A SHOWCASE of the best short films, stories and photographs created by the Port’s youths capped off a week celebrating the contributions young people make in their communities.
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Port Stephens Council’s Youth Advisory Panel set residents aged 12 to 24 a challenge on April 7 – the day before Youth Week kicked off – which was to to channel their skills and imagination into creating a song, film, short story or photo within 24 hours.
By the end of the 24 hours, the judging panel had more than 30 entries.
“The entries were exceptional,” Adrian Solomons, a founding member of the youth advisory panel, said.
“There were no ages specified on the entries but going through them all you had to remind yourself that they were submitted by 12 to 24 year olds.
“The passion in a lot of the stories was really something.
“People are really telling personal stories, which takes a lot of guts to do.
“It [challenge] is something we’re really proud of and one we’ll certainly run again and keep going.”
Jahli Magick won the photography section of the challenge, called Port Stephens 24.
Sharon Park won best short story, David Hukka for his short film, and Splinter for its short story.
The winners were announced at the showcase at Raymond Terrace Library on April 14.
At an encore showcase event at Tomaree Library on April 15, Mahaylia Soars won the people’s choice award.
Miss Soars, 16, from Raymond Terrace said she regularly published her stories online but took the Port Stephens 24 opportunity to share them another way.
“I had an idea for a story as soon I heard about the challenge,” Miss Soars said.
“I just waited to find out what the theme [for the challenge] was and wrote it.
“It was a bit stressful but it felt amazing once I submitted it.”
Tahli Calvert, 15, from Raymond Terrace submitted a photo of her friends into Port Stephens 24 which touched on the challenge’s theme of wellbeing.
Mr Solomons said Youth Week in Port Stephens had been a success, from the launch at The Deck youth venue in Raymond Terrace on April 8 through to the showcase events.
Members from the advisory panel took part in a collaborative event at Merewether Surfhouse on April 14, which looked to connect Hunter region youth groups and organisations to share ideas and create outcomes for youths in the area.
Launched during Youth Week was website for youth, created by Port Stephens resident Kaylie Newell.
Port Stephens Youth Access has been a year in the making.
Miss Newell devoted all of her free time between studying a double degree, working, being a mum and a Youth Advisory Panel member to creating the website.
“It’s a one stop shop for youth support,” Ms Newell said.
“It has links to services, resources, it promotes youth stories and events in the area.
“I created the website so youth can get direct support for what they need.
“When I was a teen I had some issues. I spent ages surfing websites for information and support. It should have been easier. Now it is.”
