Jack E Gray

A Bit About Me... & ECHO

Hey, my name is Jack Gray, and I am the founder of Bega Valley ECHO, a program designed to drive community sustainability, healthy growth, and betterment in the Bega Valley. ECHO is more than just an initiative; it is a platform that facilitates advocacy and sustainability, provides the Valley with additional funding independent of federal sources, and actively develops community engagement by supporting 100% local ideas and initiatives.

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As a 21-year-old Project Manager who has lived in the Bega Valley my entire life, I have over 8 years of experience in community advocacy. My journey includes more than 6 years of collaboration with the Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast, where I currently serve as the Co-Convenor of the SJA Youth Group. Additionally, I'm currently acting as the Officer of Youth Feedback for the NSW Department of Education, a role I have been facilitating for the better part of a year.

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Through my involvement with numerous national and local organisations, I have gained the opportunities and connections necessary to carry ECHO with the professionalism it demands. I have had the privilege of learning from and working closely with esteemed industry leaders such as The Hon. Steve Whan, NSW Minister for Skills and Education; Murat Dizdar, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education; Jason Trethowan, CEO of Headspace National; Mick Brosnan, Founder of the Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast; and Carly McDonald, Community Engagement Officer for Headspace Bega.

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My deep passion lies in the social, cultural, and environmental preservation of the Bega Valley, which has been my lifelong home. I founded ECHO because I recognised the need for greater collaboration in the Bega Valley to better support and grow our community. Through ECHO, I aim to bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and purpose that will ensure the long-term sustainability and prosperity of our region.