Youth groups join forces to bring passionate young people together this Youth Week

A festival for young creatives is just one of seven events Lake Macquarie City Council is supporting this month as part of Youth Week 2021.

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The Get It Together Youth Festival will coincide with the Youth Artisan Market on 24 April at Cameron Park’s Pasterfield Sports Complex to bring a first-of-its-kind youth event to the city.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser said Youth Week, held 16-24 April, was an opportunity for young people to express their ideas and views, act on issues that affect their lives, and showcase their talents.

“Youth Week is a fantastic way to celebrate the contribution young people make to our community,” Cr Fraser said.

“The $1000 grants allocated to local Youth Week event organisers will support a variety of events, from self awareness and music, to creativity and fitness.”

Youth Week 2021’s theme is ‘Together more than ever’, an important reminder for youth navigating a post-pandemic world.

Acting Manager Edgeworth Memorial Neighbourhood Centre Richard De Martin said Youth Week is an opportunity to increase the community’s awareness of young people and the issues that are important to them.

“We want to give young people a place to use their creative voices, talk about their passions and have fun,” said Mr De Martin.

A Day for Self Awareness, presented by Laura Collison from Well Education will include an interactive workshop with a focus on issues commonly identified by young people such as self-worth and body image and how to overcome these issues. It will run from 11am-1pm on 13 April.

Other Youth Week events include the RAW Challenge with Southlake Community Services on 14 April, Colour Run and Music with PCYC Lake Macquarie on 16 April and a Youth Art Showcase at ARTea’s Gallery and Garden with Swansea Community Cottage on 21 April.

A songwriting competition with Community Activities Lake Macquarie is also on offer for young creatives passionate about music and poetry. Entries close on 24 April, with four winners selected to participate in a full day songwriting workshop with Potbelleez lead singer Ilan Kidro.

To find a Youth Week event happening near you, visit lakemac.com.au.