Regional Youth Investment Program
Rise & Shine - Youth and Community Activation Project
The Rise and Shine – Youth and Community Activation Project was delivered across 7 rural communities within 4 local government areas: Warrumbungle, Mid-Western, Cabonne, and Oberon between 2023 and 2025, supported by funding from the Regional Youth Investment Program. The project was designed to address key funding priorities, including improved community wellbeing, increased youth participation, and the delivery of inclusive, place based programs that contribute to long term social and economic outcomes in regional areas.
Over the two year period, the project delivered:
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56 blocks of afterschool activities engaged 5,786 young people, fostering social connection, regular participation, and pathways into local sport and recreation.
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54 community events, engaging 3,334 participants in inclusive, intergenerational activities that promoted a sense of belonging and local pride.
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24 accreditation courses and 2 youth leadership camps, resulting in 192 young people accessing skill building, leadership development, and future pathway opportunities.
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15 mental fitness sessions, delivered in partnership with the Black Dog Institute, reaching 429 high school students with early intervention strategies supporting resilience and wellbeing.
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70 formal community engagement meetings, including schools, local government, resident groups and sports bodies, which strengthened collaboration and ensured grassroots delivery.
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A strong youth leadership component, with 91 youth leaders contributing to 1,111 activities.
The project exceeded several of its original deliverables while maintaining a place based, inclusive approach that responded directly to local needs. It placed a strong focus on engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, reducing participation barriers, and delivering programs through multiple access points.
The impact of the Rise and Shine Project is evident not only in participation numbers, but in the personal stories, leadership growth, and local partnerships that have emerged. By aligning closely with RYIP objectives, the project has delivered tangible community outcomes and laid a strong foundation for continued youth and community activation beyond the funding period.
Interviews
Youth Leader of the Year
Fletcher was recognised as Youth Leader of the Year for good reason. He stepped into a mentor role throughout the project, supporting Dan and the broader team with maturity well beyond his years. Since completing his referee accreditation through the project, Fletcher has consistently officiated for the Castlereagh League, an effort that’s even caught the attention of NSWRL. His commitment, leadership and follow-through make him a standout example of what young people can achieve when given the right support.
Stepping Up For His Community
Cooper has been a standout youth leader in Yeoval, not just for his energy and consistency, but for the way he brought others along for the ride. He played a big role in recruiting new leaders and could always be counted on to show up, encourage participation, and create a fun, welcoming vibe, especially for the youngest kids. Whether he was guiding a tennis session or throwing a ball around with the younger ones, Cooper’s initiative and natural way with children made a big impact across the project.