City of Mount Gambier Youth Advisory Group (YAG) Members Dylan McLaren, Sarah Harden, Ally Finnis, Ethan Hopgood and Mary-Joy Hutcheon.
South Australian Youth Week kicks off on Wednesday 10 April 2019 with a program of eight events including Virtual Reality gaming, challenges, live music and an outdoor cinema, just in time for school holidays.
Free events will be held within the City of Mount Gambier and the District Council of Grant as a celebration for young people aged 12 to 25.
“We start all the fun with the Chill and Chat @ Metro event on Wednesday afternoon from 3:30pm until 5:30pm,” City of Mount Gambier Youth Advisory Group (YAG) member Sarah Harden said.
“This is a really relaxed event featuring local band Skyline Haze and provides young people with an opportunity to chill on the deck area and enjoy a free drink and snack.”
Two events will be held in Port MacDonnell as part of the program, including an outdoor cinema at the Port MacDonnell Village Green and Sk8 n Sounds @ the Bay.
Youth Week favourites Pop Culture Pursuit and The Amazing Race also return to the program in 2019.
Pop Culture Pursuit celebrates all things pop culture including a cosplay competition with prizes, VR games and a screening of ‘Avengers Infinity War’ at the Main Corner 5:30pm until 8:30pm on Sunday 14 April 2019.
YAG take the lead in the delivery of Pop Culture and are proud to bring our version of Comic Con to the youth of Mount Gambier. - YAG member Sarah Harden
“Once again we are featuring the cosplay competition, dress up and spend the evening as your favourite character. You never know you might win one of the many prizes including a custom Pop Toy by Miss Teak’s Boutique. The generous support of Metro Bakery, Collins Booksellers, The Spot and Crystal Vision have given us a great range of prizes for this year’s cosplay competition,” Sarah said.
Step into a virtual world with the Oculus Gaming Experience at the Main Corner on Tuesday April 16 2019.
“Be immersed in interactive games and experiences, including Oculus Rift which creates a crowd experience allowing others to follow a virtual journey.”
“The Amazing Race includes pit stops, challenges, clues and major prizes for teams ready to race around Mount Gambier starting from headspace on Commercial Street at 3:30pm Wednesday 17 April 2019 finishing at the Cave gardens ready for LOUD in the Library.”
LOUD in the Library will be held on Wednesday 17 April 2019 from 6:30pm until 8:30pm. In its eighth year, the Library comes alive with music, entertainment and activities as a free event that attracts around 300 young people.
“LOUD in the Library is a fabulous opportunity to showcase local talent with live bands and acts, which can be enjoyed in the safe Library environment”, Library Youth Services Coordinator Terasa Nearmy said.
The crowd will be entertained by local music groups Trash Bandits, Skyline Haze, Awoken and Smelling Salts as well as live dance performances by HYPE Dance Studio.
“There will be activities scattered throughout the Library for youth to join in with, such as a ‘selfie station’ thanks to Nicole Gordon Photography, LAN Gaming, glitter tattoos and a silent disco.”
“No one will go home hungry with free food provided; a barbecue, fresh fruit and drinks will be supplied thanks to the generous donations from She’s Apples, Bakers Delight, Collin’s Court Butcher and the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier Lakes and vegetarian options thanks to Sunset Community Kitchen,” Ms. Nearmy said.
The event wouldn’t be possible without the support of local businesses and organisations that donate their time and resources.
The final event on the Youth Week program is Digital Painting at the Main Corner to be held on Thursday 18 April between 2:00pm and 5:00pm.
“Unleash your creativity painting in virtual reality. Walk around your 360 degree artwork created using 3D brush strokes, stars, lights and fire,” Sarah said.
“Each year I look forward to having such a wide range of events to bring together and entertain the youth,” City of Mount Gambier Youth Advisory Group member Dylan McLaren said.
The full program for 2019 Youth Week can be found at the Library and The Main Corner or online at http://www.facebook.com/mountgambiercityyouth