2020 Maroondah youth celebrations move ‘online’

Despite Victorian Youth Week being postponed, Council is forging ahead in celebrating our city’s young people and is encouraging those aged between 12 and 25 in Maroondah to head online to get involved.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Mike Symon said that while being together physically wasn’t an option this year, Council would continue to bring events and activities to Maroondah’s youth in an online format during April and May.

“While the official Victorian Youth Week has been moved to later in the year due to COVID-19, we feel it’s important that we continue to acknowledge the enormous contribution of young people across our city, and to remain socially connected as a community,” Cr Symon said.

“Our Youth Services team has moved largely online in recent weeks, with events and services that support young people still going ahead, albeit from a different platform,” he said.

“Council commends our Youth Services team who have been working hard to translate the programming of events into an online format,” Cr Symon added.

This week sees the launch of Pure Talent Online, an online exhibition showcasing the talents of young emerging visual artists in Maroondah.

Traditionally displayed at Wyreena’s Arts Lounge, the exhibition can now be viewed on the Arts Lounge website until Friday 1 May 2020.

Each artist and their work will be featured daily on Maroondah City Council Youth Services Facebook page and on Instagram

The online exhibition highlights works created by 2019 VCE and IB (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme) students from six Maroondah secondary schools as part of creative subjects including Studio Arts, Visual Communication and Design and Textile Design.

“Council is proud to showcase these creative and diverse artworks as part of Maroondah’s celebration of young people, and hope it inspires others in their community,” Cr Symon said.

The 2020 Maroondah Youth Awards will be adapted into a week-long online celebration via social media platforms Instagram and Facebook, from 11 to 15 May.

Cr Symon said that due to government-imposed restrictions on social gatherings, Council had been forced to cancel its presentation of the 2020 Maroondah Youth Awards, originally scheduled for Wednesday 8 April at Karralyka.

“We are excited to be bringing this annual event to the wider public through an online format,” Cr Symon said.

“The online event will include videos hosted by two of our young people, video stories from some of the nominees, as well as video performances. Throughout the event, each of the nominees will be recognised with a full nomination description,” he said.

This year’s Maroondah Youth Awards recognises 148 exceptional young people who have been nominated across four categories: leadership, creativity, perseverance and teamwork.

“On behalf of Council, I would like to thank all the people who nominated an individual or group for an award,” Cr Symon said.

“Whether it be coordinating events for other young people, acting as a role model for new settlers in the community, or having triumphed over hardship and adversity, there are so many young people in Maroondah who dedicate their own time to better the lives of others, and they should be recognised for their efforts,” he said.

Council’s Youth Support Service is still available by calling 9294 5704 (Monday-Friday, 8.30am to 5pm), or via Instagram and Facebook.

If you need help after office hours, you can call these 24-hour /7-day services for immediate help:

For all the latest information on activities, programs and resources visit the