Environment, recycling and sustainability - global issues found to be weighing on the minds of local youths - will be the focus of the main event in the Port's NSW Youth Week celebrations kicking off next week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Port residents aged 12 to 25 are being invited to attend an environment-themed event called Pizza for the Planet in Salamander Bay on Saturday, April 24 to help create an art installation that tells a story about the waste we create and where it goes, learn about clothes recycling and more about local environmental groups.
Port Stephens Council's community development and engagement coordinator, Amber Herrmann, said the event is a great opportunity for young people to get together and have their voices heard on issues that matter to them.
"Many people might be wondering why Pizza for the Planet? During consultation on the new Port Stephens Youth Strategy, the young people we spoke to made it very clear the environment is important to them," she said.
"So we thought, young people love pizza and want to protect our planet - why not combine the two? Our Youth Week planning group, which is made up of local young people, loved the idea and decided to run with it by creating a whole environment-themed day at Tomaree Library."
Running 9.45am to 1.30pm, Pizza for the Planet will also include live entertainment, food, trivia with prizes, tie-dying using natural dye, badge making, face painting, seed propagation with information on how this can support the Port's koala population, an innovations wall, live podcasting and a chill zone. There will also be stalls from Plastic Free Port Stephens, Climate Action Port Stephens, Port Stephens Eco Network, Boomerang Bags and Mambo Wetlands group set up on the day.
Amelia Whiteman, a year 7 student from Tomaree High School, is encouraging young people to get involved with Youth Week and Pizza for the Planet.
"Let's get together and share ideas, have our voices heard, have fun and learn how we can all contribute to helping protect our beautiful community of Port Stephens and the most important place we all have in common - our precious planet."
Emelia Naumov, a year 11 student from St Phillips Christian College, said being involved is an opportunity to have some fun and make a difference.
"Youth Week is a fantastic opportunity for young people to come together, learn about the planet and do our part in sustaining the environment for a bright and green future. The event is brought to Port Stephens by young people for young people so we can have fun while making a positive impact on the planet."
Podcasting - another identified interest area to the Port's youths - will also be prominent throughout Youth Week. Activities will be recorded and youths encouraged to share their stories for podcast material. Port Stephens Council has brought on Welcome to Day One podcast founder and producer to help the Youth Week podcast activities.
Mr Spencer also ran a podcasting workshop for youths interested in the subject at The Deck in Raymond Terrace last week. In attendance was Elijah Schofield, 16, Rachael Garret, 15, Bethany Martin, 14, who each have an idea based on their passions to found a podcast.
"Storytelling is where the medium of podcasting excels. I like working with youths to help them start their own podcasts, help tell their stories."
Also happening in Port Stephens for NSW Youth Week:
Monday, April 19, 12,30pm-3.30pm at The Deck, Raymond Terrace: Podcasting and beat making
Tuesday, April 20, 4pm-8pm at Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council community hall: Podcasting and locally-planned activities. Port Stephens Youth Advisory Panel will be launching YAPcast to share and talk about all thins youth in Port Stephens.
Friday, April 23, 3pm-5pm at Tilli Place in the Kooindah Centre: Launch of Jupiter - A Space to Talk in Tanilba Bay.
