Timisha Ward

Why did you get involved with NYW and why is it important to you?
Youth Week offers an opportunity to showcase the talents and achievements of youth across the nation, and being passionate about changing the negative stereotype of youth presented in the media, this week is really important to me.

Why should young people get involved in NYW and how can they get involved?
NYW is a yearly celebration of youth – what better reason is there to get involved than to celebrate being young, and exhibit the amazing things young people can do! The best way to get involved is by logging onto the NYW website and Facebook page. There young people can keep updated about what’s happening, enter the National Talent Competitions and find out what events are happening in their state and local area.

What are you most looking forward to for NYW 2012?
In my second year of being the SA Young Member, I’m really looking forward to being involved in planning my local NYW event, Fusion. I also can’t wait to attend the NYW SA State Launch, which, being held rurally this year, is a great excuse for a road trip and is set to be a fantastic event!

Which NYW event did you enjoy last year?
One of my favourite events last year was the Southern Fleurieu Youth Advisory Committee’s music event Fusion, which attracted a broad range of local and other youth, and also involved   some really fun activities set up in stalls, such as fake tattoos and a fly wall.  It was a brilliant opportunity to display the talents of local musicians and everyone appeared to have a fantastic day.

What’s your hidden talent?
I make a pretty nice zucchini, lemon, pine nut and baby spinach pasta.

Who or what have you been inspired by recently?
The young people with whom I work alongside in the Youth Advisory Committee constantly inspire me with their continual hard work and enthusiasm towards creating a positive image of youth in the area. Recently I’ve been inspired by the passing of the carbon tax in parliament, which I think is a great step towards making an impact on climate change and sets an example for other nations to follow. Through creating accountability for those harming the environment and offering incentives for companies and people to adopt more eco-friendly approaches to the operation of business and households, the tax will hopefully play an important role in engendering a healthier environment for ourselves and future generations to enjoy.

How do you imagine, create and inspire?
In the capacity of a Youth Advisory Committee member, I help to imagine, create and manage youth events such as the annual South Coast Youth Art Exhibition, which provides young people in the region an opportunity to showcase their creativity and inspire others to do the same, as well as inspiring people through the messages within the artwork they produce.

If you had only $10 left, what would you spend it on and why?
Mangoes to share with friends - nothing beats a fresh mango!

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know?
I once flew a glider plane.

How can the Youth of today be (more) active in their communities?
I think one of the best ways for youth to become more active in their communities is to join their local Youth Advisory Committees, and other similar organisations, as they offer a range of ways to initiate and create youth events and provide avenues for greater youth representation within the community.