Young people, families encouraged to join in Youth Week celebrations

Youth Week festivities kick off in Orange on Friday 16 April, with a range of events planned to celebrate young people and their positive contribution to the community.

The events are organised by the Orange Youth Action Council, supported by Orange City Council’s Youth Services program and local service providers.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the local events coincide with National Youth Week, the country’s largest celebration of young people aged 12-25, and would wrap up on April 24.

CHILLIN’ OUT: A fun day at the Skate Park will be a feature of Youth Week celebrations. A highlight of the day will be the painting of two murals.

“This is an opportunity for the city’s young people to come together to discuss issues important to them, share their ideas and have their voices heard, while having fun at events designed by young people, for young people,” he said.

The Youth Week program of events is:

  • Friday 16 April: Youth Week begins with a free Colour Run for the whole family to enjoy. Starting at noon at Elephant Park, participants can run or walk the one-kilometre track as many times as they like while being sprayed with coloured powder. A free barbecue will be provided. Bookings at Eventbrite.
  • Sunday 18 April: The Harmony Cup soccer gala day will be held from 9am at Sir Jack Brabham Park. The all-day event will feature a round-robin competition with men’s, women’s and under-16s teams competing.
  • Monday 19 April: Laser Tag will be held from 9.30am to 4pm in the North Court behind Orange City Library. An event for young people aged 12 to 24, participants can book a 20 minute time slot, with a maximum of 20 participants per session. Bookings can be made at Community Services on 6393-8600.
  • Tuesday 20 April: Youths and seniors will come together for the Central West Elders Olympics from 10am to 2pm at Sir Neville Howse Stadium (Orange PCYC). A combined Youth Week and Seniors Week event, teams of seniors from across the Central West will compete in a range of modified sports with the support of local high school students who will referee and assist throughout the day.
  • Wednesday 21 April: To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Veritas House will launch the Veritas Art Project, commissioning young local artists to show their talents and produce original artworks. The project is designed to nurture young artistic talent and, by funding the purchase of art materials, aims to be inclusive of all young artists, regardless of money or background.
  • April 21-22: A Mental Health First Aid course will be held from 9am to 5pm at the Orange Youth Hub in Garema Road. Learn practical skills to recognise common mental health problems in young people, provide support and seek appropriate help. Sign up to the free course by contacting Sharnie Willis on 6850-1783.
  • Saturday 24 April: Youth Week will conclude with a fun day from 10am to 2pm at the John Lomas Skate Park, featuring a barbecue, music, tricks and games. A highlight of the day will be the painting of two murals by internationally renowned graffiti muralist and illustrator Olas One. One of the murals will be dedicated to Harrison Greenhalgh, a local young skater who died last year in a water skiing accident.

Orange Youth Week events can be found on Orange City Council’s events calendar

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