Stay Deadly, co-designed by students from Echuca College and Kyabram P-12 College, is all about supporting young people — fostering connection, encouraging them to reach out for help, and making it second nature to check in on their mates.
The resource uses practical, peer-driven messages such as ‘Staying strong and deadly - staying connected,’ ‘Check in on your mates,’ and ‘Stay around people who make you feel strong.’
Echuca Regional Health emotional wellbeing worker Gilbert Wanganeen said it was encouraging to see local youth shape the message.
“It’s been positive to see young Aboriginal people have a genuine voice in creating this resource,” he said.
“They’ve shared what helps them stay strong and connected, and those ideas are reflected throughout. It’s a resource which comes from young mob, for our young mob.”
The initiative grew from the Campaspe Murray Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing working group, with funding support from the Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit (LMPHU).
Bringing the vision to life took a genuine community effort — Aboriginal liaison officers joined forces with representatives from Echuca Regional Health, Njernda, headspace Echuca, Echuca College, Kyabram P-12 College, the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association and the LMPHU.
LMPHU director Emma Vains highlighted the strength of regional collaboration in delivering meaningful results.
“It’s been a really positive partnership, resulting in a practical resource developed with young people, for young people,” Ms Vains said.
For the young artists who brought the project to life, it was a chance to express themselves creatively and take genuine pride in something meaningful.
Kyabram P-12 College Year 7 student and artist Olivia Williams loved seeing peer creativity on display.
“I love that all the art is from talented young minds,” Olivia said.
“The creative genius behind it is so inspiring.”
Fellow artist and Kyabram student Lily Horton said the initiative gave young people a voice.
“I think giving the chance for young people to show what’s deadly to them helps them show who they are and what they believe in,” Lily said.
“It helps them express themselves as a young person.”
