CTM LINKS Update

If there’s one thing Kath Hema and the team at CTM LINKS love more than anything, it’s supporting Tieri’s youth. Whether that’s providing a safe and welcoming space for them to hang out, engaging them in various community activities, providing opportunities to develop their leadership skills, or encouraging them in their extra-curricular ambitions, CTM LINKS is always keen to find a way to assist our youngest residents.

Tieri Youth Initiatives
Tieri youth prepared for Father’s Day recently, as they decorated thermal mugs for their Dads and other important father-figures during Tieri Youth Space last month. 

Tieri Youth Space provides a vibrant and welcoming space for young people aged 10 – 17 years. Running every Wednesday from 2:30 – 5:30pm during the school term, the program attracts approximately 26-27 young people each week.

Sessions begin with a shared round-table afternoon tea, providing a relaxed and supportive environment where young people can connect and engage in meaningful conversations about topics relevant to them. The space encourages self-expression in ways that feel natural to each individual, creating a safe and inclusive environment built on trust and respect.

The energy is always high, with plenty of laughter, movement and connection. Youth-led choice remains central to the program, with participants selecting their own music and activities. Popular favourites include volleyball, tug-o-war, tiggy, basketball, karaoke, Twister, dress-ups and the much-loved billy carts that were kindly donated. They are so loved, in fact, that their rear wheels have been worn out! CTM LINKS is currently on the look out for a donation of two rear wheels to replace them and get the Billy carts back up and running.

“A big thank you to Foodworks Tieri, CHMS, DBS and Oaky Creek Coal for their continued support of the Tieri Youth Space, and to our Youth Space volunteers: Angel Modrzynski and Deena Liston, or Miss D as many of you will know her. Both Angel and Deena provide valuable support to the youth and to CTM LINKS,” says Kath Hema, Community Development Officer at CTM LINKS Tieri.

“Special thanks also goes to Karen Dawson-Sinclair, Uniting Care Family Support Worker. Without her collaboration and engagement, Youth Space would not be possible, nor as successful.”

“I’d also like to acknowledge Oaky Creek Coal for their support of our Tieri Youth Community Engagement initiative, as they continue to engage local youth for the delivery of the quarterly Tieri News magazine. A shout out to Ryan Cavanagh and Ken Heath who delivered the previous edition to your homes and local businesses – thanks both!” 

CTM LINKS also runs a Tieri Leadership Group for local youth. It was through this program that Kim Pittman, Mahalia Heath and Evie Marshall held a face painting stall at NAIDOC Emerald. 

A Supporting Hand in the Community
For nearly 40 years, CTM LINKS has provided a supporting hand to the communities of Capella, Tieri and Middlemount through connection, collaboration and care. Their focus is on strengthening social cohesion, acting as a conduit to services and networks, and delivering meaningful programs that respond to community needs.

Each finger of CTM LINKS’ supporting hand represents a key area of service:

• Emergency Financial Relief – providing essential support including food and fuel vouchers
• Community Support – practical assistance such as printing, online access, applications and referrals
• Community Engagement – creating opportunities for connection through events and programs
• Referral Pathways – connecting individuals and families to the right services and supports
• Community Development – strengthening the community through partnerships and stakeholder engagement.

Callout for local businesses and community groups
One of their projects has been to create the Tieri Community Directory, containing contact numbers for all local businesses, services and community organisations. The Community Directory is published at tieri.com.au/business-directory and on the last page of every edition of Tieri News. It’s also available as an A5 magnet for you to stick on your fridge so you have quick and easy access to support numbers as needed. You can collect the magnets from Tieri Town Office or CTM LINKS.

“We’re currently in the process of updating the Directory and would love to hear from any local businesses or community groups that would like to be added – just email the relevant details to us at tieri@ctmlinks.com.au.

For more information on any of the above, stop by 26 Talagai Ave to have a chat with Kath and the team, or send them an email via tieri@ctmlinks.com.au.