The event, formerly known as Victorian Youth Week, has been reimagined to better serve our community's youth. Taking place throughout September, Youth Fest offers a month-long celebration of youth-focused and youth-led events targeted at people between 12 to 25 years of age. However, the events are open to all ages.
This transformation was inspired by feedback from previous grant recipients and aims to provide a platform where young people can thrive, regardless of their challenges. The event's extension to a full month reflects the Victorian State Government's commitment to meeting the aspirations of local councils, schools, community organisations and young people.
Greater Shepparton Youth Fest 2024 is supported by various partners, such as the Greater Shepparton Youth Organisations Network, Council Departments, GV Libraries, Freeza and the Victorian State Government.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said Council was pleased to be supporting the festival aimed at empowering youth across Greater Shepparton, alongside the many partner organisations.
“Greater Shepparton Youth Fest provides an exciting opportunity for organisations, as well as event organisers, to get involved in supporting our young people with free and low-cost events. Festivals like these are so important to support our young people and their social connectedness, physical and mental health, and wellbeing,” he said.
“The program features an exciting range of activities. We encourage people to help spread the word and make Greater Shepparton Youth Fest the best one yet by celebrating our region’s vibrant youth.”
The program will feature a variety of events at various locations throughout Greater Shepparton. As part of the festival, there will be a Council-led event, held on Sunday 29 September 2024 at the Shepparton Skate Park, featuring a BMX, skate, and scoot competition. There will also be a First Nations art workshop where participants can express their creativity by painting skateboard decks.
Tap here for more information and to view the full festival program.