Twilight markets, a skate competition and a youth get-together will be highlights of this year's Youth Week celebrations across Port Stephens.
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Youth Advisory Panel member Mahaylia Soars said the Port's 2019 Youth Week program is designed to showcase the innovation and skills of the area's young people.
"This year, we're kicking off Youth Week celebrations early with our Twilight Markets in Raymond Terrace on Tuesday, April 9," she said.
"It's a fun night out with food, music and markets featuring the talents of local young people - from visual artists to web designers.
"There'll also be creative workshops on digital media, sticker art and zine production.
"TYCA will be holding its annual Skate and Scooter competition at Nelson Bay Skate Park, while the Snak and Rap youth celebration will be at Mallabula Skate Park. Wherever you are in Port Stephens, there's an event near you.
"The Youth Advisory Panel has played a central role in developing this year's program, which is all about showcasing the skills of local young people and encouraging them to be innovative."
National Youth Week is the largest celebration for young people in Australia.
Thousands of youth aged 12 to 25 get together during this week to share ideas, attend live events and celebrate their contribution to the community.
This year, Youth Week will be held April 10 to 18. However, the Port's first official Youth Week event, the twilight marker in Raymond Terrace, will be held on April 9.
Creatives aged 12 to 25 will showcase their talents and products at the market, which will be staged at WEA Alesco.
Miss Soars said the response to the twilight market from young stallholders was "amazing" and all spots had been filled. Miss Soars herself will have a stall at the market where she will sell her artwork.
The 2019 NSW Youth Week theme is 'Coming together to Connect, Share, Speak out and Celebrate'.
Amber Herrmann, Port Stephens Council's community development and engagement coordinator, said Youth Week is an important event on the Local Government Area's calendar.
"Port Stephens Council and our Youth Advisory Panel are proud to support Youth Week - it's a great opportunity for young people across Port Stephens to come together, have a good time and celebrate their contribution to the community," she said.
"Our Youth Advisory Panel do a great job of making sure the voices of young people in Port Stephens are heard.
"They share ideas and issues affecting youth with Council, and help to develop plans and activities for young people in our region.
"It's a great way for young people to build their confidence to speak up about issues that affect them."
Port Stephens Youth Week events
Twilight Markets
When: Tuesday, April 9
Time: 4pm - 8pm
Where: WEA Alesco, corner William and Port Stephens streets, Raymond Terrace
Details: Enjoy an evening of fun, food, music, creative workshops and markets showcasing the works of local young people.
Skate and Scooter Competition, presented by TYCA
When: Sunday, April 14
Time: 9am to 3pm
Where: Nelson Bay Skate Park, 145 Shoal Bay Road, Nelson Bay
Details: Come along and watch the youth of Port Stephens as they display their skills and talents or participate in this year's competition. All ages and abilities welcome, various divisions. Enjoy a day of social inclusion, fun activities, market stalls, demonstrations, giveaways and the opportunity to showcase your skate and scooter skills.
Snak N Rap, presented by Up & Up
When: Wednesday, April 17
Time: 10am to 1pm
Where: Mallabula Skate Park, 1195 Lemon Tree Passage Road, Lemon Tree Passage
Details: Snak N Rap is a chance for Port Stephens youth to hang out for a few hours, enjoy some music, a bite to eat, conversations and fun in a safe, welcoming environment.
