Shooting hoops, futsal competitions, DJ workshops and a film competition and screening are just some of the activities for young Sydneysiders at next month’s Youth Week festival.
The City of Sydney’s 10-day festival features a program of events designed by young people, for young people, throughout the city from 8-17 April.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said Youth Week is a hugely popular event that enables young people to come together and celebrate their important role in the community.
“Youth Week provides an opportunity for the whole community to come together to recognise the work, talents and creativity of our younger residents,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Young people in Sydney contribute a positive energy and vitality that helps make our city such an exciting place to live, study and work.
“I encourage everyone aged 12 to 25 in our community to embrace this spirit as we celebrate Youth Week, and hope our young people get involved in the many fantastic events around the city.”
Youth Week in the City highlights include:
Smart ARTS 8–28 April, various venues
Smart ARTS, a youth arts and cultural festival, will feature an exciting program including an art exhibition, careers forum and free creative workshops.
The festival will kick-off National Youth Week at the Pine Street Creative Arts Centre in Redfern with an array of artworks created by young people, live performances, digital media, film, projections and music.
Film It & Show It – Voices of Young People in the Global City Friday 8 April, 5.30pm–7.30pm
Local and international students can take part in a filmmaking competition for young people that explores the challenges of being a young person living in a global city.
Run by student magazine VOIS, it’s an opportunity for students to interact and share their experiences through film.
Three films will be shortlisted for cash prizes and each will be showcased at an evening screening at Customs House, followed by a panel discussion on issues surrounding young people by experts in the field.
Youth Week in the city Mini Fest Saturday 9 April, 12pm–7pm
Waterloo Park will host a Mini Fest of live hip hop music performances by Lyall Moloney, ELMNTRY, Daisy, Kid Pharaoh and Sleep Walkers as well as art displays, interactive youth services expo and the 18th Annual Fernside Skate Competition featuring dozens of skateboarding participants.
Aboriginal Heritage Tour Saturday 9 April, 2pm–4pm
An Aboriginal Education officer will guide visitors on a journey of discovery through the Royal Botanic Garden that will take in Aboriginal heritage, traditional music, dance, artefacts and bush foods.
Betty Makin Youth Awards Night Tuesday 12 April, 6pm–9pm
The awards night includes scholarship announcements and trophy presentations recognising the efforts of young people, youth workers and the community that supports them.
The annual Betty Makin Youth Awards recognise young individuals and groups who have excelled in educational, vocational and community projects over the last year.
Strata Who? Strata You! Strata Basics for international students Tuesday 12 April, 6pm–8pm
This 101 workshop at 307 Pitt Street is an opportunity for international students to learn everything there is to know about living in an apartment in Sydney from parking, safety, recycling and noise to making friends in your building and getting to know the people you need to know.
People Just Like Us Refugee Talks and Performances Wednesday 13 April, 6pm–8.30pm
Former refugees and asylum seekers will share their personal stories about their journey to Australia. The Redfern Community Centre session will also feature a variety of cultural performances.
Sports Day Friday 15 April, 4pm–11pm
The Youth Week Sports Event at KGV Recreation Centre in The Rocks gives young people from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds an opportunity to engage and participate in a safe and friendly environment with other young people.
Visitors can team up with Sydney Kings and Sydney FC players in the basketball and futsal competitions or take part in other activities like bubble soccer and DJ workshops. A free BBQ dinner will also be on offer.
Growing Together Intergenerational Forum Friday 15 April 2016, 11am–2pm
Alexandria Town Hall will run a three-hour forum that aims to bring together the city’s younger and more mature citizens to promote learning, understanding and mutual respect between generations in a fun and meaningful way.
The session will include a video presentation and interactive games and activities as well as a Fusion High Tea and traditional Indonesian cakes.
Ultimo Community Centre Open Day Saturday 16 April, 11am–4pm
Visitors can join in a range of fun activities including bubble soccer, archery tag, creative art and table tennis competitions, with lots of great prizes to win. There will also be a DJ and dance workshops and a free BBQ lunch.
For more information on the Youth Week program go to youthweekinthecity.com
For media inquiries: City of Sydney Senior Publicist Elaine Kelly 0477 362 550 or ekelly@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore: Paul Mackay 0432 182 647 or email pmackay@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au