'Celebrate Youth' - National Youth Week a huge success
National Youth Week is said to be the largest celebration of young people in Australia. In 2007, National Youth Week took place from the 14th to the 22nd April.
Strathbogie Shire's contribution to this huge celebration culminated in 'Celebrate Youth' Week. In addition to providing fun and entertainment, the activities held during 'Celebrate Youth' Week aimed to showcase the many talents of young people and enhance their self-esteem, as well as promoting a positive image of young people and encouraging community participation.
Coordinated by Strathbogie Shire Council's Youth Services, with assistance from Violet Town Community House and our Youth Reference Group, 'Celebrate Youth' Week provided opportunities for young people to participate in a variety of events.
'Celebrate Youth' Week kicked off to a great start on Saturday the 14th with a competition and demonstration at the Euroa Skate Park, accompanied by music provided by DJ and MC for the day Eppo from Kialla. The event was a success and the young skateboarders, bladders', BMXer's and scooter riders who participated as well as the many spectators who attended had an enjoyable day. Dale Jones scored 1st place in the Seniors Comp, followed by Willy Ball in 2nd, and Scotty Jones gained a 1st in the Juniors Comp, followed by Brendan D'Arcy in 2nd, and Dylan Cummins in 3rd.
An Art Exhibition was also held throughout Youth Week at the Eclipse Youth Café in Euroa. A variety of artworks prepared by several talented young artists including Lucy Dawson, Mark Jesser, Stuart Dean, Jarrah James and Ned Land were displayed during the week.
On Tuesday the 17th we launched the new-look Eclipse Youth Café. The revamp included a new Eclipse Youth Café logo, bright fun mural artwork at the café entry, and canvas artwork inside. Many young people, Strathbogie Shire Council staff, and local youth service providers enjoyed the afternoon tea, and the celebration included a speech from Strathbogie Shire Council's Mayor, Gregory Carlson.
On Friday the 20th of April, a 'celebrate youth' FReeZA disco was held at the Wesley Hall in Euroa. The Defrosters FReeZA committee organised a laser light show, DJ and MC, as well as helium balloons. One hundred and fifty, young people attended the event and the evening was a huge success. Thanks go to the Uniting Church, Lewis Security, Violet Town Community House, Satellite Sound and Music, Ford McKernan, and Eppo Sloots. Defrosters FReeZA events are proudly brought to you by the Strathbogie Shire Council and the Victorian Government.
The 'Celebrate Youth' Awards Night was held in Violet Town on Saturday the 21st. 130 people attended this very successful evening during which 56 young people from Strathbogie Shire received awards for a variety of reasons including sporting and academic achievements, and recognition for their contributions to the community. Thirty one, local young people volunteered to assist with the event, and were supervised by adults from across the community. The evening included a wide array of musical entertainment and guest presenters included Tom Long and Rachel Mazza, Ella and Jessie Hooper, and Cr Robin Machin.
Strathbogie Shire's 'Celebrate Youth' Week was proudly supported by Strathbogie Shire Council, Violet Town Community House, Victorian Government, FReeZA, National Youth Week, and Go For Your Life.
For more information: Marli Kelly 0409 410 178 - 14 May, 2007
For details/interview call the Editor on (03) 5798 1858