Maroondah FReeZA now recruiting for 2019

Are you a young person who enjoys live music and entertainment and would like to learn about what goes on behind the scenes in staging live music and cultural events?

Maroondah Youth Services is now recruiting for its 2019 Bassline Productions FReeZA Crew, offering young people aged 15 to 25 in Maroondah the chance to gain hands-on industry experience in producing, planning and promoting local live music and cultural events for other young people.

By participating on the FReeZA committee you will be given the chance to make decisions and lead in the staging of events, whilst also broadening networks within the community by connecting with local businesses, schools and other organisations.

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Kylie Spears said Maroondah’s FReeZA Crew had put on some incredible local events, including the recent all-ages horror short film festival ‘A Nightmare on Mt Dandenong Road and the annual Bassline Battle (FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands).

“FReeZA is a great way of engaging young people in activities that boost their social engagement and learning through practical experience,” Cr Spears said.

“Having direct input by being part of the ‘crew’ is as good as a back-stage pass, and virtually gives participants access to all areas,” Cr Spears said.

“What’s more, participants will receive free training during their time with FReeZA and will leave the program having the life skills they can take into any profession.”

Throughout the course of the program, participants will be supported to develop and deliver events catering for young people and performers in the local area. Events may include live music, DJ dance parties, pool parties, short film festivals, hip-hop, art exhibitions, open mic, skate competitions and more.

“Importantly, FReeZA events are fully supervised drug, alcohol and smoke-free, reinforcing the positive message that you don’t need alcohol and drugs to have a good time,” Cr Spears said.

If this sounds like you or you know someone who might be interested in joining the Maroondah FReeZA Crew, you can download the 2019 FReeZA Recruitment Info Sheet and 2019 FReeZA Recruitment Application Form from the

Application forms must be received no later than Friday 7 December 2018.

For more information, phone the Youth Services team on 9294 5704 or email [email protected]

FReeZA is an innovative youth development program funded by the Victorian Government that encourages and supports young people to get involved in community life by planning and running drug, smoke and alcohol-free music and cultural events for other young people.

Being part of a FReeZA group or committee enables participants to build self-confidence, create and develop professional relationships and have opportunities to explore various pathways in the music industry.

Charlotte Wightman, 21, is one of the ‘crew’ behind this year’s local Battle of the Bands competition, all-ages short film festival and Youth Space at Maroondah Festival.

How did you get to be involved in FReeZA? My older sister was part of the crew in 2006. Last year I saw social media posts promoting the involvement of young people in the Maroondah community, and I decided it would be a great opportunity to be involved in.

When did you first join? I have been part of the FReeZA crew since February this year.

What are some of the events you have been involved with, and what role did you perform? As a team, we have organised a number of events this year, including our ‘Nightmare on Mt Dandenong Road’, a niche horror short film festival, which was a great success. Our Youth Space at Maroondah Festival demonstrated our presence in the community. My standout moment of this year was my role as the MC for our Bassline Battle event in August.

What have you learnt being part of FReeZA? I have learnt that young people are showcasing some incredible talent in our local area. Being part of the FReeZA crew has instilled in me a great sense of pride and confidence, in both myself, and my fellow FReeZA crew members and young people in our community.

What is the best part about being one of the ‘crew’? Meeting nine uniquely amazing young people from Maroondah and working together to create inclusive and interesting events; touching base weekly with the FReeZA crew; using our creative ideas to plan and organise live music and cultural based events; seeing these events come to life; reflecting on our progress and creating a supportive space for young people in Maroondah.