From rockers to hip-hoppers: Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI) celebrates the launch of Still Spinning

Great music, great food, great weather – a perfect combination for Creative Youth Initiatives’ Youth Week event to mark the launch of their new album Still Spinning.

The compilation album is the 20th release from CYI’s Sounds of the Street (SOTS), showcasing music from the program’s 17 year history.

Over 210 people attended the event on Wednesday, which paid tribute to the grass roots beginnings of SOTS, and insight into the future direction of the service.

Mission Australia Centre’s garage was converted into a funky performance space for the event, with a professional stage and PA system, while the generous staff from Albert Music held a BBQ for guests.

Past and present students performed original music throughout the day, with MC duties handled by one of Australia’s most popular hip hop artists, Ozi Batla, front man for The Herd and part of the Elefant Traks crew.

Mission Australia’s NSW State Director of Community Services, Leonie Green, opened the event citing the dedication of the CYI team, and announced the launch of the Regeneration program, which will look at a new sustainable model for CYI.

Mission Australia’s Executive Leader of Community Services, Lincoln Hopper, shared his thoughts about working on the front line over the past 18 years, and how CYI has left an enduring influence on the young people it has helped to transform.

CYI founder Phill Nunn detailed how in 1993, while working with young homeless people in Kings Cross, he realised the potential for music to be a powerful tool for young people to express themselves, ultimately leading to CYI’s conception.

CYI’s talented music tutors Liz Martin and Michael Hanlon shared their initial expectations of the program, their thoughts and student outcomes, while the student performers provided a raw and heartfelt snapshot into their experiences.

The carving of a marvellous cake in the shape of a vinyl record player marked the end of an exhilarating day.

17 years on and 20 albums later, SOTS is still spinning. CYI has matured into a innovative, relevant and unique service for young people at risk.

Acting Service Manager of CYI, Irene Drivilas, reflects on SOTS: “life is an ongoing process of change, as it is with CYI which will keep spinning - continuing to creatively grow and flourish”.