AFL Wheelchair
Hosted by Wyndham City Council Youth Services, Victorian Youth Week’s AFL Wheelchair event was the first of its kind within the municipality. The event provided young people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in a sporting event tailored to their needs. The event was open to all young people, giving everyone the chance to come together in an empowering and fun environment.
The event further developed young people’s understanding of the importance of equal opportunity and received strong support from the community, local agencies and services including Disability Sport and Rec, The Huddle, Werribee Football Club, Eagle Stadium and Visionate Australia.
Food Is Free Inc. BACC’s Youth Garden Bed Launch
Driven by the goal of improving food security in the area, the Youth Garden Bed launch event was organised by Ballarat Action Climate Co-operative (BACC) and Food Is Free Inc., who combined their energies to equip Victorian young people with the knowledge to better understand vital concepts of sustainability, food security, food waste, self-sufficiency and the desire to tackle environmental problems as a community.
“The skills learnt here could inspire students to undertake their own garden at home, or to get more involved in eliminating food waste,” said BACC member Marco.
“Students will be able to learn lifelong skills, and because the garden bed will continue to be ours into the future, we’ll be able to continue to garden and host events.”
With over 50 attendees, the day provided everyone a chance to form connections, engage with their locality, plant crops and depart the venue with broad smiles and a BACC tote bag filled with eco pots and information on how to grow food.
Garden, multi-media radio theatrical performances
“Our theatre is our joy! Bring on the joy!”
Greater Geelong Creative Inc. (GGCI) combined forces with Someone New Theatre Company to host an in-person workshop for young people to experience ‘Shortest Night’, a live, multimedia production of the recorded radio theatre play.
With scripts in hand, the interactive workshop expanded on the traditional focus of theatre and gave young people a safe, inclusive and fun space to take the stage. The workshop was also attended by Geelong-based youth playwright Ryan O’Conner, who told tales of his experiences behind the curtain and inspired young people to truly immerse themselves in the script.
Geelong Youth Vocal Workshops and Showcase Concert
The Geelong Arts Centre hosted a ‘Youth Vocal Workshops and Showcase Concert’ event for Victorian Youth Week 2021.
Young Victorians first spent the afternoon with Australian singer Isaiah Firebrace, who shared his journey, challenges and inspirations behind becoming a singer. Participants then developed their singing and performing skills through an informative and interactive workshop. Isaiah inspired through his powerful message of never giving up on one's dreams and touched the room with his life story.
“Working with Isaiah and learning about his journey to become who he is now inspired me and [the] other young people to follow your dreams and that you shouldn't let anything get in way of your journey, said a young Victorian in attendance.”
Later that evening, workshop attendees performed Isaiah’s song ‘Spirit’ during his concert at Costa Hall, leaving everyone feeling uplifted and motivated.
“From a parent's perspective, it was a fabulous opportunity and experience for my child to work with professionals in the music industry,” said a parent of an event attendee.
“My daughter loved the experience and enjoyed every minute of it.”
Libraries Active! Youth Take Over!
Hosted by Macedon Ranges Shire Council, this event ran as a series of four workshops delivered online and in-person across local libraries in the Macedon Ranges. It engaged young people to put on their creative hats and socialise before concluding with a ‘Youth Take Over!’ exhibition of participants’ work at the Romsey Library. This included a virtual exhibition for those attending online.
The Council also hosted a ‘Pop Up Youth Space’ event at the Jurassic Park vintage arcade in Romsey, complete with retro-style video game consoles and games, resulting in a fun day out for all involved!
LGBTIQ+ Inclusive Training and Sports Day
South East Community Links (SECL) held events directed at engaging young people in their local community to learn new skills, play sports and games and spend time with peers and community leaders.
The LGBTIQ+ training event held on 30 June, was supported by SECL’s Youth Leadership Group who led discussions on the challenges and barriers experienced by multicultural and LGBTIQ+ young people and equipped them with the knowledge and language to better support their peers, in a safe and interactive space.
SECL hosted its Sports Day event the next day, which saw 50 young people participate in activities and received support from community organisations Proud 2 Play, Melbourne City Soccer Club, Lacrosse Victoria and Volleyball Victoria. The event promoted inclusion, acceptance and celebration through sports and gave everyone a chance to enjoy a sunny day out.
‘Old Fashioned Fun’
Targeted at tackling social isolation often faced by young people experiencing homelessness, The Salvation Army Australia Territory hosted an ‘Old Fashioned Fun’ themed Victorian Youth Week event catered to engage young people who have previously experienced homelessness or are currently living in crisis accommodation and supported by their crisis accommodation program.
The event had ‘old fashioned fun’ themed activities, including face painting, bubble blowing, cupcake decorating, oversized outdoor games and old-fashioned party food.
We thank all the organisations who took part in Victorian Youth Week 2021. Your efforts and commitment to support, empower and amplify the voices of young Victorians help to make a more vibrant and inclusive Victoria for all.