Lithgow Youth Week 2023 Was a Real Thrill

Great things happen when our young people feel listened to and seen. Lithgow’s young people and community members were recently part of a very special day organised by the Youth Council for Youth Week 2023 celebrations.

This year’s event was held at the Union Theatre on Saturday 22 April 2023. The Youth Council had the support of their families, local bands and a cluster of services that responded to their invitation to be part of the day. 

Several organisations including Maldhan Ngurr Nurra Lithgow Transformation Hub, Lithgow PCYC, Lives Lived Well, Mountains Outreach Community Service (MOCS) and Ted Noffs Foundation provided 3 different creative spaces for all ages. A VR room, laser tag, parkour exhibition, badge making, face painting, simulation games, and a sausage sizzle cooked by Lithgow Information Centre (LINC) were some of the activities on the day.

The day started with music from acoustic bands Tuppence, Charlotte and Harriet, Lez and Nae and SamBucca. The afternoon brought rock bands Hollow Point, Kavorka, Riff Cemetery, Trash Baby, Celestial Oath, Foothills and finished with the popular Naugrim.

Christian Broome, music and stage organiser for the event said: “Youth Week was a special event to me, it was amazing. Organising the music side of this event was a privilege that I’ve learned so much from. Special thanks to the bands, Emily Brown, Ollyvar, Steve Broome (my Dad) and Kurt Bender who were our roadies. Sam Williams (Seven Valleys Live and Local), Greg McManus (Naugrim), Willem Hendriksen (Retro Rehash), Cristina Portilla (LCC’s Community Development Officer) and everyone who supported the event on the day.”

Ollyvar Baker, event MC said: “It was a fantastic, fun day. Whilst MC’ing the event I was able to talk to the bands and get their opinions on what I wrote for their introductions and was able to see the effect nerves have when talking on stage. As the day went on, I relaxed, and the day went very smoothly.  I loved meeting Jesse Ferris and Beckie Willson from the Ted Noffs Foundation, I did a bit of beat boxing while Jesse rapped, and Beckie did some dancing moves. I can’t wait to collaborate with them in the future, as they do great things!”

Emily Brown, the organiser of the Virtual Reality room, which was a very popular space for all ages, is planning to bring the space back next year and to introduce more fun.

Some of the services that joined the event, sent heartfelt messages of support. Tatiana Lozano from Mountains Outreach Community Service’s said, “Children, young people and adults joined the MOCS team to make badges about personal topics like pets, love and friendships, as well as political messages about being strong and confident, pronouns and support for First Nation issues. There was conversation with children and families about what is important to them and what they would like to see more of in Lithgow such as art-based and outdoor opportunities. MOCS looks forward to working, in partnership with Lithgow City Council and local services to listen and support children, young people and their families in 2023. It was a great day”.

Lithgow Youth Council would like to also acknowledge the support of 2LT and Move FM.

If you are interested in hearing more about the event, other events or how to join Youth Council activities, please contact Lithgow’s Community Development Officer Cristina Portilla at [email protected]

This event was held to create opportunities for young people living in Lithgow and was jointly funded by Lithgow City Council, Seven Valleys Live and Local and the NSW Government. Young people from Lithgow have been involved in all aspects of this event, including the planning, development and management of activities.