Express, empower and get loud as Parramatta celebrates Youth Week

The call is out for young people to express, empower and get loud as City of Parramatta celebrates the next generation with its biggest program of Youth Week events in more than a decade from April 11 to 21.

Highlights of this year's program includes art therapy for residents of Parramatta Women’s Shelter, creative writing workshops, pop-up sporting activities and a Youth Mental Health Festival on 6 April from 9am-3.30pm featuring free activities like yoga, music, and art in Centenary Square.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber said Youth Week is a fantastic opportunity for young people in the community to connect with their peers, empower each other, and grow together. 

“We have a great line-up of events aimed to inspire our young people and help build positive connections," Cr Esber said. 

“This is a chance for young people to showcase their talents, have their voices heard and have fun with their friends. 

“There is an activity for everyone across the 10-day program - whether you’re an aspiring writer, budding sports star, future leader or you just want to meet new people, I encourage you to get involved.”

Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC) will mark Youth Week with two free events on April 18. The morning session features an inflatable obstacle course, indoor pop-up and play, and access to the indoor splash zone and pool for families with children up to 15 years old from 10am-12pm. 

In the afternoon, young people aged 16-24 will have a chance to train like a GWS Giant, try aqua aerobics, keep fit with the AFL Hub and Active Parramatta and show off their artistic skills at the interactive Express Yourself wall from 12-4pm. 

If creativity is more your style, there are free creative writing sessions at Parramatta Library at PHIVE and Epping Library on April 17. Also, at Parramatta Library at PHIVE there will be complimentary lunch for young people who attend the free health check-ins and workshops on April 18 from 10.30am-2.30pm.

The City of Parramatta’s Youth Week program is being delivered in collaboration with local community organisations who received $20,000 in grants as part of Council's 2024 Community Grants program and funding support of $4,924 from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. 

Bookings are essential via Bookable or Council’s website.