Young people will be leading the way for the 2018 NSW Youth Week celebrations in Port Stephens.
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The annual state-wide celebration for young people officially kicks off on Friday, April 13 and runs until Sunday, April 22 and will include plenty of creative, fun and inclusive activities in Raymond Terrace, Tanilba Bay, Nelson Bay and Medowie.
Liz Akerman, Port Stephens Council’s acting community development and engagement coordinator, said young people across the region have been involved in pulling together this year’s schedule of Youth Week activities.
“This year’s Youth Week program has been curated by young people for young people, so I’d encourage anyone between the ages of 12 and 25 to get along to the free events across our region and celebrate,” she said.
“There’s plenty to do wherever you are in Port Stephens. All of the events put this year’s theme of ‘Unity Through Diversity’ front and centre, and feature fun and interactive entertainment for all young people.”
An unofficial launch event will be at Tomaree High School on April 6 where a world record attempt to link arms and stand together will be made.
The event will start with a morning breakfast hosted by the Real Futures youth ambassadors.
Included in the Port’s program of activities is the launch of The Drop centre for young people in Tanilba Bay, Tomaree Youth Community Action (TYCA) group’s Skate and Skoota Comp in Nelson Bay, a picnic on the lawn at Raymond Terrace and an art and music workshop in Medowie.
The Drop is an initiative of Centre 4 Hope. The centre will run youth drop ins on Tuesday and Friday evenings in the old Girl Guides Hall. It is anticipated that a number of youth development programs will spin off from Centre 4 Hope’s drop ins on the Tilligerry.
At the picnic in Raymond Terrace, a new initiative will be launched which will see art by the Port’s youth regularly displayed at the library.
Two members from Port Stephens Council's Youth Advisory Panel, Rhiana Mackenzie and Katerina Nico, will travel to Sydney on April 12 to attend the state forum to launch 2018 Youth Week.
“Our Youth Advisory Panel has the important job of sharing ideas and issues that affect young people of Port Stephens with council,” Ms Akerman said.
“It’s a fantastic way for young people to build their confidence to speak up about issues that affect them.
“This forum at Parliament House is another opportunity to build that confidence and have their voices heard at a state level.
“The panel has also been the powerhouse behind our Youth Week activities, making sure they are fun, creative and reflect the needs of our young people.”
Young people are being encouraged to approach Youth Advisory Panel members at events during Youth Week or contact James Campbell at Port Stephens Council. To find out how to get involved email james.campbell@portstephens.nsw.gov.au.
Join in one or all of the events across Port Stephens celebrating Youth Week:
Picnic on the Lawn
When: Friday, April 13
Time: 3.30pm to 6pm
Where: Raymond Terrace Library front lawn
What: Chill out with a DJ, giant games, trivia and more
The Drop launch
When: Friday, April 13
Time: 3.30pm to 6pm
Where: The Drop, Tilligerry (previously the Girl Guides Hall)
What: The official launch of The Drop drop in centre for young people.
Tomaree Youth Community Action (TYCA) Skate and Skoota Comp
When: Sunday, April 15
Time: 9am to 3pm
Where: Fly Point Skate Park, Nelson Bay
What: The TYCA Skate and Skoota comp returns for a second year and will be offering another amazing day of activities and action. Register for the comp on the TYCA Facebook page.
Art and Music Workshops with Up and Up
When: Sunday, April 22
Time: 11am to 2pm
Where: Medowie Skate Park
What: A day of art and music hosted by the dynamic social enterprise Up and Up.
Keep an eye out on Port Stephens Council’s website and Facebook page for further details on what is on during 2018 Youth Week.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
