From restoring vandalised sites through to running events where young people can skate, Hip Hop and DJ, the Tomaree Youth Community Action group (TYCA) is all about collaborating with youth on projects they can relate to.

“Empowering youth to fulfil their potential is our mission,” TYCA president Jamie Brewster told News Of The Area.

TYCA is a not-for-profit community organisation that hosts workshops and programs for people 12-25, but “caters mainly to the ten to 16-year-old age group,” Mr Brewster said.

TYCA currently receives funding from a Port Stephens Council cultural grant, but Mr Brewster said the youth initiative was “mainly self-funded from programs like Snack’N’Rap and Bunnings barbeques”.

TYCA, in partnership with street art and wellness activity group UP&UP and DJ school Newcastle Scratch Academy, runs the popular Snack’N’Rap initiative which combines food, music, painting and skating activities.

Donations from these events support local youth programs.

The youth group originally started with a team of students and parents from Tomaree High School who were interested in expanding youth services in the local area.

The TYCA committee is made up of dedicated volunteers and Port Stephens councillor Sally Dover has been involved since the concept’s inception.

President Jamie Brewster has been an active member of the group since 2012 and his contribution has continued to grow each year.

“I took over the running of TYCA in 2014 and have turned it around with the help of a great committee from one town to Port Stephens wide,” Mr Brewster said.

The Tomaree Youth Community Action group is always after new members and Mr Brewster encouraged young people to check out the local events scheduled this year.

On February 18 there is a Snack’N’Rap activity at Tilligerry, on March 18 the group will host Snack’N’Rap at Raymond Terrace and on April 10 there will be a Skate and Scooter competition at Nelson Bay Skate Park for Youth Week.

For more information on events, go to facebook.com/pstyca.

By Jo FINN