Friday, 6 September

The September session of High Schoolers Haven was a show of continued success, welcoming 45+ attendees and supported by a number of local organisations.

A highlight of the event was the Speak Up! debate workshop facilitated by Blue Hills College student, Fareeha. The workshop featured activities to promote critical thinking, creative discussion and build public speaking skills. Partnering with Council’s Climate Conversations engagement, to inform the development of the Climate Adaptation Strategy.

Left to right: Sarah Sullivan, Head of Customer Experience, Lismore City Council, Jon Gibbons, General Manager, Lismore City Council, Fareeha, Blue Hills College Student and Speak Up! Debate Workshop facilitator, Rebecca Sproule, Senior Stakeholder and Communications Officer and High Schoolers Haven Co-ordinator, Lismore City Council‘I really enjoyed running the workshop and connecting with others. My school doesn’t have a debate team, but it’s something I want to do, so I’d be happy to run a workshop here at these events again.’ - Fareeha, student and Speak Up! Debate Workshop facilitator.

Attendees also enjoyed Art with Rekindling, Library Chill Zone from RTRL, Pop-Up Opshop (thanks to Vinnies Goonellabah) and sports activities. Afternoon snacks, pizza dinner was also provided, with funding from Social Futures and Officer for Regional Youth, and local businesses Smashed Avo, Dominoes Goonellabah and Coles/Woolworths Goonellabah.

Richmond District Police Officer playing indoor soccer with attendees

The next event is scheduled for Friday, 4 October. After popular demand and the weather warming up, High Schoolers Haven will be hosted across GSAC and the Goonellabah Skatepark.