Youth Zine was born following a magazine-making workshop with professional artist Daniel Stanley during Youth Week. Mr Stanley then collated the submissions into a collection of art, poetry and essays from some of the young minds of Gunnedah.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s youth development officer Sewa Emojong said the Youth Zine project provided an opportunity for young people within the shire to showcase their talents, values and perspectives in a creative format.

“It was really wonderful to see the initiative of the contributors and the diversity of submissions received for our first issue,” Ms Emojong said.

“There are poetry and opinion pieces, artwork and ideas for the future of Gunnedah; it is heartening to see young people utilising the platform for self-expression.

“The magazine (or zine for short) is a great way to collaborate, be creative, and allow young people to speak about what is important to them.”

Gunnedah Youth Council chair Aidan R de Luzuriaga recently attended an APEX meeting to present the committee members with a copy of the zine, and to thank them for their support.

The publication of the first issue is not the end of the project according to Ms Emojong.

“Gunnedah Shire Council has organised for Daniel Stanley to run a free, two-hour magazine design session during the spring school holidays on Friday, October 5,” Ms Emojong said.

“This workshop will enable contributors to learn artistic skills, refine their zine submissions, and learn the art of successful zine creation.”

To attend the design session for the second edition of the Youth Zine Project, register online at www.thecivic.com.au

For a copy of the Gunnedah Youth Zine, visit The Civic or Gunnedah Shire Council’s administration building.