rYe is the Regional Youth Entertainment branch of RYDON, established to foster and support entertainment opportunities for young people across Regional NSW.

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rYe is the incarnation of a group previously known as the Cessnock Youth Entertainment Committee (CYEC). The CYEC was a fantastic example of what a youth-led project can achieve. With a history spanning over 15 years, this committee were a very pro-active part of the Cessnock Community landscape and have achieved a great deal in that time.

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It all started back in 2005 when a group of young people recognised that there wasn't much to do in Cessnock and wanted to do something about it. They approached local youth workers Rebecca Kelly (Cessnock Youthlinx) and Lakin Agnew (Cessnock Community and Youth Development Project), who offered their support to kickstart the project. The committee began meeting once a month and planning small-scale music events. From these initial stages, the committee grew and began meeting most weeks and over the years has applied for and attracted over $150k in funding to be directed into youth events and activities. For the past 14 years they have had a youth volunteer partnership with the Groovin' The Moo festival. 

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From 2022, rYe will step into this partnership with Groovin' the Moo festival providing opportunities for young people to gain some festival experience and volunteer at the Maitland event.

 

rYe will be the RYDON link for future opportunities such as Groovin' the Moo or other festivals/events that present volunteering opportunities for YP, as well as- any possible grant opportunities to support Regional youth events.