A series of exciting events for Youth Week 2022 has been announced, including opportunities for young Hunter residents to attend live events, showcase their talents and have their voices heard.
City of Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor, Declan Clausen, said Youth Week ran from April 4 to April 14, acknowledging the role of young people from all backgrounds within the local community.
“Our city’s youth are our future, which is why Youth Week plays such an important role within the community by putting young people at the forefront of organising inclusive activities, specifically for people their own age,” Cr Clausen said.
Youth Week is open to anyone between 12 and 24 with some activities, including street art sessions, DJing workshops, a skateboarding program and photography lessons.
All events align with this year’s theme, ‘It’s up to YOU’th’, which directs young locals to take control and be more together than ever.
“City of Newcastle has worked with the Newcastle Youth Council Advisory Committee through the Youth Week grants program to support a broad range of initiatives that provide young people with a fun experience and an opportunity to learn new skills,” Cr Clausen said.
“We’re pleased to support programs and activities that promote cultural diversity and social inclusion, arts and culture, mental health and well-being, and highlight young people’s contribution to the Newcastle community.”
With support from the federal, state and local governments, Youth Week began as an NSW Government initiative in 1989, providing young people with a chance to express their ideas and views, act on issues affecting them and create and enjoy activities and events.
City of Newcastle and the NSW Department of Community and Justice have provided matched funding for four specific activities that will take place during Youth Week.
Among the initiatives that have received support is Street Art Express, which provides participants with the opportunity to learn about street art history, culture and career pathways, all while producing their own artwork.
Youth attendees of Skateboarding to Youth Health will be able to acquire new skills in an inclusive and innovative skateboarding program that promotes positive socialisation and physical and mental well-being.
Another fixture, titled ‘Express Yourself While You Bop Till You Drop and Bowl’, will offer participants a combination of workshops at Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre and Maryland Neighbourhood Centre featuring graffiti art, lawn bowls and DJing.
Meanwhile, Lake Macquarie City is hosting two colour run events on Saturday, April 9 and Thursday, April 14, at Morisset and Windale PCYC centres.
Morisset PCYC Manager, Sarah Lenton, said young people had been integral to organising the event, down to how it ran and what obstacles were included.
“It’s a day of pure fun, and attendees will have to weave their way through an obstacle course which involves tyre hopping, a slip ‘n’ slide, a sprinkler and a star jump station,” she said.
“Supervisors will spray attendees with different powders at each obstacle before everyone has a full-blown colour fight.”
Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser, encouraged Lake Mac residents aged 12 to 24 to attend celebrations, including a youth leadership forum and mental health workshop delivered by the mental health foundation, Headspace.
“We know the hardships COVID-19 brought over the past two years have had an impact on young people,” Cr Fraser said.
“Community events like this help build social bonds and allow young people to develop leadership qualities which may have diminished due to long periods in isolation.”
Other Lake Macquarie events include a youth artisan marketplace at Cameron Park, team building workshops at Doyalson and an arts, music and sports festival hosted by Northlakes Youth Service.
Full details on this year’s local Youth Week events can be viewed on the NSW Government’s website.
Maia O’Connor