Giving youth a voice
Sony Music star, Taylor Henderson, was one of the main attractions at the Youth Day celebration at Soundpoint. Taylor sang for the crowd, and spent time signing autographs and chatting with them afterwards (Credit: Photo by Shairon Paterson).
Sony Music star, Taylor Henderson, added to the crowds and the excitement at the recent Youth Day celebration at Goodna.
The popular event at Soundpoint – The Salvation Army and Sony Foundation Youth and Community Centre – at Goodna, west of Brisbane, was part of its National Youth Week celebrations, with the theme ‘our voice, our impact’.
A climbing wall and horizontal bungee run attracted children of all ages. Local dancers and entertainers were popular with the teenagers, and everyone enjoyed the barbecue provided by Christian group, Footprints in the Park.
“Most importantly, the day showcased different services available to youth and their families in the area, that work together with Soundpoint and refer clients to each other for the best overall outcome,” says Sally McGregor, Youth Caseworker (Education Support) at Soundpoint.
These included Goodna Youth Services and The Base youth agency, a referral service offering counseling and support to young offenders.
The Bundamba Corps provided support in the form of a jumping castle and volunteers.
“We work closely with Soundpoint and have a shared client group with the asylum seekers,” says Captain Ben Johnson, Bundamba Corps Officer.
“Goodna Salvos hold a Thursday night chapel at the centre to help build a community of faith, and both the corps and the centre are aware of each other’s needs and resources.”
Captain Phil Staines, former team leader of the Salvos Lake Youth Service, was also at the Youth Day to watch former clients perform rap songs about Jesus.
“These guys are our champions,” says Phil. “They used to be crazy, on drugs, and now they come to church and rap about the love of Jesus!”
John Williams, Soundpoint Manager, was focused on raising awareness of issues facing youth in the local community.
“Having the youth agencies we work with together today, and during National Youth Week, is an opportunity to celebrate young people, raise awareness of some of the issues they struggle with, and offer support and services,” says Mr Williams.
“We support the Ipswich Youth Advisory Council and local youth services, helping to give our young people a voice, and a way forward.
“We are also thankful to Sony for providing an artist for the day, and for all their support throughout the year.”
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