Connect and Thrive: Pathways, a youth-focused event designed to empower young people across Moree and surrounding areas, will be held in Moree on Tuesday, November 18.

The program, aimed at giving young people the skills, confidence and connections they need to shape their futures, will be held at the Moree Services Club auditorium.

Connect and Thrive: Pathways, delivered by the NSW Office for Youth, is a direct response to feedback from the 2024 Your Voice, Our Future consultation and the NSW Youth Summit, where young people called for meaningful, face-to-face engagement with government in their communities.

Targeted at young people aged 15 to 20, the Moree event will feature interactive workshops focused on creating positive relationships with peers and building strong community networks.

The sessions are designed to give young people the confidence to connect with local employers, community organisations and government agencies – not just on the day, but beyond the event as they continue to build their future pathways.

NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, Zoë Robinson, said the event is a direct response to what young people have asked for.

“In Moree, we’re bringing together young people, local leaders and employers to spark real conversations and open doors to real opportunities,” Ms Robinson said.

“This is what youth engagement should look like – local, meaningful and driven by the voices of young people themselves.”

Connect and Thrive: Pathways events are designed for young people to network with peers,

connect with local young leaders and professionals, build leadership and networking skills, share ideas for community improvements, and hear from businesses, organisations, and government agencies working within their communities to support young people in finding their path.

Earlier this year, events were held in Parkes, Albury, Kempsey and Tamworth, with an additional event also scheduled for Murwillumbah on Wednesday, November 26.

Connect and Thrive also runs programs which support young people’s wellbeing and transition to adulthood.