Young leaders from the Limestone Coast region will learn how to move, nourish, appreciate and be kind to their bodies when the high-energy youth event ACTIVATE by Embrace comes to Mount Gambier next month.


ACTIVATE is an initiative of The Embrace Collective, the health promotion charity run by 2023 Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt and international body image expert Dr Zali Yager.


The free event aims to bring together 100 young people in Years 7-9 to help them build better body image in a fun, empowering setting.


It is the second time the event has been held in a regional area, following a successful event in Albury Wodonga late last year.


“We could not be more delighted to be holding ACTIVATE in Mount Gambier,” Ms Brumfitt said.


“Regional communities have been so supportive of our mission every step of the way – I’m so pleased we get to give something back to our amazing young people.”


At ACTIVATE, attendees will watch the EMBRACE KIDS film and participate in a series of body image workshops.


They will also get to work on a special mural on the wall of the Mount Gambier Library, to ensure the Embrace message lives on long after the event has finished.


While the kids are having fun, teachers and other stakeholders will attend a professional development session with The Embrace Collective’s education programs manager Hannah Mellier about spreading the Embrace message in their community.


“At The Embrace Collective, our approach is about empowering young people to embrace their bodies while also driving change in the settings around them like their school, home and community,” Dr Yager said.


“So parents, teachers and coaches have a really important role to play in leading this change and being role models for our young people.”


ACTIVATE is being offered to local schools at no charge, thanks to the funding from the Rural Health Innovation Fund and Country SA PHN.


“This event would not be possible without the incredible generosity of our partners and their commitment to the health and wellbeing of young people in the Mount Gambier region,” Ms Brumfitt said.


The Embrace Collective is a health promotion charity that equips young people and those around them – teachers, parents and coaches – with the latest evidence-based information and resources to build better body image.


ACTIVATE is one of several initiatives they have rolled out, along with the Embrace Kids Classroom Program, the Body Blocks by Embrace Kids early learning program, the Embrace Sport Playbook and more.


The program will be held in Mount Gambier on March 19.