Youth Frontiers is a youth mentoring initiative delivered over a six-month period during school terms. Student mentees are carefully matched to volunteer mentors who provide the young person with 30 hours of mentoring.

A crucial part of the program is recruiting members of the community to be mentors for students. Mentors come from diverse backgrounds and are carefully screened. Through the mentoring relationship, mentors build young people’s leadership skills and foster civic engagement. Mentors encourage positive choices, foster self-esteem, support academic achievement and encourage community participation.

Students who participate in the program experience increased confidence, leadership and life skills. This year, students worked on a range of community programs including projects that raised awareness about the prevention of racism, domestic violence; the importance of looking after the environment; fostering friendships and community connection; and, how to make fitness fun.

The showcase event for the Oxley electorate is being held on Thursday at Bellingen. Participating students from three high schools will present their projects and provide reflections on their Youth Frontiers journey.

Mid Coast Communities congratulates all students who have completed the program, and thank Macleay Vocational College, Nambucca High School and Bellingen High School, mentors and other community stakeholders who have supported the students.