Central Coast resident Carlee Heise has been announced as a 2023 National ABC Trailblazer winner for her work leading the YAAS! Young Authentic and Social program.
The Trailblazer program is an opportunity for young innovators, aged 18-28, who have started social, educational, and economic development projects in their regional communities, to have their work celebrated nationally and receive an incredible package of support.
Heise will speak at Parliament House on Thursday, February 9, to an audience of 120 politicians and changemakers as well as being given national media and networking opportunities.
The YAAS! Young Authentic and Social program was piloted through the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus in 2022, as an arts and culture program supporting intersectional young people living on the Central Coast across LGBTQIA+, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and all abilities communities.
Prior to the Federal election in mid-2022, YAAS! received grant funding from the Federal Government, through the Strong and Resilient Communities (SARC) Activity – Inclusive Communities Grants project which enabled the employment of Heise, a youth worker, artist and advocate who had left the Coast to pursue a life and career in Sydney.
She returned home to launch the program which has in just a few months supported hundreds of vulnerable young people at social groups, parties, creative workshops and celebrations – most recently a booked-out Youth Drag Workshop and Teen Mental Health First Aid training during the school holidays.
“There are a lot of vibrant and creative, marginalised young people living on the Central Coast,” Heise said.
“It’s a privilege to engage and create with them, to watch them build friendships, confidence and community.
“It’s really special to be acknowledged as a Trailblazer for this work with our local young people.
“Together we are breaking down multigenerational neglect that’s lead to some terrible health outcomes and statistics for young people on the Coast.
“It’s time for our region and all its young people to be allowed to shine; their stories deserve voice and space.
“As a regional, young, queer person myself, I feel very proud to be representing the Central Coast on this national scale.”
Regional Development Australia, major sponsor of Trailblazer, is excited to play a key role in helping to put young Australians at the centre of conversations that shape their communities.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the initiative has supported countless young regional and rural Australians to tell their story and more broadly, to tell the story of regional Australia.
“In connecting the stories told by remarkable young people who are driving change in rural and regional Australia with the nation, Trailblazers broadens the understanding of what is possible and strengthens the foundation for these future leaders to succeed,” she said.
Source:
Media release, Feb 7
Naughty Noodle Fun Haus