10 December 2019

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Dance, a way to mental health ALEX Dellaportas describes herself as “a living example of someone who doesn’t always fit in - someone who thinks differently, who experiences emotions uniquely”.

She admits to having a “sometimes difficult relationship with mental health” but also as someone who has learned to embrace and see “differences as a superpower”.

Dellaportas, of Capel Sound, started Spark Youth Dance Company (SYDC) in 2016 hoping it would enable 7-25 year olds “speak about mental illness and to normalise difference, to encourage it, to channel it into art that speaks to people, that tells stories that change the way our young people live for the better."

Since then SYDC has created and performed four 90-minute works, focussing on such themes as war, feminism, mental illness and the conflict between logic and emotion.

Dellaportas says young people can “have a voice through dance”.

A registered charity, SYDC encourages its

members to perform, choreograph and create new dance works.

Now 21, Dellaportas works with groups of young people “with a large focus on mental health and neurodiversity, encouraging them to channel their stories of pain, confusion and emotion through dance”.

"It was and still is my dream to create a place for young people on the Mornington Peninsula and surrounds to go and feel completely welcome. Completely themselves," Dellaportas said.

“My goal for Spark is to speak about mental illness and to normalise difference, to encourage it, to channel it into art that speaks to people, that tells stories that change the way our young people live for the better."

Auditions SYDC’s 2020 contemporary dance extension program are being held on Sunday 15 and Thursday 19 December at Rosebud Memorial Hall. Details: www.sparkproductions.org.au/ auditions.

Keith Platt

New facilities at sports clubs finished NEW facilities have been officially opened at Kananook Reserve and the Carrum Bowls Club.

The refurbished Kananook Reserve sports pavilion features new change rooms with showers and toilets to accommodate more women in sports. Other upgrades include new flooring, and refurbished kitchen facilities.

The works at Kananook Reserve were completed with $420,000 in ratepayer money, and an additional $50,000 allocated by the state government.

The pavilion is used by Kananook Sports Club and the Seaford Cricket Club.

The mayor Cr Sandra Mayer said “it’s wonderful to get out into the community and meet so many of those who make grassroots sport possible”.

“The upgraded pavilion is a welcome addition to Kananook Reserve and I’m sure it will be well received by those involved with Kananook Sports Club, Seaford Cricket Club and by the wider community,” she said. “As well as creating a more comfortable experience for players and members, the upgrades will make these two pavilions more appealing and accessible for

families and those considering joining the clubs in the future.”

Upgrades at Carrum Bowls Club were funded through $70,000 in ratepayer money from council, $200,000 allocated by the state government, and $100,000 from the federal government. A new meeting space, female toilets and change rooms, three unisex toilets, storeroom, furniture and audio visual equipment have also been added.

Cr Mayer said the club had a “need for upgraded facilities” after a 40 per cent growth in membership over the past four years.

“There was a real need for this project to go ahead because there was a significant expansion into a junior program, school bowling program and increased female participation,” she said.

“The internal spaces redevelopment now meets current and future demands and will enable this club to continue to grow and thrive.”

Political games: The mayor Cr Sandra Mayer playing bowls at the opening of the Carrum Bowls Club’s new facilities. Pic: Supplied

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www.jaleighblinds.com.au Frankston Times

10 December 2019

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