Young people get centred
Published on 24 October 2024
Mason Duffield was 12 years old when he first visited one of Onkaparinga’s youth centres.
Eight years on, he says his involvement in the Wardli and Base 10 centres has made him a better person.
“When I was younger, I wasn’t always a nice person. And I was hanging out with the wrong people,” he says.
“I’m involved in Rhyme Recital, a hip-hop program at Base 10 in Reynella, which is jointly run by industry pros, Kultar Ahluwalia and DJ Prospeks. I don’t have a father and Kultar has become a mentor,” he says.
“I’ve done some dumb things and Kultar said, ‘Okay, those things weren’t smart. Just don’t do them again.’”
Mason says it’s that kind of support from the staff, program leaders and other young people that has helped him develop as an adult. He’s now completed school, earned his driver’s Ps and found work.
“The people are like a family. They’ve experienced the same ups and downs as me and they’ve supported me through some rough experiences.”
Mason’s sister Lani Pollard is a familiar face at all three of Onkaparinga’s youth centres – Base 10, Wardli in Christie Downs, and Studio 20 in Aldinga.
When she first got involved, she wanted to widen her range of friends.
“It has made me a lot more confident and given me a space outside of school to be social,” she says.
“It is very important for young people to have a supportive environment where their opinions are valued and acknowledged.”
Both Mason and Lani recommend the centres and the wide variety of arts, recreation, music, business and social activities they offer – not just as participants but as young people who themselves can make a difference.
Lani is a member of the Onkaparinga Youth Committee, a group of young people aged 12 to 25 years who meet regularly, advocate for young people, drive change in our community, and represent their views to the mayor, elected members and other interested groups.
She is part of Raw Drama, a theatre program at Base 10. She has also helped run the Regen Series, an annual program of events run by young people for young people such as Spin Your Wheels, a skate event with live music, workshops and free food.
Mason hopes that his music, which he performs as MC Duffy, can also help other young people.
“I write what I’ve been through in the past, like being in a tough relationship,” he says. “I want my music to help young people before they get into relationships like that.”
Onkaparinga Youth Team Leader, Jenna Bloom, says Onkaparinga’s three youth centres, Base 10, Wardli and Studio 20, offer free and low-cost programs for young people aged eight to 25 years.
“Our centres and programs aim to enhance the wellbeing of young people by fostering greater connection, engagement and empowerment," she says,
“They are a safe and welcoming environment where young people can connect and feel a true sense of belonging.
“We focus on positive development by providing opportunities for personal, social and skills growth, while also actively involving young people in decision-making processes. This approach helps build leadership and confidence in young people."
For Lani, there’s another great benefit of being involved.
“We are so lucky to have the opportunity to go out and enjoy time in the community,” she says. “Plus, it is just so fun!”
More information: https://www.onkaparingacity.com/Community-facilities-support/Youth/Youth-centres