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VFFF Youth Advisory Group - In conversation with Harrison Garlick

“My highlight of being involved with the Youth Advisory Group has been developing connections and working with a diverse group of young people from across the country to share and dive into understanding how best to support the next generation coming through rural and regional Australia." - Harrison Garlick

As part of our regular Youth Advisory Group Q&A series, we are excited to introduce you to Harrison Garlick.

VFFF: Tell us a bit about you! Where are you from, what do you do, and what are some of your passions/interests?

Harrison: I was lucky enough to grow up in Foster in South Gippsland, Victoria. Foster is a small rural town on the doorstep of Wilsons Promontory National Park. This year I moved to Hobart, where I am studying my first year of a Bachelor of Natural Environment and Wilderness at the University of Tasmania (UTAS). Essentially, I moved from one beautiful place to another and feel privileged to have made this transition.

My motivation every day is to make the most of every opportunity, live a healthy life with positive energy and contribute the most I can to society in a meaningful way.

My hobbies and interests are running, surfing, mountain biking and hiking. They allow me to immerse myself in the outside world, which has shaped my passion for and connection with natural environments. I have a strong desire to work towards prolonging the future of the outdoors for future generations through transforming societal practices and land management.

Professionally I am excited to apply the learnings from my tertiary studies to contribute to the conservation and sustainability of natural environments. Beyond myself, I will continue my involvement in initiatives and programs that contribute to improving access and equity for young people living in rural areas.

What is your connection to rural and regional Australia?

My formative years were spent initially on a dairy farm in Toora, before moving to Foster where I completed most of my education and immersed myself within the community through participation in recreational pursuits, sporting clubs, work, and school. I developed an incredible connection to and appreciation for rural Australia, as it supported me to be the person I am today.

Despite the great lifestyle living in regional Australia, I was also exposed to the harsh challenges of disconnection, mental health and the absence of opportunities for youth in contrast to those within the city.

"Growing up I began to recognise these challenges faced by youth in rural and regional Australia, I felt compelled to apply myself in working toward raising awareness and initiating change to support the youth of Australia."

Through the Rural Inspire program, I worked with young people across Australia to develop collaborative initiatives and creative solutions to key challenges in rural education.

VFFF's Youth Advisory Group

You have been a member of our Youth Advisory Group for almost a year now. What has been the highlight of the process so far?

My highlight of being involved with the Youth Advisory Group has been developing connections and working with a diverse group of young people from across Victoria, NSW and QLD to share and dive into understanding how best to support the next generation coming through rural and regional Australia. Another highlight has been exposure to the importance of philanthropy as a practice in supporting and encouraging people to apply themselves to the development of unique imaginative ideas to create a better world.

It has been a great privilege to review the incredible programs focused on supporting the capacity of young people to apply themselves in society and be meaningful contributors to their community.

"It has been an amazing opportunity to be involved with such an incredible group of people in association with VFFF and I am excited to further my understanding and increase my capacity to support young people in Australia moving forward."