Mackay Youth Connect At Botanic Gardens For Walk And Talk

Last Friday, young people from across Mackay came together for a unique opportunity to connect, recharge, and embrace the outdoors at the Walk and Talk event hosted by the Mackay Youth Council at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.

The free event, aimed at 12- to 18-year-olds, encouraged participants to step away from screens, enjoy nature, and participate in light mindfulness activities designed to boost wellbeing and foster social connections.

“It’s important because we live in a world where at the moment we’re not as connected as we were,” said 15-year-old Youth Councillor Natacha MaKay.

“We can talk to each other all the time and see what each other is doing through social media, but we’re not really connected in person. I barely see my friends anymore because we mostly stay inside and just sit on our phones.”

Natacha explained that her advocacy within the Youth Council is focused on reducing media overconsumption and creating alternative activities for young people.

“My campaign was about spreading awareness of how prevalent doom scrolling is among teens today,” she said.

“We try to promote activities that are already existing and make them more accessible so people have an alternative instead of just scrolling on their phones.”

Participants also engaged in creative mindfulness exercises, including one Natacha described as the “superhero” activity.

“You had to choose a plant or a tree and relate its superpower to your life. When I did a test run, I chose a tree and thought about its strength and flexibility, then related that back to wanting to have more strength within myself,” she said.

Ethan Forde, another Youth Councillor, highlighted the mental health benefits of the event.

“Walk and Talk is a youth initiative founded by the Youth Council to get young people out, connect with nature, express themselves, and break the stigma around mental health,” he said.

“We also provided brochures with activities, goody bags, and even a gift card draw to make it interactive and fun.”

Both Natacha and Ethan stressed the importance of creating spaces for young people to connect outside of social media.

Natacha encourages her peers to practice being present.

“Learning to be bored is really important because it can help you discover more about yourself and spark creativity. Experiences and connections matter more than the time you spend on your phone.”

Participants at the event enjoyed a relaxed walk through the gardens, shared conversations, and practical strategies for managing screen time and mental wellbeing. It also offered Youth Council members a platform to inspire others while showcasing the importance of community engagement.

“This event is just one way we’re using the Youth Council to help young people connect, share ideas, and support each other,” Ethan said.

“It’s all about building a stronger community and giving everyone a voice.”

The success of last Friday’s Walk and Talk has set the stage for future events across the region, providing young people in Mackay with ongoing opportunities to connect, learn, and thrive beyond the screen.

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Last Friday, Mackay Youth Council’s Walk and Talk brought teens together at the Botanic Gardens to connect, enjoy nature, practice mindfulness, and engage in activities promoting mental wellbeing, screen-free time, and community connection. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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