THIS year’s South Australian Youth Week program from today until next Sunday will showcase eight unique events in Mount Gambier and the Grant District Council area, including movie nights, live music, workshops and challenges.
Each year, the Mount Gambier Youth Advisory Group (YAG) leads 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,” YAG member Shekinah Horsburgh said.
“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.”
The program will kick off with Loud in the Library at the Mount Gambier Library from 6.30pm to 8.30pm tonight, 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 cultural dancers, a photograph 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,” Shekinah said.
“This year it is the first event to launch Youth Week, so it will be a big party.”
A creative writing workshop hosted by Charlotte Varcoe will be held at the Mount Gambier Library on April 19 and Grant District Council will host a slot car championship at the Port MacDonnell Community Complex from 2pm to 4pm on April 19.
That evening the Barry Maney Group will host a session titled Top Tips for Young Drivers from 6pm to 8.30pm – a session aimed at young people 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 April 20, including an outdoor cinema showing at the Port MacDonnell Village Green and Pop Culture Pursuit at The Main Corner from 5.30pm to 9pm.
All Youth Week events are free and open to all youths aged between 12 and 25.
“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,” Mayor Andrew Lee said.
