10 Questions with Tash Chugg

Who are you and what is your role at RAW?
I’m a generational farmer from the Northern Midlands and have great passion in ensuring our rural communities are healthy and resilient for the generations to come. As RAW’s Youth Community Engagement Coordinator, and a young person myself, I understand the unique challenges young people are facing. A large part of my job is connecting with young people and being a part of their journey as they navigate through situational stressors.

What do you enjoy about your job?
I love being able to empower young people and provide them with the tools to thrive in their communities and chosen industries.

What do you find challenging?
It’s a real honour to walk alongside people through the highs and lows. It also comes with really sobering moments too.

On a personal level, it can be easy to get caught up in the busyness of day-to-day work. I’m working on trying to remember to stay present in the moment, rather than thinking about the long list of things that I might still have to be done in the day.

What is Cultivate?
Cultivate is a youth network for those working in Tassie’s forestry industry. It’s currently in the co-design phase at the moment with some of the youth within the industry to ensure that whatever tangible outcomes are made to be a part of the network, that it’s what they want.

We have had one session, with lots of really practical and thoughtful responses having been shared. We look forward to sharing more of the outcomes of this with everyone soon.

Why is it important to support young people in the forest industry?
Youth are the next generation and the future of the industry. If we want thriving and sustainable industries, we need to ensure that the next generation is being set up for success and retained within the industry.

How do you care for your own mental health and well-being?
I take care of my own mental health and well-being by prioritising a least 10 minutes every day to do something for me. This may look like a range of things including taking the dog for a walk, sitting outside with a coffee, or calling a friend. I find consistent little things that boost my mood make a greater impact on my well-being.

Who inspires you, and why?
I am constantly being inspired by all the wonderful people I have the privilege of meeting in my job. I am inspired by the young people who are paving their own future within their industry and are doing so with courage and kindness. These are the people who show strong leadership within their peer groups and help empower others instead of leaving people behind.

My favourite place in Tasmania is…
My family farm in Relbia is my favourite place in Tassie!

How can people participate in Cultivate, or support the young people who join?
The be one of the first to know about the next stages of Cultivate, we encourage you to sign up to the newsletter.
We are looking to hold some face-to-face networking opportunities in the next quarter. These were the most common tangible outcome asked for by the working group.

The signup form can be found here: https://cultivate.raiselysite.com

This Easter, you’ll find me…
This Easter you will find me camping and catching up with mates down the East Coast.