Young Novocastrians will dive into a vibrant mix of local live music, creative workshops and climate and activism activities this Saturday as they 'takeover' Newcastle Museum during City of Newcastle's feature Youth Week event.
The NM:PM Future Street Party will be one of five free activities being hosted or supported by City of Newcastle to celebrate the statewide youth-led festival, which runs from 9-17 April.
Councillors Paige Johnson, Callum Pull & Sinead Francis-Coan join members of the Youth Council and event participants to celebrate the upcoming Youth Week program in Newcastle. Puppets supplied by Fingers Crossed Creative.More than $10,000 in grant funding from City of Newcastle and the NSW Department of Communities and Justice has been invested into the community-led events.
City of Newcastle's Director Museum Archive Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, said the Youth Week program highlights the city's commitment to empowering young people.
"We're proud to celebrate the valuable contributions that young people make to our city," Ms Baird said.
"Youth Week provides a platform for youth culture to be recognised, ensuring young people are both seen and heard.
"It is an opportunity to explore the variety of voices, creatives and events across the city and put youth creatives first in the community. We are really excited to have an all-ages NM:PM and allow Newcastle Museum to be full of young bands."
The Newcastle Youth Week program was shaped with input from around 35 young people, with members of City of Newcastle's Youth Council Standing Committee actively participating in the grant funding process.
Councillor Paige Johnson said the committee plays a vital role in ensuring young people have a voice in shaping community initiatives.
"The enthusiasm and dedication of the Youth Council has been instrumental in allocating Youth Week grants to projects that reflect the interests and needs of young Novocastrians," Cr Johnson said.
"This is about giving young people the opportunity to drive these initiatives, not only for fostering a sense of ownership and pride, but empowering them to create meaningful change in their own communities."
Co-chairperson of the Youth Council Standing Committee Ibrahim Khalid says the program is a testament to the impact young people can have when given the opportunity.
"Young people have so much to say and offer, and this program reflects the passion and innovation of our youth," Mr Khalid said.
"The Youth Standing Committee is proud to have helped shape a diverse and engaging lineup of events that speak to our generation. This program provides young people with a platform to express themselves, connect with their community, and play an active role in shaping the future of our city."
Among the funded initiatives will be a Snak and Rap event hosted by creative program facilitator UP&UP at Maryland Skate Bowl, offering young people free food while they express themselves through graffiti, street art, and open mic performances.
Other grant-supported events include a multicultural youth conference, a student-led sustainability expo, and a songwriting workshop hosted by Headspace led by a local musician.
The all-ages Future Street Party at Newcastle Museum will feature music by local performers Butterknife, Trophy Wyfe, The Sobars and Evan Worgan, badge and jewellery-making workshops, and a book swap hosted by Newcastle Libraries' Young Adult Book Club.
Attendees can also explore the history of activism through the Museum's current exhibition from the National Archives of Australia, Disrupt, Persist, Invent, before taking part in a climate activism yarning circle hosted by Youth Rising.
For more details about the local Youth Week events visit What's On Newcastle.
