The Yuwa Nyinda Dream Academy Festival
Our Family Connect and Support team in Kempsey had the privilege of participating in the Yuwa Nyinda Dream Academy festival this week, a community event organised by Learning the Macleay and Dhina Durriti.
“Yuwa Nyinda,” which translates to “Yes, You” in Dunghutti language, captures the festival’s mission to empower both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth in the community. Born from conversations with young people eager to dream big, the Yuwa Nyinda Dream Academy aimed to inspire and support our young people in achieving their goals. In a time when many young people are feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, the community festival provided a space to reflect, focus, and dream of a brighter future.
The Yuwa Nyinda festival was a vibrant event, featuring a careers expo, social and cultural activities, and a variety of interactive spaces. Over two days, between 2,000 and 3,000 primary and high school students from the Macleay Valley attended the festival, engaging with the numerous opportunities and resources available to them.
Our Pathfinders stall was a hive of activity, offering airbrush tattoos, face painting, and a collaborative community artwork. This new artwork will be heading back to the Kempsey office to be proudly displayed as a symbol of the creativity and unity experienced at the festival.
The festival also featured a free community concert at night, showcasing the incredible talent of local performers. It was a fitting end to an event dedicated to encouraging our young people to dream big and pursue their ambitions.
We’re proud to have been part of such an inspiring initiative and look forward to continuing our support for the young people in our community.
