The energy, wisdom, and hope of young Aboriginal people is something to celebrate and be grateful for. This month, as part of Lyrebird Dreaming, I had the privilege of facilitating a youth workshop for Resilient Sydney. Together, we worked on crafting a powerful message for the future of Sydney, emphasising the important connection between Healthy Country and Healthy People.
I was genuinely inspired by the workshop. The young participants brought energy, commitment, depth and optimism to our conversations. Guided by their cultural knowledge and shared experiences, they added layers of meaning to every discussion. Their enthusiasm to make a difference and secure a positive future - where both people and Country are cared for - left me hopeful, especially amid all the worrying news our climate.
One of the standout moments was a group yarning session I was lucky to facilitate. The youth shared what Healthy Country means to them. For these young leaders, it's not just about clear skies, fresh air, and clean water. It's about feeling free, connected, and at peace. It's about making space for their voices to be heard and ensuring that people from all cultures and backgrounds live in harmony with the environment.
With the support of three Sydney Elders - Aunty Pam and Aunty Deb and Uncle Matt - the youth crafted a powerful statement that will feature at the very start of Resilient Sydney's 2025–2030 Strategy. I won't share the full text here, but the essence is clear: a resilient Sydney begins by listening to and empowering those who will be looking after Country into the future - First Nations youth.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. Resilient Sydney's new strategy will guide collaborative efforts to build a city that's stronger, healthier, and more connected to its environment. I encourage you to keep an eye on this journey.
As for me, I'll be starting work on a Caring for Country Capability Matrix. This tool will help all 32 members of Resilient Sydney benchmark their progress in First Nations engagement. Stay tuned for updates!
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