• CSU offers intensive, six-day workshop program focused on the themes of ‘community, citizenry and processes of democracy’ in July
• Picture Justice Australia program for limited number of Years-11 and 12 students from Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA
• Workshops in design thinking, narrative development, story editing and photography, all led by CSU and Swinburne University lecturers

Senior high school students on the NSW Mid North Coast will have the opportunity to take part in the Picture Justice Australia program at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie in July.

As many as 15 Year-11 and Year-12 students within the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area can participate in the Picture Justice Australia program during the school holidays from Monday 8 to Saturday 13 July.

Picture Justice Australia is an intensive, six-day workshop program that focuses on the themes of ‘community, citizenry and processes of democracy’.

Lecturer in design in the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries in Port Macquarie Ms Willhemina Wahlin said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to bring the Picture Justice program to Australia,”

“We’ve gathered together an amazing group of experts to deliver a program that aims to inspire young people, and expand their storytelling and problem-solving skillset.

“The stories and visuals created by the participants will become a projected exhibition for Port Macquarie’s ArtWalk 2019.”

Workshops include Design Thinking, narrative development, story editing and photography, all led by CSU and Swinburne University lecturers.

Also included in the program is an Introduction to Civics from the Whitlam Institute, and ethical interviewing techniques from Ms Leora Kahn, Executive Director of the New York Based non-profit, PROOF: Media for Social Justice, who created the Picture Justice program in the US.

Picture Justice Australia is also a pilot research project. Participants will help CSU and Swinburne researchers to better understand what’s important to young regional Australians, and whether workshop programs like this can encourage Australia’s regional youth to take an active part as citizens within their communities.

“We believe that regional youth are passionate about their communities,” Ms Wahlin said.

“Our research is interested in understanding how young people in regional areas of Australia engage in political or social issues, and whether this intensive workshop program is effective in helping them to contribute in new ways.”

Applications for the Picture Justice Australia program will be open from Monday 1 to Tuesday 30 April 2019. Details on the workshop program and research study can be found on: www.picturejusticeaustralia.org

For more information about the Picture Justice Australia program at CSU in Port Macquarie contact Ms Willhemina Wahlin on 6582 9369 or 0405 885 002.