Our Champions

This month’s KiT Champion is Manue.

Hello! My name is Manue and I’m a proud genderqueer writer, storyteller and youth worker living in Guildford on beautiful Jaara country. 

I have been working with young people in the Loddon Campaspe region through a range of programs before joining the KiT team—namely as Communications, Engagement and Project Support for Youth Take Over Loddon Campaspe, as a Camp Leader at Sunbury Cobaw Community Health’s Pride Camp and Camp Different in Maldon. I am currently the Youth Activities Support Officer for Mount Alexander Shire Council, and I’m also an accredited yoga teacher.

I feel like the KiT Van has been the missing piece of the puzzle at youth centric events, as the activities allow young people to build up their confidence and their own storytelling capacities. Life can open up when we are given the vocabulary to talk about our experiences, and KiT helps equip young people with conversation tools that they can hone over a lifetime. 

My favourite thing about the KiT Van experience are the pauses in between conversations, where young people are given the time to think about how they want to answer our questions. So often we start learning a script for a way to talk about our lives, and the way our games prompt different answers allows young people to re-frame their experiences. Moreover, it’s so exciting for young people at KiT to realise they have just participated in an effective, open conversation, and we get to empower them to see that as a real life skill that they can continue to practise. 

Stella.
I am currently in my third year of a psychology and criminology degree, which I love. I have always been passionate about the field of psychology, specifically individuals within the criminal justice system. My psychology studies have allowed me to gain a valuable understanding of mental health and mental illness, which I have been able to implement into conversations with young people in the KIT project.

When I am not studying or working, I am at the gym, as it is very beneficial for my mental well-being.

Thanks to Agnico Eagle Australia Community Partnership Program for supporting the KiT champions to continue the great work they do on the ground at events in our region!

Mahli.
I’m currently in my last year of pursuing a degree in psychology and criminology, and I’ve grown deeply passionate about youth mental health. My areas of focus include therapeutic psychology and understanding criminal behaviour. Through my dual degrees, I’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of brain development, mental health disorders, and acquired the necessary skills to engage with young individuals in this field. Outside of academia, I prioritise activities that promote positive mental well-being, such as running and self-care.

I’m immensely grateful to the Agnico Eagle Australia Community Partnership Program for their belief in and support of this important initiative. Their backing enables us to make a meaningful difference in the community and in the lives of its youth.