She's now bringing those skills to The Benevolent Society-hosted two-year Tenterfield Youth Wellbeing Program, and she's looking to the shire's young people aged 12-17 years to direct how the program unfolds.

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The early intervention initiative aims to be build resilience and long-term mental health in youth by providing opportunities for growth and development. It's anticipated to be a mix of fun events, training courses, and skill-building exercises in areas like improved relationship-building.

"The aim is to support young people in becoming resilient, in developing life skills that help them be adaptable and future-proof," Gail said.

She's encouraging everyone in the target age range to get online and complete the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/98ZTH6T. It contains 25 questions to gauge the type of program the respondent would like to see.

The deadline for survey submissions is March 17. Gail hopes to present the survey findings in time for the Close the Gap Day the following day.

She's promoting the survey through Tenterfield High School where students can complete the survey in class in a more formal setting, and through other youth- and health-focused agencies, but anyone in the age range can get online and complete it.

Gail said this wellbeing program will bring the events and activities that young people have been crying out for, guided by the survey responses.

And while she'll be scheduling, organising and liaising, Gail doesn't intend to be the one leading every workshop.

"We're very strong on the peer-support model," she said, "shoulder-to-shoulder, kids supporting kids."

To that end she's assembling a list of potential leaders and talented young people to help with the workshops.

"I aiming for a very vibrant and energetic rollout," she said.

She is reaching out to Drake youth to assist with activity there but, with distance limiting her reach to the farther corners of the shire Gail said the program offers virtual and one-on-one service for people with more complex needs.

Given her past experience working with The Benevolent Society in mental health she's confident that she brings a good set of skills and service knowledge to her new role.

A particular talent is advocacy and helping clients navigate 'the system' to access the service or services they need.

As she waits for survey submissions to roll in, Gail is supporting the activities being organised by Tenterfield Shire Council for Youth Week from April 16-24.

Helping young people find their voice, she's already preparing some workshops with the support of 'creative champions' -- peer trainers and mentors who volunteer their time to assist.

She is seeking more creative champions to get involved.

Upcoming activities include a writing course, an IT (information technology) project incorporating movie making, and a new platform associated with the Soundtrails initiative to create immersive sound scapes and stories.

"It's a new app called Sandpit that lets users build their own sound story," Gail said.

"It could be through poetry, song or even storytelling."

The Sandpit workshop is next Thursday, March 11 at The Benevolent Society's premises in Rouse Street with an early start of 7am, although Gail said she would provide breakfast.

Gail can be contacted on 0401 119 634, with parent's permission for those under the age of 16.