Go on, get active

WHY rest on your laurels in the knowledge that you are a sensible citizen of Liverpool when there are so many ways to get involved in the community?

Just because you don't cause the locals any strife doesn't mean your work is done.

Each of us have a responsibility to contribute back to the community that provided a vehicle for the development of our own skills. So many opportunities are waiting for us to snatch up!

From 2006 to 2008 I was in the Liverpool City Youth Council and they were the two most rewarding years of my life as a Liverpoolian.

I co-hosted a monthly radio show RADAR at 2GLF 89.3, kick-started a quarterly e-magazine for youth and made important media contacts which are now helpful as I complete my degree in journalism.

Furthermore, by submerging myself in community life and organising events I met many diverse and friendly people I will never forget. Volunteer work is a double blessing- you not only help others but you also feel valued and productive in the process.

In Liverpool, us youth have the potential to really stand up and make a difference.
As cliche as it sounds, it only only takes one spark to light a fire. Your idea to run a monthly youth sports event, host an annual music competition or even develop something completely original could quite literally become a legacy in Liverpool.

Just think of Liverpool Idol- artists have found ways to get a leg up in the music industry while at the same time making their local community proud.

Funding is not necessarily a setback as there are plenty of government and business initiatives which can help get the ball rolling.

In the 21st Century, youth are empowered and we are being listened to.

Keep on the look out for opportunities in local papers, the council website or even billet boards.

Better still, seek out opportunities yourself and see just how fulfilling it is to play an active role in society.

Home-grown performers to light up the Powerhouse stage?

WHEN the Casula Powerhouse re-opened it's doors last April I was thrilled.

Mostly because of the wonderful can of worms a fully-equipped, state of the art 326 seat theatre unhatched for the young and old alike.

Just think of the endless possibilities it presented for theatre-goers: live theatre, musical theatre!

Since April I have seen many shows at the Casula Powerhouse, Helpman Award winner Keating! was certainly a stand out.

However, while it is inspiring to see the Casula Powerhouse nurturing one-off performances of touring musical theatre productions, I'd like to witness some of our own creations.

There is a myriad of talented singers, dancers and actors in Liverpool who would jump at the opportunity to perform in a local production.

The buck doesn't stop there either.

In a musical there is a role for everyone: those who love to paint and design could artistically decorate the set while those who love to perform could light up the stage. Costume, prop and set designers are required. Stage managers, musicians, directors, music directors and choreographers give a piece of theatre life.

Putting on a musical would be a culturally enriching and community building undertaking.
It would also provide a creative and cathartic outlet for the youth to make friends, have barrels of fun and develop their skills.

We have the facility, now let's make the Casula Powerhouse's mission of helping to grow the creative industry in South West Sydney an even greater reality.

Let's take the next step and develop a musical theatre society.