Street art sessions, DJing workshops, a skateboarding program and the opportunity to build social connections while learning photography skills are among the activities on offer for the city's younger generation during Youth Week 2022.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the aim of Youth Week, which runs from 4-14 April, is to engage with and acknowledge the role of young people from all backgrounds within the local community.
"Our city's youth are our future, which is why Youth Week plays such an important role within the community by putting young people at the forefront of organising inclusive activities, specifically for people their own age," Cr Clausen said.
"City of Newcastle has worked with the Newcastle Youth Council Advisory Committee through the Youth Week grants program to support a broad range of initiatives that provide young people with a fun experience and an opportunity to learn new skills.
"We're pleased to support programs and activities that promote cultural diversity and social inclusion, arts and culture, mental health and wellbeing and highlight the contribution that young people make to the Newcastle community."
Image: Newcastle Youth Council Advisory Committee member Alex Milles, Broadmeadow PCYC Manager Paula Rowlett, Newcastle Youth Council Advisory Committee member Kevin Hill, Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, City of Newcastle Youth Engagement Facilitator Nick Grinpukel and Tyson Bashford-Kennedy and Faith Curtis from UP&UP Inspirations, facilitators of Street Art Express.
City of Newcastle and the New South Wales Department of Community and Justice have provided matched funding towards four activities that will take place during Youth Week.
Among the initiatives that have received support is Street Art Express, which provides participants with the opportunity to learn about street art history and culture, graffiti as art and career pathways in art, all while producing their own artwork.
A unique social connection event for teenage dependents of Australian Defence Force personnel, Capture My Community, will provide participants with photography skills while taking a guided walking tour of Newcastle.
Youth attendees of Skateboarding to Youth Health will be able to acquire new skills at an inclusive and innovative skateboarding program that promotes positive socialisation, physical and mental wellbeing, while Express Yourself While You Bop Til You Drop and Bowl will offer participants a combination of workshops featuring graffiti art, lawn bowls and DJing at Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre and Maryland Neighbourhood Centre.
During Youth Week, City of Newcastle will also host a live music event and movie night at Newcastle Library in addition to the funded initiatives. More details for local Youth Week events can be viewed online at www.nsw.gov.au/youthweek.
With support from the federal, state and territory, and local governments, Youth Week began as a New South Wales Government initiative in 1989 and provides young people a chance to express their ideas and views, act on issues affecting them and create and enjoy activities and events.
