Chris Edwards

Why did you get involved with NYW and why is it important to you?
I got involved because I think it is really important for young people to be recognised for their contribution to their communities and Australian society. NYW is a perfect way to do this and so when the opportunity came up to be involved on the Tassie steering committee I jumped at it!

Why should young people get involved in NYW and how can they get involved?
Young people should get involved in NYW because there is such a range of opportunities to try new things and participate. They can organise their own event, help out with another or ask their school if they’re doing anything - they just need to be imaginative!

What are you most looking forward to for NYW 2012?
I am looking most forward to seeing exactly what kind of exciting and amazing events young people and organizations come up with! Every year the bar seems to get raised and I don’t expect 2012 to be any different, it's fantastic!

If you could plan any event for NYW, what would it be and why?
I would plan some sort of a music festival to give local up and coming artists a chance to play in front of people who are their peers. I would try and get local venue-owners along to watch, giving young people the opportunity to showcase their talents. It is important to young peoples’ development to get such opportunities, and talent should be rewarded.

What’s your hidden talent?
My hidden talent is being able to pluck a few songs on the guitar. Boring I know, but my ability to clear a room with my awful singing voice isn’t as cool.

Who or what have you been inspired by recently?
I have been inspired by a friend of mine who completed a marathon. Ridiculously good effort for a guy who is not the fittest or most athletically gifted in the room, just the hardest working.

Tell us something unique or interesting about your home town?
Margate is about 20 minutes south of Hobart, and its most unique feature is the Margate Train which houses a pancake stall, carpet shop and a few other bits a pieces. It's basically a decommissioned train that they just left there and it's kinda grown into a bit of a novelty for visitors and locals, complete with a catchy jingle that plays on local TV and radio.

If you were an animal, which would you be and why?
I would be a dolphin, their noise is cool and they spend all day jumping around in the waves. Could it get better?

If you only had $10 left, what would you spend it on and why?
I would buy the nicest coffee I could find, and then a return bus or tram ticket to somewhere I’ve never been before.

How can the youth of today be more active in their communities?
The best way to be active is to be interested in what you do in the first place. So whatever they’re good at and enjoy doing they should pursue by setting up a network or game, joining a group or reading more about it! If they find a bunch of like-minded people there is more likely to be passion and drive and there is a higher chance of ongoing involvement, which means a win for both themselves and their communities!