By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
The Selby Community House, in partnership with Tribe-Monbulk Youth Inc. held a special event to celebrate the opening of the FAFO Art Exhibition on Friday 13 September – an event which showcased the talents of local young artists who are either partially or fully disengaged from school or work.
The exhibition aims to provide the young individuals with a platform to display their creativity and achievements.
The FAFO Art Exhibition opening was an exclusive invite-only event, brought to life through a collaboration between Tribe-Monbulk Youth Inc. and the young people of the Yarra Ranges.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Monbulk Member Daniela De Martino, Casey Federal Member Aaron Violi, Mayor Sephie Todorov, and Councillors Andrew Fullagar and Johanna Skelton.
According to the 2021 Census, 21.6 per cent of youth aged 15 to 24 in the Yarra Ranges Shire are either partially or fully disengaged from education or vocational training. This figure is notably higher than the 18.1 per cent reported for the Greater Melbourne region, highlighting a significant challenge for the local community.
Selby Community House’s community engagement officer, Jordan Sibley, who is also an artist, expressed that supporting and working with youth is her greatest passion.
Ms Sibley said the exhibition was inspired by the 2021 census.
“There’s a relationship with the covid lockdowns, mental health issues, domestic violence, and trauma, there are so many aspects that leads a young person to be unable to engage at school,” she said.
“Not only that, but school isn’t for everyone the way that we run school, inspired by the census statistic, I reached out to Belinda at Tribe-Monbulk and connected with the young people there.”
“There’s no handbook for how you lead a youth-led art exhibition, but I was completely blown away by the talents of the young people and their drive to participate, while some of these young people don’t hand in homework, don’t go to school, but because this is their passion, we meet them there and then they’ll want to submit artwork.”
Ms Sibley said alternative methods of engagement need to be considered, which is why youth groups such as Tribe – Monbulk Youth, run by Belinda Grooby, are exceptionally important.
This project was developed in collaboration with 10 young people from the Tribe-Monbulk Youth service.
All artworks displayed are available for purchase, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going directly to the young artists.
The project was funded by the Victorian Government Department of Families, Fairness and Housing as part of the annual September festival, YouthFest.
The organisation has also received funding from Monbulk Member Daniela De Martino.
“We need to restructure the way we look at youth groups and we need to figure out more budgets around mental health funding,” Ms Sibleys said.
The Tribe-Monbulk was founded in April 2018 by Belinda Grooby.
“Seeing my child struggle with bullying, I wanted to create a non-judgmental space where youth could lead, have their voices heard, and find an opportunity to feel safe and connected,” Ms Grooby said.
“The partnership with Selby was a massive step forward for some of our young people to share their work and a part of themselves for the first time. It was so brave of them to allow the public a glimpse into their world.”
Since its establishment, the Tribe-Monbulk Youth Inc. has welcomed over 400 young people through its doors.
Tribe-Monbulk Youth Inc. youth ambassador Caitlyn Richards, along with her sister Rachael Richards, work closely with Ms Sibley to support and uplift youths in the Yarra Ranges region.
She joined the Selby Community House nearly two months ago, after the opportunity to work with the organisation emerged during an art expedition designed for young people to express themselves.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people to connect with their peers, express their individuality, and discuss shared interests,” she said.
“My role at the Selby House is supporting a whole range of kids with their mental health, gender and just kids that want a space to talk about either school, passions, opinions, and kids that want to get involved with different things whether its sports or other activities around the community.”
Tribe-Monbulk Youth Inc. chief executive officer Rachael Richards said she was the main driving force behind the establishment of the organisation.
“I Had a bit of a rough pass, and figuring out teen hood, and my mum and I were thinking, we need another outlet for kids who aren’t really into sport, might be a bit shy, might need another outlet and another way to connect with kids – that’s kind of where this whole thing began,” Ms Richards said.
“At first it was connecting with kids my age, and then slowly finding my voice, and then becoming a peer and a leader and someone that kids can trust and speak to.”
“I really struggled growing up in my first years of high school, I was experiencing bullying and sexual abuse from other people and dealing with a lot of traumas, I was the quiet kid –the one that didn’t really like to speak up, the one that liked to doodle in her own little sketchbook, and I didn’t really feel very connected with a lot of people.”
When Ms Richards sought a way to feel whole and connect with those around her, she struggled to find a suitable place, as a result, she and her mother founded Tribe-Monbulk Youth Inc. to address this need and create a supportive community for kids in similar situations.
She has since gained the confidence she needed and is now dedicated to helping other young people find theirs as well.
“If you’re struggling, please reach out to community groups like Tribe-Monbulk Youth Inc., Selby Community House, and other mental health services, we’re here to listen, support, and help you find your voice and direction in life and remember, you’re not alone in what you’re going through,” the 21-year-old said.
