Temora youth set to write and record their own music

Temora youth have an opportunity to participate and produce their own song in the town’s first hip-hop music program.

The two-day Temora Hip-Hop music program will be delivered through the Temora Youth Go UP&UP project, which is set to support recovery and boost resilience for young people in the region following the social impact of COVID-19.

The music program will be on 7 October to 8 October for participants aged 12 to 24.

Temora youth program coordinator Kassi Owen said it was important to run events like the music program for the youth of Temora.

“After COVID-19 lockdown, the youth have experienced a period of social isolation,” Ms Owen said.

“To get them back out and connect with the community is so vital for their wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem.

“It is crucial to provide a channel for the youth for their self-expression and to have their voice heard.”

Ms Owen said participants of the hip-hop program would have the opportunity to write and record an original hip-hop song.

“The song will be based on the theme of their choice and what is important to them,” Ms Owen said.

“Participants might explore the effects COVID had on young people’s wellbeing.

“After the two-day program, the team from UP&UP will produce a professional music video with footage and music.”

Ms Owen said the team would send through the finished product, which will be sent out to all the participants afterwards.

She said the team from UP&UP (based in Newcastle) are experienced youth workers, MCs, and producers, and they will come to Temora with the recording equipment for the music program.

The music program, which is delivered through Temora Shire Council, is among the latest projects to be announced under the NSW Government’s Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery initiative.

Ms Owen said the idea for the music program had been in the works for six to eight months, and Temora Youth is grateful to receive the funding from the State Government to bring the idea to fruition.

“The program wouldn’t happen without the help of the funding,” Ms Owen said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was delighted that this opportunity would provide a positive and healthy way for young people in the Temora area to reconnect.

“This project is a great example of how we can help young people build resilience and improve wellbeing by providing them with the tools and experiences they need to become the best version of themselves,” Ms Cooke said.

Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the $10.3 million Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative offers large grants between $10,000 and $50,000 and small grants of up to $10,000.

“The large grants fund projects such as community events, peer support groups, cultural connection or partnership programs, while small grants are to enable initiatives like sporting programs and barbecues,” Mr Franklin said.

“Our regional youth community coordinators will help connect young people with the projects that best support their wellbeing and recovery and foster resilience and connection.”

The Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative is funded through the NSW COVID-19 Economic Recovery Initiative and the co-funded NSW and Australian Governments’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for funding for wellbeing programs, events and resources as part of the initiative. Applications for both large and smaller grants are open now and close on 31 December 2022, or when fully allocated.

Click here for more information on the funding and applications.