I am Matthew. I live at Bingara, NSW (pop. 1300). I am nearly 18. I like football and motorbikes. I care for my friends by talking with them about what’s bothering them. The local swimming hole is the only fun place for young people in Bingara.
I have lived with my Pop and Nan since I was 3. My Nan passed away. We commemorate Nan’s passing away every year by throwing roses in the air. My Pop is unwell. He takes care of me and makes sure I keep out of trouble.
I used to hang out with the ‘wrong crew’ but I have worked hard to change my lifestyle. I used to ‘wag’ school a lot but now I have nearly finished year twelve. The Bingara Central School has helped me a lot and the teachers look out for me. I worked hard to show the community that I have changed and eventually I got a job as a kitchen hand.
Two years ago I began working with EACH Youth Connections and then the Reconnect program. They helped me with school stuff, considering the right path in life, speaking with my Pop about his illness, what will happen when Pop passes away, who will support me and where I will live.
EACH has really helped me with my life struggle and they also do some fun things. So if you have any problems, EACH will help you out. Don’t be shy. Ask for help.
The Reconnect program helps young people aged 12 to 18 years who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Reconnect works with the young person and their family to improve the connections between the young person and their family, education, work and their community.
The Youth Connections program is for young people aged 11 to 19 years, who are most at risk of leaving school early and not getting to Year 12 or equivalent, and their families.