WHAT’S ON AT THE LIBRARY MEET THE 2023-24 HILLS SHIRE YOUTH AMBASSADORS

DEANNA STEVENS AND EVA PULVIRENTI WERE RECENTLY ELECTED AS THE 2023-24 HILLS SHIRE YOUTH AMBASSADORS DURING A CEREMONY AT COUNCIL. THE YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM SELECTS YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 15-24 WHO LIVE IN THE HILLS SHIRE TO SERVE AS REPRESENTATIVE VOICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE FOR 12 MONTHS.

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS?

Year One Reading Club

Our 2023 program is well under way with 448 Year One students already registered!

If you know a child in Year One at school who might enjoy developing their love of reading, there’s still time to join the challenge, which ends on Wednesday, 31 October.

Children will receive a logbook when they join, then a sticker each time they visit their local library to borrow. After receiving two stickers, club members begin to collect rewards!

By making regular visits to the library, reading becomes an enjoyable habit for children.

Year One Reading Club is free to join at any Hills Shire Library. Simply head to one of The Hills Shire Library branches and sign up. For more information, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Library

Date: March – 31 October 2023

Location: Hills Shire Library Service

Age: Suitable for children in Year 1

Fees: Free

Sensitive Library

The Hills Shire Library Service is proud to introduce Sensitive Library at Baulkham Hills Library.

Families with neurodivergent needs will have the opportunity to visit the library prior to its normal opening hours and enjoy a light and noise sensitive friendly time.

Date: Every Wednesday morning

Time: 9:30 -10am

Location: Baulkham Hill Library

Age: Suitable for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult

Fees: Free

Bookings: Bookings are essential online. To book, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Sensitive Library.’

Library In The Park

Come along and enjoy an interactive time of stories, music and movement for children aged 0-5 and their families.

Remember to bring your hat, sunscreen and a rug to sit on. Bring your library card or join on the day to browse and borrow from a selection of great library items.

In the event of adverse weather, please check The Hills Shire Library Service Facebook page for cancellation notifications.

Date: Every Wednesday morning (excluding School Holidays)

Time: 10:30am

Location: Wheelie Park located at Cataract Road, Box Hill

Age: Suitable for children aged 0-5 year and their parents

Fees: Free

Bookings: No bookings required

Deanna: I’m currently a student in Year 12, so my hobbies and interests have been replaced with textbooks and exams. My biggest passion is reading, and I enjoy everything from sci-fi to fantasy, as well as books on scientific theories, particularly quantum physics.

I also love film and am currently making one as my major work. After school, I hope to pursue a career in the film industry and become an author, as I love to write.

I’m passionate about making a positive difference in the world and believe that my interests in film and writing can be powerful tools to inspire and motivate others.

I also enjoy expressing my ideas through speeches and slam poetry, which allow me to communicate my thoughts in a really powerful way.

Eva: I am currently in Year 11 at Santa Sophia Catholic College in Box Hill and I am a part of my school’s debating team and enjoy participating in public speaking. I’ve grown up in the Hills and enjoy going for walks with my dogs in the various nature reserves this district has to offer.

I enjoy giving back to my community through community service by volunteering with the Hills Youth Army.

I have a strong passion for advocacy so I feel very excited to use my new role as a platform to spread awareness about core issues affecting young people in the Hills Shire District.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON DURING YOUR TIME AS A YOUTH AMBASSADOR?

Deanna: In my time as Youth Ambassador, I plan to focus on turning around the social stigmas towards serious issues that our society faces. Delving into climate change, suicide prevention, and inclusivity. Looking at the internalised prejudice that’s within all of us towards different groups, and seeing how we can turn that around, especially in school settings where children are supposed to be finding themselves, rather than suppressing their own identities.

Whilst the conversation around mental health is slowly becoming a more openly-discussed topic, I am determined to spark a dialogue that not only raises awareness of available resources, but breaks down the taboos that act as barriers preventing people from seeking help. I would love to utilise this position as a platform to raise awareness among both youth and educators on how to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes diversity, equality and acceptance for individuals of all races, genders, sexualities and abilities.

Eva: I would like to focus on spreading awareness to young people of the various services the council has to offer and on how to use technology safely and appropriately.

I want to continue to ensure that this beautiful area is safe and inclusive for all people from all walks of life and demographics.

To read Deanna’s and Eva’s full interviews, visit www.hillsfocus.com.au