Author: Gailene Keen

GiveOUT Day 2024 – Glitter and Groove

Posted on October 10, 2024 by Gailene Keen - Events, LGBTQIA+

Celebrate and Support Blue Mountains Rainbow Youth

This year, as part of GiveOUT Day, we’re excited to announce our fundraising efforts to support Blue Mountains Rainbow Youth through the “Glitter and Groove” event! At Mountains Youth Services Team (MYST), we’re committed to creating a joyful and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ youth, where they can celebrate their identities and connect with essential resources. Your generous donation will help us ensure a brighter, more inclusive future for our community.

What is GiveOUT Day?

GiveOUT Day is Australia’s national day of giving to LGBTQIA+ charities, not-for-profits, and community projects. On this special day, donations to participating organizations are matched by GiveOUT, effectively doubling your impact! It’s crucial to note that rainbow charities currently receive only 5 cents out of every dollar donated to charities across Australia.

Mark your calendars:

GiveOUT Day 2024 is on October 17th, and donations are now open!

We need your help!

Donate Here

MYST: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth in the Blue Mountains

MYST (Mountain Youth Services Team) is a vital youth services charity based in the Blue Mountains, dedicated to empowering young people throughout our community. We focus on the diverse needs of youth, particularly those from marginalized groups, including LGBTQIA+ individuals. Our mission is to foster a safe and supportive environment where every young person can thrive.

At MYST, we provide a range of services, including counseling, peer support groups, and community-building events. We are especially committed to offering tailored support for LGBTQIA+ youth, ensuring they have access to resources, guidance, and a network of peers who understand their unique experiences. Through our programs, we aim to combat isolation, promote mental well-being, and celebrate the rich diversity within our community.

Our efforts extend beyond direct support; we actively engage with local schools, families, and community organizations to raise awareness and advocate for the needs of young people. By creating opportunities for connection and growth, MYST strives to build a more inclusive and resilient community in the Blue Mountains. Your support helps us continue making a positive impact in the lives of young people who need it most.

What Are We Raising Funds For?

Our project, “Glitter and Groove,” is an upcoming major event designed to unite and uplift LGBTQIA+ young people from across the Blue Mountains, many of whom feel isolated in small communities. This vibrant celebration will provide a safe and inclusive space for young individuals and their supporters to come together, fostering a sense of belonging.
The event will feature fantastic music, dancing, and interactive activities that encourage self-expression and connection. By creating an environment where attendees can celebrate their identities freely, we aim to combat feelings of isolation and build a supportive network for young LGBTQIA+ individuals.

In addition to the festivities, “Glitter and Groove” will offer vital resources and information about local support services, mental health resources, and educational opportunities. This initiative not only promises a joyful occasion for expression but also empowers attendees with the tools and connections to navigate their journeys more confidently. By celebrating diversity and reinforcing solidarity, our event seeks to enhance the well-being and resilience of LGBTQIA+ youth in the Blue Mountains.

We aim to raise $5,000 to support this incredible event—donate today to help us empower local Rainbow Youth to thrive!

Donate Now
Mountains Youth Services Team Inc
GiveOUT Day 2024

Donate Here

Let’s make a difference together!

Partnership Highlights – Rural Fire Service, Springwood High School and Nepean Performing Arts High School and two local street artists.

Posted on October 10, 2024 by Gailene Keen - Partnerships

One of the highlights of this year has been the great partnership with Katoomba Rural Fire Service.

This project became one that had many dynamics including 2 street artists, Domy Dingo and Aerosol obsessions, Springwood High School Indigenous students, Nepean Performing Arts students, National Parks and MYST. The project was made possible with the generous support of funding from Foundation for Rural and Regional renewal through their “Strengthening Rural Communities” grant program.

Through this partnership, the water tank mural project was possible. Over 2 months MYST and artists facilitated workshops at both High Schools incorporating a design for each tank. The theme for the designs was protection against wildfire, connection to community and country, and the environment around us. The project also involved teaching the students how use spray paint to create art.

The students at first were nervous to use the medium of spray paint to create art, but once they started, they were comfortable using their artistic expression creating a design with guidance from the artists.

Once the workshops were complete, it was time to take a trip to the RFS water tanks at Mount Banks and transfer their design. The RFS very kindly transported the student to Mount Banks and provided delicious food for our aspiring artists.

For two days at the Mount Banks water tanks students from each school were able to connect and learn in a shared environment. Without any hesitation the students jumped into action to bring the mural together. The first tank design focused on the environment with native gum leaves and trees, a koala, a kookaburra and the site name. The second tank was focused on culture, which bought together a story, a connection to the place and a sense of belonging, on Darug land, The Blue Mountains, including the three sisters, animal tracks and symbols. The design included students handprints symbolizing the connection to country, with black handprints representing the Aboriginal People, yellow handprints representing the sun; the giver of life and protector. Red handprints represented the red earth, the red ochre. Women created the Red and yellow, whilst Men created the Black and yellow handprints. It also symbolised the partnerships, including the Springwood High School totem, the Magpie and the RFS symbol.

This program provided a connection to country, a connection to community and a connection to self. It provided a safe place to learn and express, not only through art but to meet their fellow students and get to learn and know about each other, fostering relationships.

This program was one of a kind, it provided connections and created a safe, inclusive, trusting environment that left an impact on all involved. MYST was proud to design and execute such a worthwhile program where we worked together and provided something meaningful for the Blue Mountains community.

The project was particularly popular for our Indigenous students, enabling them to connect with their culture and seeing their creative thrive.

Students learned new techniques for artistic creation that they are excited to use in their future studies. School teachers were grateful to MYST and the RFS for providing this valuable learning opportunity.

Over the course of the project, it was captured via drone footage and celebrated with a mural launch. Students were able to return and meet with local members including National Parks, Local council members and Rotary members. A smoking ceremony by Uncle Colin Lockier opened the tanks and celebrated the students achievements. MYST were honored to designed and manage this project, for those who live on Darug Land, bringing together community and connection to country.

NSW Youth Work Awards

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Gailene Keen - Awards

MYST Nominated for Two Awards at NSW Youth Work Awards!

We are thrilled to share that Mountains Youth Services Team (MYST) has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards at the upcoming NSW Youth Work Awards!

For the second consecutive year, we are honoured to be in the running for NSW Youth Service of the Year. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion our team brings to supporting young people in the Blue Mountains.

We are also incredibly proud to be shortlisted for the Outstanding Partnership category for our RFS Water Tank Mural project. This initiative has not only beautified our community but also provided a creative outlet for young people to express themselves. Indigenous students from Springwood High School collaborated with an indigenous mural artist to design a mural celebrating their culture, while students from Nepean High Performing Arts High School worked with another artist to create an Australian Botanic theme mural, blending the tanks into the natural surroundings. This project has also strengthened our bond with the Rural Fire Service, showcasing the power of collaboration.

NSW Youth Work Awards Outstanding Partnership

Check out the video about this awesome project here:

These nominations reflect the unwavering commitment of our amazing team at MYST and their relentless drive to help young people thrive. Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way – this achievement is as much yours as it is ours.

The winners will be announced at the annual Youth Work Awards in late October which is part of the Youth Action Annual Conference, and we look forward to celebrating with all of you. Here’s to continuing our mission and making a difference together!

Creating a Haven for Our Youth: The Transformation of Katoomba Youth Centre

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Gailene Keen - Youth Centre

At Mountains Youth Services, our mission is to create nurturing spaces where young people can thrive, express themselves, and connect with their community. This year, we are thrilled to spotlight a remarkable milestone in this journey—the stunning upgrade of the Katoomba Youth Centre. This transformation is not just a physical renovation; it’s a profound enhancement of our commitment to providing a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for the young people of our community.

Trish Doyle MP at Katoomba Youth Centre launch — Trish Doyle MP at launch

Katoomba Youth Centre Launch Guests — Trish Doyle MP at launch

From its inception, the Katoomba Youth Centre has been more than just a place; it has been a sanctuary for local youth. With its recent upgrade, we have taken this vision to new heights. The newly redesigned space is now a vibrant hub where young people can feel at home, engage in a range of social and creative activities, build lasting relationships and seek support if needed.

Our enhanced facilities include “Loft 31,” a modern, multi-functional space with comfortable lounge areas for socializing and events. The upgraded centre is designed with inclusivity and safety at its core, ensuring that every young person who walks through our doors feels valued and supported.

The centre was re-opened at a special event to mark the occasion by Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains on Friday 23rd August and was attended by many local dignitaries and supports who helped with the project.

Before & Afters at Katoomba Youth Centre

BEFORE – Stairwell ground floor to lower floor

AFTER – Stairwell ground floor to lower floor

A Community Effort

This incredible transformation was only possible through the generosity and dedication of our major funders, generous businesses and the local community. Their support went beyond financial contributions; it also included donated goods and invaluable services that brought our vision to life. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to:

Our Major Funders:

Their significant financial support enabled us to undertake this extensive upgrade, ensuring we could provide state-of-the-art facilities and services tailored to the needs of our young people.

Thank you to Trish Doyle our Local MP and NSW Government for their support through the Community Building Partnership Grant program, Blue Mountains City Council, Katoomba RSL, Bendigo Bank Katoomba, Mary Vernon Foundation, and Mitsubishi Australia.

Donated Goods and Services:

The donation of materials, furnishings, and professional services was crucial in making the transformation possible and creating a truly special space. Thank you to:

More Before & Afters at Katoomba Youth Centre

Looking Ahead

The revamped Katoomba Youth Centre stands as a beacon of our commitment to empowering young people. With its new facilities and enhanced services, we are better equipped than ever to support their growth, foster their talents, and address their needs.

As we look to the future, we remain focused on expanding our programs and continuing to offer a space where every young person can find encouragement, safety, and a sense of belonging.

Thank you to everyone who made this incredible transformation possible. Your support has helped create a place where endless possibilities are sought and our youth can dream big, to build a brighter future for themselves and our community.

Together, we are making a difference.