- intouch Magazine
Protecting our planet a key focus for 2021 Youth Week
Clothes recycling, tie-dying and a larger-than-life pizza installation made of rubbish will be the highlights of an environment-themed celebration for NSW Youth Week 2021 called Pizza for the Planet.
Thousands of youth across NSW aged 12 to 25 get together to share ideas, attend live events and celebrate their contribution to our community from 16 to 24 April 2021.
Port Stephens Council’s Community Development and Engagement Coordinator Amber Herrmann says it’s 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.
“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 on Saturday 24 April,” Ms Herrmann said.
Amelia Whiteman, a year 7 student at Tomaree High, is encouraging young people to get involved.
“After missing last year’s Youth Week celebrations due to COVID-19, let’s make this year extra special!
“The theme is ‘together more than ever’ — so let’s do it! 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.
“I’d like to urge all young people aged 12 to 25 to get involved and participate in this year’s events. Let’s make the most of our week!”
Emelia Naumov, a year 11 student at St Phillips Christian College says it’s 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,” she said.
Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer says Youth Week is the largest celebration for young people in Australia and an important week on the local calendar.
“Port Stephens Council and our Youth Advisory Panel are proud to support Youth Week. We’re lucky to have so many passionate and driven young people in Port Stephens, and this is a great opportunity for local youth to have a good time and celebrate their contribution to the community,” Mayor Palmer said.
Head to portstephens.nsw.gov.au/youthweek for more details or NSW Youth Week to find more events near you.
Pizza for the Planet — Saturday 24 April 2021 — 9:45am to 1:30pm at Tomaree Library
Pizza for the Planet is an environment-themed event like no other, made and delivered in Port Stephens especially for Youth Week. On the menu is:
a giant pizza installation — evolving throughout the day complete with a topping of fresh rubbish and litter, telling the story of what waste we create and where our waste goes
live entertainment
delicious food
a clothes recycling workshop
trivia and prizes
tie-dying using natural dye
badge making
face painting
seed propagation and how we're supporting the local koala population
innovations wall
live podcasting
chill zone
plus stalls from Plastic Free Port Stephens, Climate Action Port Stephens, Port Stephens Eco Network, Boomerang Bags and Mambo Wetlands group.
Other Youth Week events:
Monday 12 April — 9am to 5pm — Raymond Terrace Library Drop in any time for retro console game, board games and pizza.
Monday 19 April 2021 — 12:30 to 3:30pm — The Deck Come along to Monday's special event where there will be podcasting and beat making.
Tuesday 20 April 2021 — 4 to 8pm — Karuah LALC Join us in podcasting and other locally-planned activities. If you love podcasts, our YAP (Youth Advisory Panel) will be launching YAPcast to share and talk about all things youth in Port Stephens.
Friday 23 April 2021 — 3 to 5pm — Jupiter Launch at Tilligerry An exciting launch of new services, community recognition and celebration.
