Ashton Stanyer, Blake Stanyer, Jess Stanyer, Jamie Stanyer, Brianna Watkins and Jack Watkins enjoyed the screening.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Families and representatives from key agencies across Moira Shire gathered at Sporties Barooga on the evening of Wednesday, November 27.
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As the weather put on a show of its own outside, the smell of fresh popcorn mingled with a sense of excitement in the comfort of the club as the intimate occasion got under way.
The main attraction for the evening was the screening — just the second in Moira Shire — of the evidence-based documentary Embrace Kids.
Directed by Taryn Brumfitt, the documentary aims to raise awareness around body positivity while exploring the influence that marketing practices can have on how young people view themselves and their bodies.
NCN Health promotion and community development officer Angela Mitchell, who drove the program in collaboration with Moira Shire Council and Yarrawonga Health, said the free event sought to kick-start difficult conversations around body image.
“It’s obviously a challenging topic to discuss with young people and children,” she said.
She said that through her work in the community, she had observed an emphasis on confidence, body image, social media and bullying.
“We find it important that adults who are supporting children ... come on board and learn how language can impact children’s confidence, and how our behaviour as role models can influence young people and children,” she said.
“We’re hoping that people can take that messaging back into their everyday lives — whether that’s as a parent, a coach or as an educator.”
Guest speakers from NCN Health, Community Wellbeing, Valley Sports and Headspace answered questions from the audience about body health and wellbeing.
Valley Sport project officer Lucy Marino, NCN Health health promotion officer Jenny Burrows, health promotion officer Angela Mitchell, Headspace psychologist Lauren Barker, Community Wellbeing director Amelia Slater, Headspace psychologist Emma Fredericks, NCN Health program adviser Amanda Smith and Women’s Health Goulburn North East regional manager Renata Lucas.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
An eclectic mix of animation and live action, the documentary features interviews with young people who open up about their experiences with their body image, bullying and gender identity.
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