The Year 9 and 10 students from Tyrrell College attended the Buloke Youth Health Expo on Tuesday May 20 at the Birchip Recreation Reserve, joining Year 9 and 10 students from the other four secondary schools in Buloke Shire for a day of learning and activities.
The day involved activities and topics that impact our young people with expert presenters, to learn ways to deal with every-day issues and difficult questions.
The program of presenters and activities for the day focussed on health and lifestyle issues faced by young people. Presenters included; Rapper and mental health fitness guru Tim O’Donnell, who started the day off with some creative mental gymnastics. Tim was voted the most popular presenter at the 2023 expo and again at this years expo.
East Wimmera Health Service, Health Promotion Team, Stacey Keller and Maddie Hendy, provided advice about nutrition and health.
Ambulance Victoria, Paramedic Community Support officer- Josh King, ran an information and practical skills session. Josh understands that kids can save lives with the importance of a quick response in CPR.
Respect with a capital R.E.S.P.E.C.T was the topic of Gabrielle Mentz from Women’s Health Loddon Mallee. There was a session to provide tips and advice about risks and staying safe around alcohol and other drugs, including vaping. As well as some online quizzes for the students to participate in.
A nutritious lunch was provided to the students with a build-your-own-sandwich area, as well as fruit and muffins. Thank you to the catering team at Birchip P-12.
Lunchtime activities included some Headspace challenges and games thanks to Headspace Swan Hill and Reclink. The Smoothie Bike was popular with the students who used pedal power to operate the blender. Brooke Warren and the ‘Keep in Touch’ (KIT) van had lots of activities and merchandise for the students, thanks to Anglicare and the Buloke Library van. Jade Hunter and Active Schools also had some activities including spike ball and a mini volleyball challenge. Josh King and local community officer David Pollard from Ambulance Victoria provided mannequins for students to test their CPR skills on.
The Expo committee was fortunate to receive funding for this event and acknowledge grants from Buloke Shire, FRRR and North Central Learn Local Network for the mental health speaker, lunch and bus funding for the schools.
A big thank you to Miss Carter and Darcy-student teacher, for accompanying the students, as well as Carol for helping to organise the event. It was a fantastic day and all of the students enjoyed the experience.
