two projects in Burnie share a common vision – to create a better future for local young people and their families. We visited Parklands High School and Youth, Family and Community Connections recently to learn more about these projects and the people behind them.
Parklands High School community garden
Building works on a new community garden has commenced at Parklands High School. The school’s principal, Magella Dudley, and vice principal, Bianca Munday, explained the master plan for the garden. Drafted in consultation with students, the plans include a yarning circle, sensory paths, a bush tucker garden, raised garden beds, orchard and a pizza oven. Located on the boundary of the school grounds, the garden will be open to everyone, and hopes are that the garden will strengthen community ties with the school.
So far, a glass hothouse, paths and raised garden beds have been installed, with connection of water to the site up next before planting begins.
Magella and Bianca explained that students have been involved throughout the design phase of the project and their input will continue as it comes to life. A shipping container will be adorned by Tasmanian Aboriginal-inspired artwork by students who will further develop their practical skills by fitting out the container to store gardening equipment. Fresh produce grown from the garden will be used in cooking classes and available at the school’s pop-up pantry.
Underpinned by the school’s values of ‘connection, courage, growth, respect, and responsibility’, the garden will be more than soil and plants, but a shared meeting place that brings people together and spreads the spirit of giving throughout the wider community.
Progress of community garden at Parklands High School.Youth, Family and Community Connections, ARVOs program
Offered once a week after school and during school holidays, Youth, Family and Community Connections (YFCC) runs the ARVOs program for young people aged 11 - 17.
A laneway in the heart of Burnie leads to the Junction Hub, a welcoming indoor space where young people are encouraged to drop in, stay a while, participate in an organised activity or just ‘chill’ and grab a snack.
The space is fitted with comfortable couches, musical instruments, kitchenette, as well as eight-ball, air hockey and table tennis tables. Jonathan Cowen, Education and Health Promotions Project Officer, runs a varied program of activities that changes weekly, and in the school holidays offers hobbies such as painting, skateboarding, bowling and surfing excursions.
YFCC Operations Manager Graham Marshall explained the program provides young people an opportunity to engage with their local services and have a place where they feel safe and supported.
The Junction opens their doors on Tuesday afternoons from 3:00pm – 4:45pm (Devonport) and Wednesday from 3:00pm – 4:45pm (Burnie). Further information about the program, as well as school holiday activities can be found at: www.facebook.com/youthfamilyandcommunityconnections/
Artwork on site featuring the school’s values of ‘connection, courage, growth, respect, and responsibility’.
TasNetworks Community Grants Program
The North West Transmission Developments project provided funding to Parklands High School for the community garden and YFCC for the ARVO’s program for 12 months following applications via the TasNetworks Community Grants Program 2024.
The TasNetworks Community Grants program provides funding for community groups and not-for-profit organisations to deliver projects in the community which seek to positively impact on our chosen focus areas. Through the TasNetworks Community Grants Program, we empower the community to tackle the challenges posed by:
- Rising cost-of-living pressures
- Enhancing community resilience
Grants of up to $10,000 are available for incorporated entities or charities registered with the ACNC who are operating within Tasmania and delivering activities that are aligned to the Program’s focus areas.
Applications for TasNetworks Community Grants Program for 2025 open soon. Sign up to keep updated about our Community Grants funding rounds: Community Grants Program - TasNetworks
