There will be street art, exhibitions, workshops and more during Youth Week
The Northern Beaches will be home to numerous events this Youth Week, under the theme ‘Dream. Dare. Do,’ running from 16 to 26 April.
The annual event, run by Northern Beaches Council in collaboration with community groups and youth services, is set to deliver a ‘high-energy’ program of free and low-cost activities for people aged from 12 to 24.
Mayor Sue Heins highlights the importance of the event. “Youth Week is a great chance for everyone to have fun and celebrate young people’s contribution to our community,” Mayor Heins says. “The continually growing program features a range of activities, including arts, wellness, fitness and humanitarian activities, that all fit into this year’s theme of ‘Dream. Dare. Do.’”
PL has compiled some program highlights. More events will be added weekly to the Youth Week portal prior to the official start.
Organisations including PCYC, Westfield, and the Beaches Youth Hub run Youth Week events
Arts, crafts, and showcases galore
It’s early for Youth Week proper, but the Out Front exhibition, hosted at Manly Art Gallery & Museum (MAG&M), is showing off the talents of young people from 21 secondary schools across the Beaches, and winners of the People’s Choice Award are set to be announced in April.
For young creatives looking to show off their skills or brush up on their practice, the Creative Libraries and Hobbyspace by Headspace activities are great. There’s an under 18s open mic night, and writing workshops covering haikus and short stories. At Hobbyspace’s general creative hub, you’re sure to find something fun and interesting.
Plus, council says to look out for live activations at the local legal street art walls, which can be found at different sporting grounds including Allambie and Millers Reserve.
Headspace Wellbeing Expo
Awareness is knowledge, and knowledge is power. Headspace and council invite everyone to Warriewood on 17 April for a Wellbeing Expo. It will be an afternoon dedicated to highlighting the creativity of young people, mental health and self-care. More information will be available closer to the date on council’s website.
Polish your life skills at car maintenance workshops
No matter where you live, this car maintenance course is worth the drive. On 15 and 23 April, Dee Why PCYC will partner with council’s road safety team to teach essential vehicle maintenance skills to young drivers, with several sessions available. The course is interactive, hands-on, and designed to empower teenagers and other young drivers to feel road ready.
Make a change in local government
Making impact and leading change isn’t just limited to those old enough to vote – council is inviting young people to get involved in council decisions on the issues that they want to see.
“Youth Week marks the launch of our annual Have Your Say Day survey. This peer-to-peer initiative encourages local young people to survey one another on the topics that impact them most,” Mayor Heins says. “These insights will lead into focused discussions and the main Have Your Say Day event in May.”
The youth-led initiative is coordinated by student leaders from local high schools known as the Beaches Leadership Team, with the support of council and its youth advisory group. The surveys are used to inform presentations delivered to local representatives and decision makers by the students.
“It will also influence council decisions,” Mayor Heins says.
For the full program and the latest updates, follow KALOF (@keepalookoutfor) on social media or visit the council website.
