It is with deep sadness that the Board, staff and volunteers of Mountains Youth Services Team farewell Joy Cusack, who served on the MYST Board for more than a decade from 2015, including as our Chair. Joy brought to MYST a rare combination: the rigour of a long corporate career, more than twenty years of… Read more »
Mountains Youth Services Team (MYST) appoints new Chair to support strong governance and continued impact for young people in the Blue Mountains The MYST Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Sema Whittle as Chair, effective 30 June 2026. Sema’s appointment follows a thorough and considered recruitment process and reflects MYST’s commitment to strong… Read more »
Mountains Youth Services Team (MYST) appoints new CEO with a continued focus on providing quality services to support the young people in the Blue Mountains After an extensive and rigorous search and recruitment process, the MYST Board is delighted to announce that Mr Mark Turley has been appointed as MYST’s next CEO. Mark will commence… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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.… Read more »
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… Read more »
In April 19, 2024, MYST hosted an incredible event during the Youth Week at Glenbrook Skate Park which attracted an incredible number of locals that exceeded 240 people that gathered together to celebrate our youth and have a fun day. Activities on the day included skating, bike or scooter competition, music with many popular local… Read more »
The first time I encountered mountains youth services team was late 2018, where their drop-in service was operating thrice a week and provided a place of refuge for me after school. I, at 13 years old, attended frequently, and it was here that I formed relationships that were, and are still the foundation of my… Read more »
Late in 2023, MYST was awarded a Strengthening Rural Communities Grant through the Foundation of Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR). www.frrr.org.au We received a grant of $20,000 which will fund a project in partnership with the RFS (Rural Fire Service) in the Blue Mountains for local young people paint murals on two water tanks. The Foundation… Read more »
At just 19 years old, James found himself grappling with a $14,000 HECS debt, leading him to seek financial counseling. His academic setbacks from failing all enrolled subjects in the previous semester not only extended his graduation timeline but also imposed additional costs due to subject re-enrollment. Such academic struggles were uncharacteristic of James, who… Read more »
Transitioning through challenging environments can be an arduous journey, especially for young individuals coming from foster care, juvenile justice systems, or other difficult circumstances. Good news is that with the right support in place, this transition can become a stepping stone towards a brighter future. For young people transitioning from foster care, juvenile justice systems,… Read more »
In recent years, there has been more focus than ever on mental health and the importance of having the right support on offer to young people. In the picturesque Blue Mountains in NSW, where the serenity often belie the struggles faced by its youth, MYST’s efforts aim to ensure that support services are accessible and… Read more »
A financial counselling success story James is 19-year-old. He was referred for financial counselling after accruing a $14,000 HECS debt. He failed every subject he had enrolled into in the previous semester. This not only meant it would take longer to complete his degree and start earning, but also that he would need to re-enrol… Read more »
Youth workers play a significant role in supporting and guiding young people as they face mental health challenges as they navigate through adolescence and early adulthood. They help young people develop the skills they need to succeed in life, including communication skills, problem-solving skills, and decision-making skills. We asked Paige Thurlow-Want, one of MYST’s most… Read more »