Hear from a diverse panel of young people from regional NSW talking about their experiences of the impact of COVID 19 and their visions for the future.

The experiences of the COVID 19 pandemic are very different for young people at a crucial period of their life and the repercussions will be felt for generations to come. Young people are more likely to be in precarious working arrangements and lack social and financial protection or independent decision-making power. They make up 40 percent of the casual workforce in Australia, most in industries that have seen the biggest job losses so far: accommodation, food services, arts and recreation.

Disruptions to education, home, aspirations and social life have been deeply felt and many may be at the risk of being left behind, vulnerable and marginalised youth in particular. At the same time, responses to the crisis and young people’s experiences may have positive implications as we will come to rely on their ideas and labour and knowledge in the future. Should this, will this, look the same? More than ever we need young people’s voices to think about new futures.

Facilitator Richard Atkin will be joined by Nimbin HSC student Arky Ryall, Evans Head local Digby Mercer who is currently in his gap year and Holly Ahern, an Honours student at Southern Cross University, Lismore.

Thursday Night Live! is an evening of provocation, discussion and dialogue. Thursday Night Live! is a partnership event of Southern Cross University and the Lismore Regional Gallery.