By CAROLINE STRAINIG
YOUTH Week kicks off tomorrow!
Yes, it’s time for the young people of the Hastings to take centre stage, with a packed list of fun things to see and do running from tomorrow until 13 April.
National Youth Week is the largest celebration of young people in Australia and thousands of young people aged 12-25 from across Australia get involved.
The theme this year is Our Voice, Our Impact and the Hastings Youth Advisory Council which masterminds the program has been instrumental in developing events that will have broad appeal to young people of all ages.
“Youth Week is the biggest youth program all year, a chance to get involved, get muddy, get heard, challenge your friends and family,” Port MacQuarie-Hastings Council youth development officer Angela Hughes said.
“In the last two years we have had some of the most popular events including a zombie march invading the centre of town, Amazing Race craziness, and a garden gnome invasion.
“This year the Amazing Race is back and better than ever and you can also get down and dirty with us at the Mud Run.
“Want lights at the skate park? Well come skate with us on Friday night when we light up the park and kick of youth week with a concert. This could be your chance to prove you need lights down there.
“Got a great idea for a youth or community project? Come to our think-tank and let us know, so we can always have something awesome happening in the Hastings.
“So get involved guys, Youth Week is all about you!”
Ms Hughes said past Youth Week programs received a bit tick of approval from youth who participated.
“The Youth Advisory Council which organised the event is made up of a group of 12-25 year olds who volunteered their time,” she said.
“YAC spends four months – starting in December – planning and developing the program.
“Our team holds the NSW record for winning the best program and the most innovative program in the same year, which was 2012.
“Last year the team was a finalist in all three categories, winning the best program again in 2013.”
***** Pointer:
What’s on when during Youth Week, page 6
Growing up in the Hastings, page 6
