Young people are encouraged to enjoy a day of fun while sharing their thoughts on the Sunshine Coast’s future at tomorrow’s (November 16) Youth Coast event in Maroochydore.
Organised by the Youth Advisory Group to Sunshine Coast Council, the free event includes performances from local youth bands, art exhibitions and an opportunity to connect with local youth services.
As well as being a fun day, the Youth Advisory Group (YAG) want to speak with young people about what the Youth Action Plan 2018-2022 sets out to achieve and understand what issues matter to local young people. In particular, they are interested to hear about the types of public places and spaces young people would like to see on the Sunshine Coast.
Community Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay applauded the initiative.
“Our young people are an integral part of our community, the growth of this region and our future. We want to tap into their enthusiasm, innovation and creativity to help shape our healthy, smart, creative region and coming together in a social environment is a great way to achieve this,” Cr McKay said.
“I encourage all young people to get along, have some fun and have their say.”
YAG committee member Rebecca McDonald said the committee was looking forward to starting a conversation with young people.
“The youth of the Sunshine Coast are spread out over such a large area and might want different things for their community, we want to find out what those things are,” Ms McDonald said.
“So, we thought the best way to start that conversation was to give people a reason to come together and have a bit of fun.
“I hope that the event inspires youth to be more involved with their local community but what I really want to see is that the local community sees the value in the different perspectives that youth bring.
“What a lot of ideas need is some fresh, young optimism to try things that have never been done before.
“Hopefully this event is the first of many more youth-focused events on the Sunshine Coast.”
Youth Services Teens Take Control, Thrive Youth Hub, Headspace and Community Connect Plus Kids will be in attendance at the event for young people to engage with.
Local youth art consortium Bloom Collective will host an art exhibition and bands Olympus Jam, Zebra Finch and Mason Hope will entertain attendees.
When: 11am-2pm Saturday, November 16
Where: THRIVE Youth Sunshine Coast, 36 Aerodrome Road Maroochydore.
