Oasis Youth Service ‘sparks’ positive change through leadership program

(Left) One of the stalls at the Youth Fest Carnival. (Right) Leah and Jarid from the Oasis Youth Services Central Coast were finalists in the Central Coast National Youth Week Awards this year.

BY LAUREN MARTIN

The ‘Spark Collective’ initiative of The Salvation Army Oasis Youth Service on the NSW Central Coast gives dignity, worth and hope to local young people.

Birthed in 2023, the Spark Collective is a nine-month leadership program designed for teens and young adults. Its purpose is to empower young people to make their voices heard and take action to spark positive change within the community.

For National Youth Week in April, this year’s Spark Collective cohort was challenged to produce an event that celebrates young people and brings them together. They spent the three months leading up to April planning, designing and determining a theme for the event.

“They came to the consensus of having a carnival,” said Kimberley Hallinan, Oasis Youth Service Youth Support and Mission Leader. “The Youth Fest Carnival had over 70 people attending, including 11 local services to support young people, a bungee run, a food stall, a photobooth and carnival games.”

Some of the stalls being set up for the Youth Fest Carnival.

The feedback from the event was positive. The Spark Collective participants asked attendees for feedback, which included comments that they ‘would not change anything’ and ‘can’t wait to come again’. 

One of the key learning elements of the process was the Spark Collective’s idea to have a prize table and show bags. Oasis team members came up with a budget and took members of the Spark Collective shopping to make sure their voices were heard regarding what should go into the bags to make them ‘cool’ for young people (“fidget toys and lollies mostly!” said Kimberley.)

There was plenty on offer at the carnival if the signs are anything to go by.

“The whole thing was really young-people-led,” said Kimberley, who added that it is really rewarding to be involved with the Spark Collective initiative and watch the transformation of its participants.

“Seeing the growth in leadership and them being able to share their voice and seeing their own personal growth.”

Two members of the original 2023 Spark Collective cohort, Leah and Jarid, are still in youth leadership roles at the Oasis Youth Service. This year, they were nominated for the Central Coast National Youth Week Awards. Both were selected as finalists and attended the awards ceremony to receive recognition.

“One of them mentioned on the night that they had never received an award before due to anxiety and wasn’t sure if they would be able to get on stage,” said Kimberley. “They said they were able to overcome this because of the support and growth they had gained from Oasis and the Spark Collective group, and afterwards were very proud of themselves.”

Jarid has been so impacted by his journey with Oasis Youth Services that he is now enrolling to study a community services certificate with The Salvation Army’s Eva Burrows College. “He says that he wants to help people to be able to share their voice like he’s been able to do,” said Kimberley.

Just one spark can start a flame. The Oasis Youth Services Spark Collective is sparking hope in the lives of young people on the NSW Central Coast.

The prize table at the Youth Fest Carnival.