The theme for NSW Youth Week 2026 is “Dream. Dare. Do.”
But what are adults doing to ensure these dreams are not quietly diminished by our collective failure to take climate change seriously?
I invited Anna (a Yr 10 high school student) to contribute her Youth Voice to this introduction:
“Teenagers are often viewed in society as impulsive, inexperienced, or overly idealistic, with our opinions sometimes dismissed or underestimated. Yet, our generation is growing up with an escalating climate crisis that will shape our futures more than any previous one. The government does not seem to take this into consideration, instead focusing on banning social media, which, for most children, has been more harmful to the youth. Young people are increasingly vocal about the urgent need for climate action, not out of naivety, or because we think it will be easy, but from a clear understanding that the health of our environment—and our lives—depends on it. Recognising and respecting our perspectives is essential, because safeguarding the planet today is ultimately about preserving the world we will inherit tomorrow.”
As adults, how are we responding?
Are we willing to confront the widening intergenerational wealth gap, and have honest conversations about structural changes such as tax reform—including reducing concessions on capital gains?
Do we truly believe that Net Zero is achievable, and if so, what does accountability look like beyond targets and timelines?
What practical steps can we take in our everyday lives—reducing consumption, repairing instead of replacing, reusing and reimagining materials before discarding them?
How do we embrace transitions such as electric vehicles and active transport, while also recognising the broader global challenges, including resource constraints and the urgent need to shift towards renewable, non-fossil fuel energy?
Most importantly, are we listening—really listening—to the voices of young people, not as future leaders, but as stakeholders of the present?
Many state governments offer Youth Advisory Groups for those aged 18–25. But should we be asking whether this age threshold excludes younger voices who are already deeply engaged and affected? Would lowering the age to include young people from 15 onwards create a more authentic and inclusive representation?
And more fundamentally—what is the value of inviting young people to “Dream. Dare. Do.” if the systems around them remain so constrained? When issues such as youth homelessness, employment insecurity, increasingly frequent extreme climate events, and polarised debates around migration continue to shape their reality, are we creating the conditions for their aspirations to flourish—or quietly placing limits around them?
Perhaps our call to action this Youth Week is this:
Not only to celebrate youth voice, but to act alongside it—through both advocacy and everyday choices.
Sign up for the next Clean Up Australia Day.
Practise “Take 3 for the Sea.”
Switch off the lights for Earth Hour—and beyond, reducing unnecessary energy use in our daily lives.
And last but not least, take part in the Return and Earn scheme—consider donating your 10 cents to support CFS’s Petal-it-Forward campaign.
At CFS, we remain committed to walking alongside young people—not just in helping them find their voice, but in ensuring that voice is heard, respected, and translated into meaningful change.
Notes:
There have been at least two lawsuits against Google and Meta that successfully argued the addictive nature of their platforms’ design and misleading users over child safety.
Lawyers representing the plaintiff had said the platforms’ design features were intended to “hook” young users, such as the “infinite” nature of feeds that allow an endless supply of content, autoplay features, and even notifications.
Click the links below for more details:
Meta and Google found liable in landmark social media addiction lawsuit
Meta told to pay $375m for misleading users over child safety
Reflecting on past events
Photos of DIY Flower Bar Experience on March 28
The 5th DIY Flower Bar Experience took place at Chatswood Youth Centre (CYC) on 28 March. ‘Total Creative Freedom’ was once again a big hit! Unleashed creativity and discovered hidden talents, most importantly experienced ‘flow’ and de-stressed! Here are some feedback from the young participants:
- Get to freely creating your own dried (flower) bouquet, while still get people to help while you get stuck;
- Thanks for making your time arranging this affordable and aesthetic little workshop on the weekend.
- I enjoy the creativity were allowed;
- Come for a cure to depression;
- (I enjoy) the teaching, the artistic side and creativity, supportive atmosphere.
- It’s a great way to de-stress and catch up with friends.
- I enjoyed the creation of the bouquet most because it led to achieve freedom ;
- Creating my bouquet and having the artistic liberty to choose my own colour scheme, textures and arrangement.
- It’s an amazing workshop. I love how this workshop was a creative outlet, especially with uni and assessments happening.
CFs’ Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) was held on Thurs 26 March. All three proposed resolutions to update our constitution to suit contemporary living. A big thank you to all the members who attended.
WHAT’S ON in April – May 2026?
Youth Mentoring Program
Dr Bibiana Chan, CF, and other CFS members in various professions are available to mentor young people, share their work experiences. In-person mentoring sessions will resume from Wed 4th Feb 2026. Topics covered: study skills, time management, goal setting, getting motivated, write a resume that stands out of the crowd, job interviewing skills and assertive communication, etc.
If would like to refer any young people (12 – 30 year) whom you recently started a ‘RUOK?’ conversation to our FREE Youth Mental Health Program, please contact Dr Bibi via email: communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com or call 0412-613-073. Check out KYDS (Free Youth Mental Counselling) for their services. EPIC (Empowering Parents In Crisis) is a community building peer support platform “For parents & carers of young people by parents & carers of young people“.
A new resource: Self-Compassion for Teens
with a page dedicated for the adults caring for their teenagers: resources for the adults
Youth Week Pop-up Stall on Sat 11th April
Youth Week will be celebrated from Sat 16/4 to Sun 26/4 with events at many councils. Find out an event near you HERE. If you are local to Willoughby/Chatswood, join Bibi and the pop-up stall team at on Sat 11th April to get a beautiful bouquet which gives twice. All net proceeds will fund our Youth Social Prescribing Program. Our petal-it-forward campaign will be giving away elegant ‘Lilac Rose stems’ (selected by a young member). Find us at the corner of Willoughby Rd and French’s Rd, right outside Little Giant Roaster Café.
Photos taken at last month’s Harmony Week Pop-up Stall outside Little Giant Roasters Cafe.
Together, let’s sow the seed of kindness and support our young people (future leaders of society) where so many parts of the world are experiencing man-made conflicts ( and wars). Here is a link to find out the health benefits of receiving (and giving) flowers .
Laughter Yoga Autumn Program
Join our 2026 Autumn Program on Tues 14 and 28 April. Curious about Laughter Yoga? The benefits are amazing for both mind and body—but no shortcuts! Daily practice of 10–15 mins for at least 10 days is the key. Attend at least one class and you’ll join our WhatsApp group, where we share check-ins, new laugh exercises, and updates from Dr Kataria’s Daily International Laughter Class (ILC). Enjoy this laughter yoga guided by Nicole, one of the great laughter yoga leaders of the ILC.
CFS Event of the Month for April
Data Dreaming: Art and AI
It’s Youth Week!
Join us for a thought-provoking exhibition and discussions on a future with AI creeping into our daily life.
📅 Date: Mon, 13 April 2026
🕐 Time: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Venue: MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), Circular Quay
🚆 Transport: Within 3 minutes walk from Circular Quay Train Station or less than 10 minutes walk from Wynyard Train Station.
💬 Special Feature:
- View the art exhibition ‘Data Dreams: Art and AI’ at MCA.
- Enjoy some brunch at MCA’s ground floor cafe.
- Reflect on what is it like living in a world with AI shooting up everywhere.
- Connect with fellow CFS members and make new friends through open, heartfelt conversations.
If you are a high school student (under 18 yr) or a student (under 25 yr) with valid student cards, get your tickets HERE. If you are young at heart and want to join us, please send an email to Bibi.
New Dried Flower Shadow Box Workshop!
Date: Sat 18 April, 2026.
Time: 1 – 3 pm
Venue: Chatswood Youth Centre.
Click HERE to register. date: Sat 18 April, 2026.
Mum & Tweens Bonding Through Flowers – Creative Connections for Tweens and Families
To celebrate Mother’s Day in style, CFS offers a unique experience for Tweens and Families. Come as Mum & Daughter duo or Mum & Tween & sibling/friend to learn some simple floral arrangement hacks while creating deeper family bonding. This event is proudly sponsored by Bendigo Bank Lindfield and Rotary Club of Ku-Ring-Gai. Places are limited. Get your tickets HERE
Date: Sat 2 May 2026 (a week before Mother’s Day).
Time: 1 – 3 pm
Venue: Meeting Room 1, Gordon Library.
New Mindfulness Tote Bag Painting Workshop!
Proposed date: Sat 16 May, 2026.
Time: 1 – 3 pm
Venue: Chatswood Youth Centre.
Click HERE to register.
Willoughby City Council Canopy of Life Tree Festival Special Movie Show. More events can be found HERE.
We are currently seeking an Event Organiser to coordinate these monthly events, each hosted by a different member with prior experience in organizing similar activities. Bibi will soon circulate a Google Doc to create a roster for 2026. We warmly welcome your ideas and suggestions—feel free to email them to Bibi!
mental health podcasts added to CFS webpage. Here is one of them.
Podcast (in Cantonese) on Community Flower Studio’s program to promote ‘Social Connections’ to tackle loneliness.
By Dr Bibiana Chan
If you feel like supporting youth mental health, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to CFS. Your support will help young people learn life skills and find meaningful employment.
Michelle Benson published in LinkedIn an article entitled “𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿? “She is referring to the term “non-profit” which is a tax reference, that unfortunately grew legs and became a label.
Bibiana Chan responded, “Absolutely. Perhaps a better terminology is ‘For-Purpose’. The Community Flower Studio is a youth-focused charity with a mission to help youth learn life skills and find meaningful employment. Your generous donations are tax-deductible.”
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Download the Return & Earn App onto your phone and nominate ‘Petal-it-Forward’ as the charity campaign for your refund to go. An anonymous sponsor will match the amount donated, so your contribution will be doubled!
Good news!!!
As of 31/3/26, we raised $686.5. A total of $686.5 donation was made by our anonymous sponsor to support our ‘PETAL-IT-FORWARD’ CAMPAIGN.
Your generous donations are much appreciated. The Community Flower Studio is a charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC). Donations of over $2 will receive tax deductions. Please kindly make a donation to the Community Flower Studio (CFS) by direct debit. Our NAB account details are as follows: BSB No.: 082-212, Acc No.: 729-933-729
There are many ways to support CFS: become a member or contribute to the columns here. I’m always looking for a great recipe passed down from generation to generation. If you have a story to share, either write a short piece around 250 words or shoot us some photos. If there is a book or a movie you want to write a review, the CFS e-Newsletter will be happy to share with our e-Newsletter subscribers. Contact Bibi on communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com
If you would like to purchase a DIY Succulent Terrarium Kit for a loved one or a friend as a present, order online here ! This is also a ‘Succulents in Colour-Sand Glass’ DIY Kit which comes with a youth-approved instruction sheet and a QR code to the YouTube clip of previous workshops. Available here. You can also purchase a DIY Flower Kit from our online shop, click Flower Crown
Flower of the Month
Buddleja ‘Golden Glow’
By Bibi
During a recent visit to the flower market, I was immediately drawn to a vibrant splash of golden yellow—soft clusters of blooms that seemed to radiate warmth and joy. This beautiful plant is Buddleja × weyeriana ‘Golden Glow’, a lesser-known variety of the butterfly bush that truly lives up to its name.
At first glance, I thought these blooms looked a little like Pineapple Lily—one of my favourites. There’s something similarly playful and sculptural in their form. I’ve always admired how pineapple lilies can last up to four weeks in a vase, which makes me wonder whether this Buddleja ‘Golden Glow’ might share a similarly long vase life. From what I’ve observed so far, it holds up beautifully, though it is more commonly enjoyed as a garden shrub than a cut flower.
What makes ‘Golden Glow’ even more special is the story behind it. First developed during the First World War, it was part of an ambitious attempt to combine the large flower size of one species Buddleja davidii with the rich golden tones of another, Buddleja globosa,
The early results were far from perfect—but through persistence and further cultivation, improved varieties gradually emerged. ‘Golden Glow’ is one of those early successes, carrying both the vision and the limitations of that original dream.
In the garden, it thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and is relatively drought-tolerant once established—well suited to Sydney’s climate. A prune in late winter or early spring encourages fuller growth and more abundant blooms. Its nectar-rich flowers are also a magnet for butterflies and bees, making it a lovely addition to pollinator-friendly spaces.
Over time, the story of Buddleja ‘Golden Glow’ has come to feel like more than just a gardening curiosity. I was reminded of the work at Kings Park and Botanic Garden, where researchers spent over a decade developing blue kangaroo paws—persisting with a vision that once seemed out of reach.
Perhaps these stories offer a gentle reminder: not every vision comes to life immediately. Some take time, patience, and many iterations. But with perseverance, something beautiful—often beyond what we first imagined—can eventually bloom.
How to Propagate Butterfly Bush from Cuttings | Buddleja Propagation
Growing Buddleia Globosa
Plant of the Month
Cassia (黃槐)
By Bibi
Walking through the streets of Willoughby this season, you may notice cheerful bursts of golden yellow cascading over garden hedges and pathways. Cassia (Senna pendula var. glabrata), known in Chinese as 黃槐, is a hardy ornamental shrub that brings warmth and vibrancy to autumn landscapes. For me, these blooms carry a sense of nostalgia—reminding me of my neighbourhood in Hong Kong, where similar yellow blossoms brightened everyday walks.
Cassia is well-loved for its long flowering period and low-maintenance nature, making it a popular choice in Australian gardens. It thrives in full sun and adapts well to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, requiring only occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Light pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages bushier growth. Cassia is a gentle reminder that beauty can thrive even with minimal care—much like the small, uplifting moments we hope to cultivate in our community.
Recently, I came across a couple of gardeners describing Cassia as a “Fall Cassia” and even calling it the “Golden Wonder Tree.” I couldn’t agree more. There is something almost magical about how these bright yellow blooms appear just as the days grow shorter. One gardener commented that the colour alone can brighten up the fall-to-winter transition—and I found myself smiling in agreement.
Perhaps this is what I would call “Flower Power.”
That quiet, immediate lifting of one’s mood—simply by noticing a cluster of golden blooms along your daily walk. No effort required, just a moment of pause.
Fun Facts:
Cassia belongs to the legume family and can help improve soil health by fixing nitrogen.
Its bright yellow flowers are often associated with happiness, positivity, and renewal.
It attracts bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity.
With its sunny disposition, Cassia reminds us that even in cooler seasons, a little brightness can go a long way.
Check out the Golden Wonder Tree:
For a limited time only, ‘Pregnant Onion’ is available for sale at the CFS Flower Shop.
MOVIE Review by Teresa L.
Jimpa directed by Sophie Hyde.
A friend and I went to see Jimpa in February.
It was directed by Australian female director, Sophie Hyde, and it tells the story of her family.
Without giving the plot away too much, it’s about family dynamics, accepting the people we love as they are, giving them the space to experiment and experience life. It also brought up the topic of gender identity.
The main characters – Jimpa (grandfather), Hannah (Mum) and Frances (adult child) weaved an interesting journey.
After Jimpa got married and had 2 children, he realized that he needed to be away from his hometown, Adelaide, and his family, to be truly himself. It must be a huge decision to undertake and it raised the question of whether he is being selfish or that he needed to be true to be himself.
Many years later, Jimpa’s grand-thing (daughter), Frances, was in her late teens, and wanted to explore her sexual identity, while visiting Jimpa in Amsterdam. This raised the question of what freedom parents should give to their grown children to experience their own lives.
The film also demonstrated the complex family dynamics and decision making dilemmas when our parents become elderly and sick.
Olivia Colman and John Lithgow were great as the main characters. The film can probably be shorter but it was reasonably enjoyable.
Bibi’s notes:
1. The young actor Aud Mason-Hyde is the child of the film’s director, Sophie Hyde, and editor Bryan Mason, and they play a fictionalized version of themselves in their feature film debut. They definitely took on the mission to ‘Dream. Dare. Do.‘
2. Each individual will have a different take on gender orientation. As a youth-focused charity, CFS is providing a safe space for conversation on this topic to take place without judgment.
3. ABC Australian Stories: Director Sophie Hyde unpacks long held family secrets – Jimpa
Recipe of the Month
Pasta Salad by Teresa L (inspired by Nagi Maehashi, Recipe Tin’s original recipe).
Ingredients:
▢ 500g/ 1 lb bow tie pasta (farfalle) , or other short/medium pasta (Note 1)
Add-ins (7 cups “anything” – Note 2)
▢ 2 cucumbers , halved lengthways and finely sliced (~17cm/7″ long, sliced 2mm / 1/16″, I use a mandolin)
▢ 3 cups (500g) cherry or grape tomatoes , halved (or chop 4 regular tomatoes)
▢ 1/3 cup roughly chopped Kalamata olives (3/4 cup whole pitted or 1/2 cup sliced, then chop)
▢ 200g/ 7oz Greek feta , cut into 6mm / 1/4″ batons (they will crumble a bit, this is good)
▢ 1 packed cup basil leaves , torn by hand (Note 2 for alternatives)
Dressing:
▢1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
▢1/3 cup apple cider vinegar (Note 3)
▢2 garlic cloves , minced using garlic press or very finely minced using a knife
▢2 tsp dijon mustard (can omit)
▢2 tsp honey or maple syrup
▢1 1/2 tsp Italian herbs mix (Note 5)
▢3/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
▢1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Dressing – Shake the Dressing ingredients in a large jar. It should be sharp, the flavour mellows once tossed.
- Cook pasta until soft – Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Cook the pasta until it is very soft, about 2 – 3 minutes longer than the time on the packet but taste to check because packet directions have been known to lie! Pasta firms up when it’s cold (nobody likes hard, cold pasta!), so cook the pasta until extra soft.
- Flavour soak – Drain the pasta very well, shaking off excess water. Transfer into a large bowl. Give the Dressing a good shake then pour over about two-thirds. Toss well, then leave the pasta to soak up the dressing as it cools (~40 minutes).
- Toss – Add the tomato, cucumber, feta and olives. Pour over the remaining Dressing. Toss well. Add basil, toss again.
From the Desk of Bibi
How to Connect with a Teen That Doesn’t Want to Talk
By Dr Bibiana Chan
I’ve been asked by a few parents, “How do I connect with a teen who doesn’t want to talk?”
I usually share two simple approaches that worked for me:
1. Movie evenings
Pick a film that interests both parent and teenager. Watch it together, then chat about it over supper. (A little junk food is absolutely fine!) Sometimes, conversations flow more naturally when they’re anchored around a shared story rather than direct questioning.
2. Heart-to-heart over a meal
Set aside time—weekly or fortnightly—for a meal at your teenager’s favourite restaurant or café. The key is to be an active listener. Let your teenager lead the conversation and show genuine interest (not just nodding along). It may take time to warm up before conversations deepen, and that’s perfectly okay.
These simple practices worked reasonably well for me when my child was a teenager.
In the book Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child: A Workbook by William Stixrud, PhD, and Ned Johnson, the authors place “Put Connection First” at the very top. This strongly resonates with our experience at CFS.
They also invite parents to reflect on their own relationships through questions like:
Whom do you feel closest to in your life?
What makes you feel close to them?
What does this closeness mean to you?
Who feels close to you—and why?
When connection is lacking, what gets in the way?
When you confide in someone, what responses make you want to open up again—and what shuts you down?
Did you feel close to your own parents?
How did they respond when you made mistakes?
I found these questions deeply insightful.
They brought back memories of my maternal granduncle, who lived with us. He was the number one adult I turned to—not so much to share my feelings, but my thoughts. My siblings also shared a close bond with him; we simply called him “2nd granduncle,” a term of respect in Chinese kinship.
I still remember the sleepless nights before my equivalent of the HSC exams. I would sit and chat with him—about life, values, current affairs, and my aspirations. He was a wise man with rich life experience. He listened attentively and shared his own stories. He never told me what I should do. Instead, he would smile warmly and offer a few gentle words of encouragement.
Read my full article HERE.
Subscriber’s Corner
Feedback for CFS’ Feb e-Newsletter
by Phearry B.
I love what you’re doing for Harmony Week — Petal-it-Forward is such a beautiful idea. Flowers as a bridge between people. Culture as the opening, not the barrier. I will do my best to come to your pop-up stall on Saturday.
I’ve just read the March newsletter — Anna’s reflection that “celebration alone is not enough” stayed with me. That is the kind of thinking that comes from being truly listened to. The fact that you wrote it together with her warm my heart. That inter-generational thread is exactly what I believe in.
An escape to Canberra By Wing Chan
First Stop: Orouroborus (The Cosmos) Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.
It was a windy, wet evening when I arrived in Canberra after a four-hour journey in an EV. My enthusiasm was high, as I had only ever seen this giant silvery sculpture in daylight. There was something magical about venturing out at night, with a light drizzle adding a sense of mystery to the atmosphere.
Many Australians have questioned the AUD$14 million spent commissioning this artwork—created over four years by a team of more than 300 workers. In my view, the long-term positive impacts—building community and personal resilience, as well as boosting tourism to the ACT—make it worth every single cent.
2nd Stop: The year in Political Cartoons 2025 at the Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House)
In many social gatherings, I tend not to start conversations about politics—you never know whether new acquaintances share the same views. I was once drawn into a debate with someone who claimed to be a scientist and insisted that climate change was a hoax. There was little point continuing the discussion with someone I might never see again, so I made a polite excuse and moved on. However, Behind the Lines political cartoons can come in handy in moments like these.
COMMUNITY FLOWER STUDIO LOGO EXPLAINED
Community: CFS is a community to support young people facing mental health challenges.
Creative: CFS hosts events to unleash young people s creative talents.
Resource: CFS provides members with resources to enhance their wellbeing.
Support: CFS offers support to members to develop their potential.
Growth: CFS fosters a growth mindset which is helpful in dealing with challenges.
Recovery: CFS sees recovery as achievable and a journey to cherish.
CONTACT US
Email: Communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.communityflowerstudio.org Mobile: 0412 613 073
Like us on Facebook:Community Flower Studio Inc. Instagram: communityflowerstudio
Address: 10-12 Clanwilliam St., Willoughby, 2068, NSW, Australia.