The 2018 Youth Week program from 13 to 22 April will showcase eight unique events held in the City of Mount Gambier and the District Council of Grant including movie nights, live music, workshops and challenges.
Youth Week is the largest annual event on the South Australian youth calendar to showcase young peoples’ talents, contributions and achievements, promote a positive image of young people, acknowledge their diverse backgrounds and enable young people to express their ideas.
Each year, the Mount Gambier Youth Advisory Group (YAG) lead the delivery of a range of events and activities during Youth Week. This year's theme is 'Your Future - Your Way'.
"Youth Week is where we completely focus on the youth in our community. Events targeted specifically at youth are run for people to have fun, or to workshop different skills and interests. All of the events are free which is really important, as all youth are invited, not just those who can afford it," YAG member Shekinah Horsburgh said.
The event kicks off with LOUD in the Library held at the Mount Gambier Library from 6:30pm to 8:30pm on Friday 13 April, coinciding with the end of the school term. The Library will be transformed into an entertainment arena with live music by Skategoats, performances by HYPE Dance Studio and the Cultural dancers, photo booth, glitter tattoos and LAN gaming. Local community organisations such as headspace will also be on hand to talk about their services and how they can offer assistance to young people.
"LOUD in the Library is always a highlight for me and many others. This year it is the first event to launch Youth Week, so it will be a big party," Miss Horsburgh said.
Youth Week continues throughout the first week of the school holidays with a ‘Chill and Chat’ session to be held at Metro Bakery and Café on Tuesday 17 April and a Creative Writing Workshop hosted by Charlotte Varcoe at the Mount Gambier Library on Thursday 19 April.
Also on Thursday, the District Council of Grant will host the ‘DCG Slot Car Championships’ at the Port MacDonnell Community Complex from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. That evening the Barry Maney Group will host a session titled ‘Top Tips for Young Drivers’ from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. The session is aimed at youths aged 15 to 25 with a focus on vehicle maintenance and emergency fixes.
Youth Week will culminate with a number of exciting events taking place on Friday 20 April. These include the Amazing Race starting at Frew Park at 4:00pm, an Outdoor Cinema showing at the Port MacDonnell Village Green and Pop Culture Pursuit at The Main Corner from 5:30pm to 9:00pm.
“I'm really keen to see the Pop Culture Pursuit at the Main Corner this year. There's no doubt this is a growing trend with minimal opportunity for fans to get involved outside of the big cities, so it's great to see Mount Gambier taking charge and getting involved,” Cr Josh Lynagh said.
All Youth Week events are free and open to all youths aged between 12 and 25 years.
“Our young people are tomorrow’s leaders and Youth Week is a great way for them to engage with each other and to celebrate their contributions to our community,” City of Mount Gambier Mayor Andrew Lee said.
For more information about Youth Week events, visit www.facebook.com/mountgambiercityyouth or see the full program below.
For further information please contact City of Mount Gambier Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean on 8721 2401 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
