BIG hART is a non-profit arts based organisation that develops projects for young people at risk. It has established itself as a model for re-engaging disengaged young people into the cultural aspect of community living.  Lee Richardson was employed as the BIG hART Regional Coordinator in the Outback Arts region, working with community advisory groups in Walgett, Bourke, Coonamble, Nyngan and Cobar.

Regional Coordinator Position - $ 62,000

(NSW Ministry for the Arts, Motor Accidents Authority, the Office of Children and Young People) to July 2004

INSERT ARTREACH ARTICLE June 2003 (Rachael is sending this)

 Big hART is a non-profit arts based organisation that develops projects for young people at risk. It has become a model for re-engaging disadvantaged young people living in regional areas into the cultural life of their community.  Big hART in partnership with Outback Arts, has developed two large projects in this region: The Drugs Misuse Strategy and The Bourke Healthy Mothers Project.

The Drugs Misuse Strategy has worked in Coonamble, Nyngan, Cobar and Walgett offering a range of workshops which have developed material for “Handle with Care” – a multi-art form presentation focusing on issues around young peoples’ experiences.

Funding: The Regional Co-ordinator position: $62,000 is funded through the NSW Ministry for the Arts, Motor Accidents Authority and the Office of Children and Young People.  $12,400 per shire) This position was based in Nyngan and travelled regularly to Cobar where it worked closely with youth centre and arts council.

The Drugs Misuse Strategy : $388,000 across 11 communities (approx $140,000 delivered to 4 communities in the Outback Arts region) - NSW Premiers’ Department

The Bourke Healthy Mothers’ Project: $100,000 - NSW Health

The position was set up through a partnership agreement between Outback Arts and Big hART. Outback Arts managed the coordinator whose work was to be carried out in close collaboration with Big hART Officers while working with the Big hART Advisory Groups in the communities of Cobar, Bourke, Coonamble, Walgett and Nyngan.