AN innovative program to empower girls in the North East is bringing about important change in our own back yard.
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Barnawartha-based Katalyst Lifestyle and Fitness instructor Kirsty Fenton started Girls Stand Strong in 2016, inspired by her dealings with young people in the community.
"I was doing teenage fitness sessions and I noticed the language around body awareness and friendships was not very positive," she said.
"We started offering school-based programs and workshops two years ago and added the retreat in 2018."
Girls Stand Strong empowers girls and women aged between 12 and 18 to build the foundations for a positive and fulfilling life.
Ms Fenton said teenagers were encouraged to build positive relationships with themselves and others through a focus on healthy friendships, body awareness, lifestyle and personal growth.
"Giving our girls the knowledge, tools and opportunities to grow will enable them to realise how amazing they are, to build their confidence and resilience, and to help build young women who are leaders in their peer groups and their local community," she said.
Ms Fenton said North East retreats included an adventure-based activity, such as abseiling, that pushed the teenagers out of their comfort zone.
"We've seen huge changes in some of the girls, particularly with the abseiling," she said.
Girls Stand Strong is among five community groups pitching for financial support to expand its program at the inaugural Local Indigo Network Charity Drive (LINCD) at Yackandandah on Wednesday night.
It is seeking about $5000 to expand its workshops and provide scholarships for underprivileged girls to join the North East retreats.
Other groups pitching at LINCD will be Totally Renewable Yackandandah for Kangaloola Wildlife Shelter; Baranduda Memorial Hall repairs for 1st Baranduda Scouts; Megs Children – Laptop for Nobel House; and 1st Yackandandah Scouts for a shade shelter.
LINCD aims to raise $50,000 for the five community projects.
There will be a pledge “auction” led by real estate agent and auctioneer Des Lonergan. People and groups can pledge funds to the group of their choice.
The event at Yack Ingredients, 275 Yackandandah Road, starts at 6pm.
Pitches start from 6.45pm with pledges and funding tallied by 8pm.
Bookings are essential via: LINCD.eventbrite.com.au
