Authors: NSW Consumer Advisory Group – Mental Health Inc (NSWCAG); Marrickville Council; Marrickville Youth Council
Year: 2004
Event: 2004 TheMHS Awards
Subject:
Type of resource: TheMHS Awards
Award state: NSW
Award level: Finalist
Award category: Mental Health Promotion or Mental Illness Prevention Program or Project
Abstract: The “Scream on the Green” live music festival was organised by the Marrickville Youth Council and Marrickville Council in partnership with NSW Consumer Advisory Group – Mental Health Inc (NSW CAG) and MTC Work Solutions. It was the feature event of Youth week in April 2003 and was held at Sydenham green. The festival consisted of headline acts such as Tim Freeman (from the Whitlams) and MC Wire complimented by a program of local and interstate bands and hip hop artists. A couple of the other numerous activities were 4 on 4 basketball and screen printing workshops. Information with referral numbers including NSW CAG, kids help line, Homeless persons (Sydney and Rural) and Lifeline’s Just Ask was provided on stickers, postcards and magnets to all participants in their bag of information. NSW CAG produced these and also held a stall on the day. This was a great opportunity to ensure that services for people who may need assistance with mental health problems could profile their information. Description of Facility/Organisation: NSW Consumer Advisory Group – Mental Health Inc (NSW CAG) The state CAGs were established as part of the National Mental Health Strategy to give the fledgling consumer and carer movement in Australia genuine political clout. The NSW Centre for Mental Health encouraged incorporation and on 29th July 1994 NSW CAG became an incorporated body under the NSW Associations Incorporation Act 1984. NSW CAG is a state-wide organisation with a budget of $170,000 per year from the Centre for Mental Health. There is one full time and two part time staff members. Marrickville Council is committed to ensuring young people have access to opportunities to address their needs, foster their talents, allow them to express their views and contribute to the development of the local community. (Marrickville Council Social Plan 1999). Council resolved in its Management Plan 2001-2004 that in 2002 it would “Develop a strategic plan with young people - to facilitate young people’s social and economic participation in the community and build on existing partnerships between government and community agencies.” The position of Community Worker, Youth Services is Council’s Officer that is responsible for helping young people gain access to services, become involved in planning, advocate for young peoples’ rights, raise community awareness of the needs and achievements of young people in the local area, and act as a catalyst for the development of a range of activities and programs that address the needs young people. Marrickville Youth Council is considered the youth advisory committee to Council. Membership is restricted to 20 voting members. The objectives of the Marrickville Youth Council are to: Ensure that young people in the Marrickville area are able to express their views on issues affecting them and the local area. Develop an appreciation within the community of young people, their contribution to the local area and the issues concerning them. Provide advice to Council on the needs of and issues affecting young people. Youth Council meets monthly. Membership is made up of young people who are either local high school students, employed, unemployed, tertiary students of diverse backgrounds. MYC advises as well assist with the running of Youth Week annually. The MYC is chaired by young people and receives secretariat support and direction by Council’s Community Worker – Youth Services.
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