Emma Pritchard Local business owners are invited to attend ‘Snags and Chin Wags’, a free community event set to be hosted by headspace Grafton next week. Aimed at promoting and establishing professional working relationships between Clarence Valley youths and industry representatives, the event will focus on highlighting the various skills and attributions young people in Grafton can bring to local businesses while opening doorways for new employment opportunities and career pathways within their own backyard. Participating business owners will also be able to enjoy a sausage sandwich or two during the morning. Alyson Kavanagh, Supervisor of the Work and Study Program at headspace Grafton, said the team are eager to meet and speak with local business owners, gauge whether they are looking for new staff members now or in the near future, and introduce them to any young people they know who have the best suitability for their specific industry. While providing ongoing support services which prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of youths aged 12-25, staff at headspace Grafton are committed to ensuring children, adolescents, and young adults, are given every opportunity to reach their full potential as they enter the workforce. “Our local businesses in Grafton are very supportive of the work we do, and the team at headspace Grafton are very keen to build on our networking opportunities within our community,” Ms Kavanagh said. With the Clarence Valley currently recording a youth unemployment rate of 4.8 percent, above the 3.8 percent state average according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and 2024 Parliament Electorate Data, Ms Kavanagh told the Clarence Valley Independent the team at headspace Grafton are working hard to reduce those figures. “With the ongoing support of many local businesses, we have been able to successfully place a number of young people who were seeking jobs across a range of industries including retail, hospitality, and trades last year,” she explained. “That is something we are very eager to continue to do in 2025.” ‘Snags and Chin Wags’ will be held at headspace Grafton, located at 59 Duke Street, between 7-9am on Thursday, March 20.