Green sessions for youth growth

AS part of the 2023 Youth Fest, Y Ballarat Youth and Food is Free are collaborating to deliver a series of workshops about plants, vegetables and food.

The Grow You Good Things sessions will run on Monday 18 September and Tuesday 19 September at 5 Violet Grove Wendouree and are open to people aged 12 to 25.

Workshops will focus various topics including terrarium making, kokedama crafting, indoor plant care and mural painting.

Kate Clarke, youth impact facilitator at the Y Ballarat Youth, said the workshops will be a way to foster young people’s interest in the environment.

“Lou from Food is Free approached me a few weeks ago because she had been successful in getting some funding for Youth Fest and put to us this concept which is workshops around gardening and plants and green indoor spaces,” she said.

“There is an interest in young people at the moment in learning about the environment and sustainability, so it was a good opportunity to collaborate.”

The workshops will be relaxed and hands-on so young people can explore and develop new skills.

“It will be hands on with a number of difference workshops that are running simultaneously so people can jump from one to another,” said Ms Clarke.

“It’ll be a really relaxed vibe so people can come in and enjoy.”

Kat Verde will be attending and said it an exciting opportunity.

“I never had this type of stuff growing up, so I want to be a part of it not only for myself but to support other kids as well,” she said.

Ms Clarke said that the knowledge these workshops will provide is important.

“There’s this growing awareness of the necessity for sustainability and the rising cost of living,” she said.  To register visit yballarat.org.au/grow-you-good-thing.