Youth Week kicks off

Johnny Rappia, from Cannons Creek, tries the drum set at National Youth Week celebrations in Cranbourne on Monday. 96843 Picture: DONNA OATES

NATIONAL Youth Week (NYW) celebrations have kicked off around Casey with more events to come over the next few days.
Running from Friday 5 to Sunday 14 April, National Youth Week is the largest celebration of young people in Australia.
A number of events have been organised locally to mark the occasion and bring young people together to share ideas about the issues that affect them.
City of Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon encouraged young people from across the municipality to get involved in NYW events, with this year’s theme being ‘Be Active. Be Happy. Be You.’
“Young people make a significant contribution in our community, and NYW is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge these efforts,” she said.
“The City of Casey is proud to facilitate a safe and enjoyable environment where young people are able to unite.”
A number of event have already been held in Casey including The Fringe Fest, which was headlined by The Getaway Plan, on Friday night at the Cranbourne Public Hall.
There are still a number of events to come including the ‘Minute To Win It Competition’ at Hampton Park Youth Information Centre on Thursday April 11 from 3pm to 5pm. There will also be a number of fun and challenging competitions for young people to enter.
The Hampton Park Youth Information Centre will also hold its Open Day tomorrow – Thursday 11 April – from 1.30pm to 5.15pm at 22-26 Stuart Avenue, Hampton Park. There will be many festivities for young people and their families to experience along with all the Youth Information Centre has to offer.
The highlight of the NYW celebrations in Casey is the free Rock ‘n’ Skate Festival to be held on Saturday from 10.30am to 5pm at The Shed Skatepark, Cranbourne East.
There will be scooter, BMX and skateboarding competitions with free Slurpee giveaways from event sponsor, 7 Eleven, as well as live entertainment and interactive digital and fine art workshops.
Cr Stapledon said that the event was a fantastic opportunity to have a wonderful day out with the whole family.
“This free event will bring a festival atmosphere to Casey, with live music, entertaining workshops, free giveaways, prizes and amusement rides for all to enjoy,” she said.
“Initiatives such as Rock ‘n’ Skate are a wonderful opportunity for young people to come together and share ideas about the issues that affect them, and to have fun.”
For more information on NYW events in Casey visit www.insideinfo.casey.vic.gov.au or contact City of Casey Customer Service on 9705 5200.