• Charles Sturt University to host intensive five-day program open to students in Port Macquarie-Hastings region
• First time the Pictures Justice Australia program held in regional New South Wales 
• Applications open until 31 May to eligible students

Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) will host the Picture Justice Australia program for Port Macquarie Hastings students from 8 to 12 July. 

Students who are in years 9-12 of high school, and TAFE and university students up to 25 years of age are eligible to apply. 

The Picture Justice Australia program is an intensive, five-day workshop series focused on the themes of ‘community, citizenry and processes of democracy’. 

Throughout the workshop students will create visuals and stories that will be become a projected exhibition for Port Macquarie’s ArtWalk 2019.

Willhemina Wahlin, Lecturer in Design at Charles Sturt, said the program was an exciting opportunity and an introduction to the creative industries for regional students. 

“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 skills,” said Ms Wahlin. 

Ms Wahlin said over the five days students will participate in design thinking, narrative development, story editing and photography workshops led by Charles Sturt and Swinburne lecturers. 

“The program is really unique. Along with the creative workshops, the Whitlam Institute will also be joining us, hosting their civics workshop for the first time outside of Sydney. 

“Students will learn how our democratic system works, what their rights are, and importantly that they have a voice.”

The program is a pilot research project that will help Charles Sturt and Swinburne researchers better understand what is important to young regional Australians, and whether workshop programs 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, and Picture Justice Australia will be such a fun and creative way for us to share our different skills with the students.

“The bonus that these stories will then be shared with the community at ArtWalk is just brilliant. It’s what Picture Justice is really all about – giving young people a platform to tell us what’s important to them,” Ms Wahlin said.

Applications for the Picture Justice Australia program will be open to 31 May 2019. Students from years 9 to 12 and TAFE and university students up to 25 years in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area are eligible to apply.