Bellingen EYE started out in 2007 as a group of teenagers that wanted to get out into the bush, have fun and reconnect with the surrounding environment. Inspirational, knowledgeable mentors and the natural pull of the land soon led to Bellingen EYE evolving into far more than that.
In 2007, the EYE held two very successful Survival Skills bush camps. We also volunteered at the inaugural Renewable Energy Fair, invited guest speakers to our meetings to learn about topics such as rainforest destruction, climate change, and endangered orangutans and helped lead the Bellingen “Walk Against Warming”.
The first half of 2008 brought us another great camp, and the opportunity to have our own “Youth Tent” at the Renewable Energy Fair, which was very successful with its “recycled craft” program for kiddies, and our home-made “Tune-Cycle” (a pedal-powered turntable!) which appealed to all ages.
Then, in the second half of 2008, the EYE was given an amazing opportunity. We were shortlisted for a “Partnership Grant” from the Foundation for Young Australians. After a process that included an amazing three hour discussion between two FYA officers and 18 EYE members, we were given the good news: we were to receive $10,000 for a 3 month process of Community Mapping /Visioning/ Project Proposal Writing. If we came up with a good project – we would be funded for three years – with $190,000!!
What an incredible 3 months it was, and it all culminated in the EYEball – which was a massive celebration with a presentation, great music by local youth, and heaps of fun.
And then….after all the work and the waiting….the results were in (drum roll). The Foundation for Young Australians Partnership Grant committee loved our Proposal – and offered us the full funding of $190,000 over the next three years (from 2009-2011). Well done Bellingen EYE – and thanks FYA!
So now, in 2009, the real fun begins….. (see our Camps and Events pages to find out about that!)
