Young people across the state are set to take centre stage from Wednesday 9 to Thursday 17 April as communities come together to celebrate NSW Youth Week.
This year’s theme, I am ______. We are the future, and the future is now! celebrates young people’s unique strengths and recognises their collective power as influencers, leaders and decision-makers.
The NSW Office for Regional Youth is supporting a range of free and engaging events across regional NSW, giving young people the opportunity to connect, have fun and have their voices heard.
From live music, games and art workshops to colour runs, community gatherings and information sessions, events will be held in regional towns across the state, including Queanbeyan, Salamander Bay, Coomealla, Casino, Goonellabah, Goulburn, Crookwell, Maclean and Albion Park.
In Queanbeyan, the Festival of Youth will bring young people together for a series of events, including a games night at Queanbeyan Library, board game café at Braidwood Youth Centre, art day at Rusten House Art Centre and a youth gambling awareness information session.
In Salamander Bay, a Youth Week activation will bring young people together for a vibrant community event featuring live music, fun activities, free food and access to local youth services from 9.40am on Wednesday 9 April. Hosted in collaboration with Port Stephens Council, Tomaree High School and local mental health service, Jupiter, the event will foster connection, empowerment and wellbeing.
In Coomealla, young people from the Wentworth Shire will come together for a combined schools Youth Week event hosted by Coomealla High School on Thursday 10 April. Activities will include a colour run and art sessions, offering a fun and exciting way for young people to connect with each other and local services, while celebrating their unique strengths and contributions.
Flavour Fest is a dynamic community event taking place in Casino from 5 to 8pm on Friday 11 April, designed to engage young people and the broader community through music, food and entrepreneurship. A standout feature of the event is the Battle of the Bands, organised by the Office for Regional Youth, where local young musicians and bands will take to the stage to showcase their talents.
In Goonellabah, Lismore City Council and the Lismore Youth Network will host a Skate Jam event from 2 to 5pm on Saturday 12 April featuring music, skate demonstrations and a community sausage sizzle. Held at the recently upgraded Goonellabah Skate Park, the event will provide a welcoming space for young people to connect, have fun, share their aspirations and discuss local issues.
In Goulburn, a series of Youth Week events will be held in collaboration with Goulburn Youth Services, headspace and the NSW Department of Education. Local high schools, including Mulwaree High School, Trinity Catholic College and Goulburn High School will each host lunchtime events featuring music, games, free food and awareness-raising activities.
Meanwhile, in Crookwell, Upper Lachlan Shire Council and the Office for Regional Youth will host a Pool Disco Party at the newly opened Crookwell Community Pool from 11.30am to 5pm on Saturday 12 April. This fun-filled event will feature a local DJ, engaging games and activities and a free BBQ for local young people.
In Maclean, Out of the Box Chill and Chat will provide a relaxed space for young people to connect, socialise and engage in fun activities from 3:30 to 5pm on Wednesday 16 April. Over pizza, the Regional Youth team will take the time to hear directly from local young people about their aspirations, challenges and opportunities in an informal and supportive setting.
In partnership with Shellharbour Council Youth Services, the Albion Park Youth Week event will activate the recently established Albion Park Youth Space, bringing young people together for a morning of music, games and free food from 10am to 12pm on Thursday 17 April.
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Director for Regional Youth, Julia Ryan encouraged young people to get involved in Youth Week events in their communities.
“NSW Youth Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate young people and highlight the important contributions they make to their communities.
“The Office for Regional Youth is proud to support these local events that create space for young people to connect, build friendships and engage in their communities in meaningful ways.
“Each event has been designed and planned in collaboration with local schools and organisations to reflect the interests and needs of local young people.”
Young people and their families are encouraged to contact their local council, school or youth organisations to find out more about the Office for Regional Youth supported events happening in their area.
To find out more about NSW Youth Week events happening near you, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/YouthWeek or visit your local council’s website.
