Over the first weekend of February, Yalari’s inaugural What Now? Getaway brought together Yalari alumni aged 17–21 for three days of practical life skills, reflection and connection at a residential camp in northern New South Wales.
The weekend was shaped around the real questions many young adults are asking: What should I do next? How do I look after my wellbeing, money and relationships while taking on more responsibility?
The program centred on interactive sessions and yarns that allowed alumni to set the pace, ask questions and share their lived experiences. For many participants, it became a rare moment to pause and make sense of the responsibilities and relationships shaping their next chapter. As one participant said, “I learned about creating healthy boundaries within relationships. This will allow me to work out my own relationships as I step into adulthood. It made me more confident and has given me skills to recognise unhealthy patterns.”
“Alumni… left with budgets, plans and new skills – and just as importantly, with the confidence to make decisions, ask for help and back themselves.” – Lesa, camp coordinator
Across the program, alumni explored purpose and possibilities, emotional wellbeing, money management and the realities of adult life – from managing time and competing priorities to navigating friendships, family expectations and social media.
Hands‑on workshops grounded these conversations in everyday skills. With support from RACV, an Under the Hood car maintenance session gave participants confidence to look after a car and respond to common issues. A budget‑friendly meal prep and food safety session focused on planning affordable meals, cooking safely and reducing waste, while morning movement and strength sessions highlighted the role of physical health and routine in long‑term wellbeing.
One participant reflected on how the weekend shifted their mindset about money and adulthood:
“Everything I learned was beneficial. I’m over‑anxious with a scarcity mindset and didn’t have a budget because I’m so scared of not having enough money. I realised I’m going to be okay. I got confirmation that I’m doing well as an adult so far… A lot of the camp was reassuring me that I’m trying my best and on the right track. It was a chance to reconnect – it felt more like a family gathering where the aunties and uncles are encouraging you.”
Evenings were anchored by yarning circles, campfires and resilience journalling, giving alumni time to digest the day, share stories and support one another. By the end of the weekend, that reflection was showing up in very practical ways.
Pathways and Employment Lead, Lesa Hippisley, said the impact was clear:
“Over the weekend we watched alumni shift from feeling unsure about ‘what now?’ to feeling like they had real, practical tools and a community around them. They left with budgets, plans and new skills – but just as importantly, with more confidence that they can make decisions, ask for help and back themselves in this next stage of life.”
