MEDIA RELEASE - ‘Connect. Participate. Celebrate’ as NSW Youth Week back in full swing

Sutherland Shire Council, in partnership with the NSW Government, community organisations and local businesses, is excited to once again present a full program of events to celebrate NSW Youth Week 2023, taking place from 20 to 30 April.

This year’s theme, as set by the NSW Youth Advisory Council, is ‘Connect. Participate. Celebrate’ and encourages young people of all abilities to get involved in events staged throughout their local community.

Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce said it’s an opportunity for our youth to share their ideas and views on issues important to them, as well as create and enjoy a variety of experiences together.

“There will be a range of activities, opportunities and events for young people between the ages of 12 to 24 to enjoy at different venues and locations across the area,” Mayor Pesce said.

“We have worked closely with community organisations and local businesses to bring this exciting range of events together to celebrate NSW Youth Week in 2023, after having to scale back activities in recent years due to COVID.

“It’s our chance to once again showcase the talent and diversity of the exceptional young people from the Sutherland Shire and celebrate the positive contribution they make to our community, so I’m hopeful many of our youth will get involved.”

For this year’s program, Sutherland Shire Council will be working in collaboration with Club Central Menai, Cronulla RSL, ANSTO, Defwolf Studios, Optika, StageKings, Engadine Music, Southgate, Project Youth, 2SSR Radio, UN Youth Australia, Lodown, NSW TAFE and The Family Co.

Some of the highlights include the Youth Markets at Menai Town Centre, Battle of the Bands at Project Youth Menai, a skate competition at Greenhill’s, Vibefest at Loftus Community Hall and the Youth Week Climate Forum at Cronulla RSL.

Sutherland Shire Libraries will also be offering local young people with some exciting opportunities to explore, including a ‘Library After Dark: Teen Takeover’ event that will provide attendees the chance to take part in sumo suit square-offs, retro gaming adventures, video game tournaments and hands-on craft.

A ‘bad art’ workshop provided through Sutherland Library will also offer local young people with the opportunity to leave their creative talents at the door and try their hand at creating some truly tacky and tasteless creations, all in the name of fun.

Bookings are essential for Youth Week events hosted by Sutherland Shire Libraries, and with strong demand for tickets already, prospective attendees are urged to secure their place at these exciting events quickly. Further information on what’s on offer and how to get involved available via the Sutherland Shire Libraries website, at https://cms.ssc.nsw.gov.au/Community/Library/What39s-On

For the full program of events and activities being staged throughout the Sutherland Shire, visit https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/play-and-explore/council-events/youth-week-2023

For further information on NSW Youth Week, visit www.nsw.gov.au/youthweek