Youth
Fairfax Youth Initiative is super-charged by the young people at its core. The current Artistic Associates, Emma Kelly and Bayden Clayton, are previous participants of Fairfax and are two prime examples of young people who believe in the region and bring their creative flair to the program. Emma has helped curate the In Full Voice mass choir event, and Bayden led the Proud and Deadly community initiative. With the formation of the Fairfax Ensemble in 2021, the program is going from strength to strength, engaging young people from across the region and beyond.
The FYI Ensemble
We’re building a company of young artists. A supergroup of storytellers in the Mallee.
The FYI Ensemble is a collective of performers, writers, visual artists, musicians, designers, and creative minds living in and around the Murray Mallee. It provides a safe space to connect with a bunch of other like-minded young people. You’ll be supported and mentored by professional artists to hone your writing, devising, and performance skills in regular workshops (both online, and in-person) with mentoring from professional artists, and in-community performances.
Meet the Ensemble
Jez from Nandaly: "The thing I liked the most about the storytelling mentorship was probably the way I was forced to bring back a special memory of mine. One of the most valuable lessons I learned across the course of the FYI mentorship is that you're not alone - everyone backstage is there to catch you if you fall. At Fairfax, not only do you meet great storytellers, but friends. You form a family."
Cooper from Mildura: “I like meeting new people and exploring artistic aspirations with them, it’s really nice to have some new friends now. I learned a lot about letting creativity flow and not pushing it, and I learned some new things about how to act. I would recommend FYI to other artistically inclined storytellers because of the natural, welcoming atmosphere it has, as well as the fact that it allows you to do what YOU want with your art without not pushing you in one direction.”
Abby from Mildura: “Fairfax was so fun and a great opportunity for me. It helped me learn a lot about the art of storytelling. The most valuable lesson I learned was to just be who you are and ditch the script. Tell the story from your heart!"
Maika from Koorlong: "I loved how FYI was inclusive and fun and at the same time, you were learning new things. You get to find new friends and work with a great mentor who is supportive of you!"⠀
Tara from Goodnight: What Tara loves most about her hometown is that it's "always a good night in Goodnight"! Tara appeared in the first cohort of online storytellers in 2021, after having taken part in Fairfax face-to-face in previous years. With the help of mentor Chelsea, she developed a story that combined themes of country footy culture and teenage crushes!
Sammy from Lalbert: "Stories are important because each different story has its own meaningful connection to something or someone. The best thing about stories, in general, is that there is something for everyone. The power of reading a story and connecting to it means that it will most likely be something you remember for a very long time and I think that is such a beautiful thing. Remembering a story that someone has told you can impact their life a lot just by showing some appreciation towards them."
Issy from Wycheproof: "I would recommend being a part of Fairfax because it is a great learning experience."
Kira from Red Cliffs: "To write a story, you just need to start."
Other ensemble members include:
Jessica Smith, Swan Hill
Bella Henderson, Cunninyeuk
Isabelle Mulquiny, Wycheproof
Kira Harkin, Red Cliffs
Deaken Fawcett, Kerang
Blake Channon, Tooleybuc
Hope Retallick, Red Cliffs
Kat Clifford, Red Cliffs
Charlotte White, Red Cliffs