Michale Sutton and Colby Brown the hosts of the event where happy to engage with many of the participants demonstrating the use of advanced camera techniques down to easy to use apps on the iphone. The two helped showcase and solidfy the value and importance of highlighting vibrant photography communities around the world. “No matter if you have 20 people show up at your own photo walk or 200, the importance of these events lay in the social aspect of connecting and networking with fellow photographers that share your passion for photography.”

EYW regularly participates in photography walks held by Michael Sutton, leading iphone photographer who inspires our young people with his passion for capturing timeless memories. If you would like to participate in EYW’s regular photography gatherings keep an eye on our facebook page or call 0410 556 119 and speak to out friendly staff.

If you would like to see Michaels work simply check out his facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sutto007?fref=ts.

The funding allowed for weekly ‘poetry corner’ to take place every Monday night at EYW’s Ramsgate drop in center, inspired ‘Unplugged’, an event that provided a platform for young talented artists to showcase their abilities in spoken word poetry, music and dance. This event took place at EYW’s Granville drop in center.

The Monday night ‘poetry corner’ was started by spoken word artist Nancy Louka, a campaign manager at the University of Sydney and long time volunteer and attendee of EYW. Nancy’s interest and experience in spoken word rekindled an interest in the art form and provided an avenue for writers and young people to express themselves, “We started with only 4 people attending the poetry corner and last week we had 16, it’s growing exponentially.”

‘Spoken word’ poetry is performance-based poetry that has gained a lot of attention in recent years, most probably due to viral Youtube videos surfacing from the US. Some notable poetry performances floating around include famous musicians like (Grammy winner) Lauryn Hill and Oscar winner Jamie Foxx performing their poetry to a live studio audience such as Def Jam.

Last week’s event, ‘Unplugged’, was quite popular, with talents wanting to put their names on the set list on the night. Organiser Nancy Louka stated, “The set list kept growing, we had more people signing up than we had room for.” But it was a successful night with positive feedback and requests “do it again”.

Headlining, was a 23 year old NSW state finalist, Ahmed Al-rady, who started a poetry slam for Bankstown’s community members. Ahmed also places great value on spoken word poetry saying ‘There’s a sense of community in poetry’ because ‘you start getting close to people you’re not even friends with, but because they know your stories, there’s a sense of communion.’

Unplugged attracted a diverse amount of community members who were all too eager to share their talent with each other. Whether it was singing, dancing or spoken word, the audience cheered on for more, creating a supportive environment for all involved. The response to EYW’s Unplugged has been promising and may encourage another event in the near future.

Spoken word poetry

Music

Food

But what is it? Come and check it out! Its an event not to be missed, lots of young and upcoming talent from places you would have never imagined! $10 at the door (includes entry, sausage sizzle and drink. For more info please call 9529 3929 or 0450 575 98

Cycle to Break the Cycle also aims to build a sporting library equipped with a variety of  sporting goods for young people to access freely. EYW also aims to hold community fundraisers with the goods within the sporting library to further engage members of the wider community with our services and young people. Anyone interested in assisting with sporting programs or volunteering with EYW please phone EYW team on 9529

Proposed projects include further self development programs, ongoing support through outreach programs and professional counseling services whilst also assisting an EYW member with the enrollment process of University for this coming semester. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible and are very much appreciated. EYW relies solely on small community grants, fundraisers and donations to effectively support marginalised youth within our community.  Your kind support and generous donations are sure to assist EYW sail the year ahead.