Lilydale Street Party | Youth Central

Friday 27 February 2015
@ Main Street, Lilydale
Review by Mitchell Kalika from Level-Up FReeZA (Yarra Ranges Council)
Photography by Sean Daly

Whilst rare, sometimes you come across events that really showcase the immense bond that is created when living in the same area for a period of time. I was lucky enough recently to witness this first hand.

On Friday 27th Feb, the Level-Up FReeZA crew assisted with the organisation and running of a community event aimed towards raising funds for CCTV cameras to be placed in often neglected parts of the (not-quite) country town, Lilydale.

Running the youth stage with local talents such as Valerie Avenue, She Dreams In Colour and The Bean Project (the recent winners of the FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands finals in Melbourne). Locals were greeted with acoustic tunes as they supported local businesses and community groups.

Personally, this is one of my favourite events that I have had the privilege to be a part of, not only with the general turn out, but also with the atmosphere and all-around vibe of the audience. It did not feel as if they were simply there just to listen to the music, it truly felt as if they were there to support their own people, and that is what I believe made the event such a great success.

It is community-run events like these that make me so proud to not only be a part of the FReeZA crew, but a part of the Yarra Ranges as a whole. Events such as these that showcase the unique mix of city-living as well as the country mentality that so many people adore.

Although somewhat different to the events that Level-Up FReeZA generally runs, it was still an amazing thing to be a part of and I'm sure it will be something I will remember for much time to come. Having the opportunity to support your community whilst doing something you love is seemingly a once in a lifetime achievement, and whilst it consumes a lot of our time, I'm sure than I can speak for the rest of the FReeZA group when I say we would have it no other way.