Together more than ever this Youth Week

Wollongong City Council is celebrating Youth Week from 16 to 24 April with Activate — a live music and light activation event, a special photography exhibition, ‘Speak. Share. Change.’ forums, Laser Tag and creative Library workshops.

Youth Week is an annual celebration that recognises the important issues that impact our young people, celebrate their successes, and offers opportunities to showcase the achievements of our young people.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that this year’s theme together more than ever was a timely remember to reach out and get involved in your community.

“With the impact of COVID still felt by many people, we know that mental health is a common problem for some of us, especially our young people,” Cr Bradbery said.

“As we celebrate Youth Week, it’s important that we find ways to encourage our young people get involved by participating in the great opportunities available in their community. We’re challenging young people to reach out to friends and family, take part in a free event and share your thoughts on the issues that affect you.”

Join us as we celebrate Youth Week by participating in one of our free activities, events and programs.

WHAT’S ON

Activate: a sound and light celebration

Come with us on a sound and light journey as we celebrate young people and live music! Wollongong Youth Centre and surrounding garden will come alive for an evening of light and sound projections, live music, installation and a free BBQ.

Tickets for the indoor live music are free and available from the Youth Services Facebook page or Eventbrite. We’ll ask attendees to simply check in using the Service NSW app or QR code on arrival.

This is an all-ages, family friendly and alcohol-free event.

Keep an eye on the Youth Services Facebook page for live music line-up details.

‘I love a bike city because…’ photography exhibition

We’re asking our younger residents to share what they love about bike riding in Wollongong. Young people between the ages of 12 to 24 years are encouraged to submit an image that captures what they love about bike riding in their community.

To be considered for the ‘I love a bike city because…’ exhibition, you must be a young person between the ages of 12 to 24 years living in the Wollongong Local Government Area.

Submissions close 5pm Friday 16 May 2021. The exhibition will be launched at the Wollongong Youth Centre in June 2021.

Find out how you can submit an entry into the exhibition by visiting the 'I love a bike city because...' webpage.

Celebrate Youth Week at your Library

Wollongong City Libraries are holding free events for young people to learn new skills and have fun. Come along to learn the basics of costume design or bring your friends for a game of Laser Tag among the Library shelves.

Bookings are essential as places are limited. Visit Eventbrite to secure your free ticket.

Speak. Share. Change. forums

We’re hosting forums at local high schools and the Wollongong Youth Centre to encourage young people to express their ideas and views to contribute to Council decisions that impact their lives, now and into the future.

Participants in the ‘Speak. Share. Change. forums will help inform the review of Our Wollongong 2028 Community Strategic Plan as well as services provided by Wollongong Youth Services.