Good Vibes in the Top End
National Youth Week is an annual, week-long celebration of Australia’s young people. It gives the younger population a chance to express their ideas and creativity, and act on issues affecting them. It’s also a good opportunity to have some fun!
By Tierney White
There are plenty of events and activities to get involved in across the Top End during National Youth Week, including Couch Surfing for Youth Homelessness, the Palmy Pool Party, Battle of the School Bands, and the main event, Good Vibes Youth Festival.
Co-produced by LAUNCH Darwin and ShoutOut!, Good Vibes Youth Festival is an all ages, drug and alcohol free event, developed by young people to raise awareness for youth mental health. It brings together people from diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and passions to an inclusive day of entertainment, empowerment and inspiration.
City of Darwin’s Youth Events and Training Officer Lisa Burnett said the festival provides a great opportunity for young people to run an event in a public space.
“The festival activates public space through art and culture – it’s a way of highlighting Council managed facilities, whilst supporting young people to develop and showcase their skills. It allows their peers and the wider community to come along and see what they can do,” Burnett said.
National Youth Week Ambassador and event co-producer Pritika Desai is enthusiastic to showcase the creativity and drive of young people.
“The event gives us a unique opportunity to share our talents, address issues affecting us and our community, and gain access to mentors like pro-skater Renton Millar, artist Dave Collins and local support services,” Desai said.
On Saturday 9 April, the Jingili Water Gardens will be transformed into an arts and cultural hub to celebrate and engage the Top End’s young people. Festival-goers can expect a day of skating, competitions, art, music, food vans, info stalls and dance performance.
Pro-skater Renton Millar will offer valuable mentoring in his skating workshops leading up to the event, and skaters will get a chance to show off their mad skills on the day with the Skating Comp rolling from 1-4pm. Proper @ Mayfair owner and artist Dave Collins will be running a workshop for street art on skateboards – there’s sure to be some nicely decorated decks on display.
From 4pm the music and dance scene kicks in, with performances from TRACKS Dance and sweet tunes from local acts including Gaia, At The Dakota, King Klass and 2015 NT Song of the Year winner Broadwing. Head along to Jingili Water Gardens and get amongst those oh-so-Good Vibes!
For more information on National Youth Week and a comprehensive program visit youth.nt.gov.au
National Youth Week is proudly supported by City of Darwin, Office of Youth Affairs and the YMCA of the Top End.
Feature image – skateboard artwork by Hannah Illingworth.
