![Capital Region Community Services programs](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Womens-leadership-photo00-e1595229468607.jpg)
Capital Region Community Services is providing a creative outlet and life lessons in leadership. Photo: File.
With COVID-19 restrictions easing, the Capital Region Community Services youth team is back in full swing with exciting new programs and events for young people in the Canberra region!
PhotoAccess Winter Warmth photography competition
![Winter Warmth Youth Photography Competition II](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/BYC-Winter_Instagram.jpg)
Winter Warmth Youth Photography Competition II. Photo: Supplied.
Now’s the chance to use your Insta-worthy photos to boost your photography career by entering the Winter Warmth Photography Competition, hosted in collaboration with PhotoAccess.
This is the second collaborative photography competition with PhotoAccess. Submissions are open until midnight, Friday, 24 July 2020.
In the first photography competition, we asked young shutterbugs to respond to the theme ‘abstract’, and they didn’t disappoint. The competition received over 30 submissions from young people in Canberra. Remi Siciliano, George Finn and Barton Taylor secured first, second, and third place respectively. The finalist exhibition can be viewed here.
Remi Siciliano’s win earned him a spot on the judging panel for the second competition. Remi’s winning photography traces his efforts to collaborate with a bandicoot after a previous experiment (a buried piece of silver gelatin paper) was dug up and marked by scratches from a foraging bandicoot in Remi’s garden.
![The Traces of Efforts to Collaborate with a Bandicoot](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Remi_Siciliano_the-trace-of-efforts-to-c.jpg)
The Traces of Efforts to Collaborate with a Bandicoot, Remi Siciliano (23). Photo: Remi Siciliano.
In this second photography competition, we want to encourage more young people from diverse backgrounds to submit entries that address the wintery, the warm, the cuddly, the icy or anything you think represents the warmth within the winter chill. Smartphone-ography welcome! No big cameras necessary, unless you have one and wish to use it. The competition is looking for the most creative entries from people aged between 12 and 25.
First place as judged by PhotoAccess and Belconnen Youth Centre will receive a $75 voucher to Westfield, with runner-up prizes of a $50 voucher for second place and a $25 voucher for third place. First, second and third places will also receive a 12-month membership to PhotoAccess.
The winning entry, as well as 10 other finalists, will be exhibited on the PhotoAccess Online Gallery Space! Click here for the competition details and conditions of entry!
Remember, submissions close on 24 July so don’t miss out.
Young Women’s Leadership program
A Young Women’s Leadership Program is starting at Belconnen Youth Centre in Term 3. We are incredibly excited to launch this free new program which welcomes all young female and gender-diverse people across the community.
This group is ideal for anyone who would like to make friends and explore topics relevant to young women in a fun, safe and welcoming environment. The activities of the program will largely be shaped by its participants and are designed to build confidence and skills.
Topics such as communication, mental health, body confidence and women in workplace leadership will be covered.
The program will run for eight weeks in a small group of 10 to 12 participants and will be facilitated by experienced youth workers, Maree and Louisa.
Maree has worked in the Community Sector for over eight years. Her personal focus is on improving community inclusion, empowerment and resilience. She enjoys working with young people by supporting them to pursue their interest, share their voice, and become more active in the wider community.
Louisa holds a Bachelor in Social Work from the Australian Catholic University and has worked in the Youth Sector in paid and voluntary positions for the past five years. As a passionate young woman herself, she would like to inspire and support other young women to achieve their full potential.
If you are a young female or gender-diverse person looking to build your confidence and leadership skills, get in touch with Maree or Louisa for more information and to set up a meeting.
Maree can be contacted at 0437 489 021 or by emailing youthengagement@crcs.com.au. Louisa can be contacted at 0427 827 050 or by emailing louisa.wu@crcs.com.au.
Click here for information on all Belconnen Youth Centre programs and services. For an update on programs and services, visit CRCS.