17-year-old Gagebrook resident Titus Dowdle-Casey knows well the importance of giving back to community. A proud member of the Brighton Youth Action Group (BYAG), Titus can often be seen helping out at Material Institute or at Bond Place. He also regularly volunteers with the Bridgewater Landcare group, helping to eradicate box thorn weeds by learning how to turn it into biochar, a great form of compost for the garden.

Volunteering runs in Titus’ family, as both his parents are also volunteers. For Titus, he has a special interest in what he calls ‘farming in the backyard.’ At home, the family grows bumper crops of fruits and vegetables for themselves and to share with others. His other interests include learning karate with his dad and fishing with his mum, and doing fun runs.

“I like being out and about, meeting new people, going to events – and there is always free food!” answered Titus about why he volunteers.

Titus joined the BYAG expecting that it was going to be meetings and sitting at desks, but he has been pleasantly surprised that it is pizzas and talking with people his age. “BYAG gives me something to do, and I learn about others and get different perspectives on things,” said Titus.

“I think I bring to the group very random general knowledge, and I really want to help make our area a better place for everyone to live,” he said. “I want people to know you can have a very fun, normal life in our area as a ‘youngin’.”

The highlights for Titus from his BYAG experiences have been visiting Parliament House in Hobart and being finalists in the Tasmanian Young Volunteers of the year award, where the BYAG team visited Government House for the award ceremony.