Port Macquarie's Billy Axford says he's worried about his future prospects for employment given the current economic situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 22-year-old is a singer/songwriter and passionate about being involved in the arts industry.
Before the pandemic hit, Mr Axford would perform his music at venues across the region.
However, due to the current health restrictions, Mr Axford can no longer use live entertainment as a source of income.
"It's hard to get exposure in town because the only people who are really listening are online now, or those who already know me," he said.
Mr Axford considers himself to be one of the fortunate ones as he has held onto his casual job at the Grant Street cafe.
A lot of his friends, who also work in the hospitality industry, have not been so lucky. They have been stood down, or now have reduced hours to work.
Mr Axford had big plans in 2020 to establish a youth arts company to help others enter the industry, however that is also on hold.
"We are in the process of hopefully getting a production going later on in the year but that's up in the air," he said.
Mr Axford's vision for the company is for it to help young people establish themselves in the arts and provide them with opportunities.
"Trying to educate young kids on how to work in the industry," he said.
"Linking them with professionals who are already established within the arts."
Mr Axford was eligible to access the government's Jobseeker subsidy to help throughout the tough economic time.
Business NSW Mid North Coast regional manager Kellon Beard acknowledged it's a tough time for young people, but said the pandemic can also create opportunity for those who are willing to transfer their skills and diversify.
Mr Beard said there are educational institutions, including TAFE NSW, which is providing people with the opportunity to study and up skill for free during this time.
For young people who might be in their final year of study or in industries which have taken a hit due to the pandemic, Mr Beard's message is do not despair.
He believes the economy will bounce back in time.
Recently the federal government announced the JobKeeper and JobSeeker subsidy payments will be extended a further six months but at a reduced rate.
When asked if the government should be forming long term plans to address issues impacting young people, Mr Beard said communities shouldn't solely rely on the government for support.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is conducting a number of free pop-up career sessions to help those whose employment has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
The reboot, refresh, relaunch career pop-ups will provide the opportunity for those who have found themselves out of work, or whose work has reduced or been impacted by COVID-19, to speak with an advisor who will point people in the right direction for assistance.
What else is making news?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.