A project designed to engage and stimulate the Nambucca Valley’s young people, and at the same time discourage vandalism and unsociable behaviour will be launched in Bowraville on April 11. ExtravaDance, described as an exciting youth culture project, would provide a forum for artistic expression, and enable young people to learn new skills, exchange ideas and showcase their talents, Bowraville Hinterland Festival secretary Esther Hughes said.

“Through this project we hope to achieve a revitalisation of towns throughout the Nambucca Valley, and that begins with young people,” she said. Formerly Back to Bowra, the Bowraville Hinterland Festival secured $35,000 for its ExtravaDance project through Festivals Australia.

“The project will provide a place for youth culture and entertainment at the new-look Bowraville Hinterland Festival,” Ms Hughes said. Ms Hughes described the community’s youth as its future. “They are going to take over from us one day. And, we want to utilise their talent; there is a lot of talent in this Valley.”

ExtravaDance workshops, which would be conducted from late July until the start of this year’s festival in early October, included hip hop dancing, rap music and video, graffiti art, and traditional Aboriginal dance and culture.

“This project will provide a forum for young people to express their ideas and concerns to their community in a positive way, through artistic expression,” Ms Hughes said. “The opportunity exists for collaboration between hip hop dance culture, rap, graffiti art and Aboriginal dance culture and art. The results will be highly anticipated with interesting and original works to be created.”

ExtravaDance co-ordinator Margot McCarthy believed if young people were engaged in programs such as organised graffiti art, they were less likely to vandalise. She said the community was keen to gain greater involvement from young people in the Valley.

“These projects also build their self esteem and give them direction in their life, appreciate the talents in the community and show them pathways for the future.”

Nambucca Shire councillor and Gumbaynggirr elder Martin Ballangarry believed the project would bring the whole community together in respect and understanding. “There are a lot of talented young people in our community; now they have the opportunity to show us what they can do.”

As well as those with artistic talents or interests, ExtravaDance also needs young people with an interest in web design to assist in technical and management areas of the event. The committee has invited all young members of the community – those aged between 12 and 25 years – to get involved in all aspects of the event. No experience is necessary.

The ExtravaDance project is for youth, by youth, and it’s all about making the Hinterland festival more fun for young people this year and in the years and festivals to come, Ms Hughes said.

The project will be officially launched on April 11 at the Bowraville Art Gallery in High Street with entertainment and refreshments.