Yuwa Nyinda Dream Academy

Yuwa Nyinda

Youth Strategy (YNYS)

Initiative focussing on young people in the Macleay Valley. Yuwa Nyinda translates to Yes You in Dunghutti language, and it’s focusses on not only amplifying the voices of young people but also giving them the ability to dream again.

Sitting under the umbrella of the YNYS is Yuwa Nyinda Dream Academy and Yuwa Nyinda Youth Action Plan.

Yuwa Nyinda Dream Academy

This event is Dunghutti’s version of Croc Fest held on 28 & 29 August 2024. Hosted in partnership with Dhina Durriti Aboriginal Corporation, we brought approximately 2000 young people in primary schools and high schools across the Macleay Valley together to learn more about culture and careers, as well as hang out in social space. All areas were interactive and engaging for all those attending.

We also hosted a Community Celebration with a range of entertainment from laughing yoga, to a skateboarding workshop, local singers introduced by our MC Allstars Comedian Kevin Kropinyeri and our main attraction Tasman Keith.

Overview

The Yuwa Nyinda Youth Action initiative is a community driven process led by Learning the Macleay, Dhina Durriti Aboriginal Corporation and Connected Beginnings designed to elevate youth voice, strengthen cultural identity and support young people to influence decisions that shape their learning, wellbeing and futures.

This Executive Summary outlines the journey from the Yuwa Nyinda Youth Summit in April 2025 through to re-engagement with students, the Principal Forum, Student Focus Groups and the Co-design process that will shape the Yuwa Nyinda Youth Action Plan.

Background and Purpose

The Yuwa Nyinda approach ensures young people were heard, respected and supported to speak about what matters to them. This includes their experiences and priorities relating to culture, belonging, learning, identity and feeling safe at school and in community.

Our Engagement Approach

Learning the Macleay has taken a staged approach designed to listen first, check back with students, engage school leadership and co-design solutions together.

Our Five Phases

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