Time to celebrate school holidays and Get Loud during Youth Week

There are even more reasons for the Illawarra’s younger residents to celebrate during the school holidays, with events, workshops and festivals throughout the region to mark Youth Week.

The theme for this year’s event is Express, Empower, and Get Loud!

Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama councils have organised a diverse range of events for young people to express their ideas and views, act on issues that affect their lives, and create and enjoy activities and events.

Wollongong

Saltwater Festival is a free family event with amusement rides, live music, art, food and entertainment. It will be held from 10 am to 2 pm on Wednesday (17 April) at Howard Fowles Park, Warrawong, opposite the Illawarra Yacht Club.

On Friday, 26 April, Shakamoto will launch its new single, Oggy, at a special event at Wollongong Youth Centre from 6 pm to 8 pm.

The Illawarra band first came together at Keira High School in 2019 before officially becoming a band in 2021.

The school mates won last year’s YouthRock band competition.

Other events in Wollongong will include Short Film workshops from 16 to 19 April at Wollongong Youth Centre and Dapto’s Ribbonwood Centre.

The Wollongong Youth Week Awards will be presented on Monday, 22 April, in seven categories – volunteer, sportsperson, performer, artist, community ambassador, environmentalist and small business.

For more information, click here.

Shellharbour

Shellharbour City Council is holding a Youth Art and Design Exhibition at the Shellharbour Civic Centre until Sunday, 28 April.

The exhibition showcases the work of local artists aged between 12 to 24 years in painting, drawing, mixed media, photography, digital media and design.

The annual Civic Centre Market will be held on Saturday 20 April from 10 am to 1 pm. The market features products from Shellharbour’s young makers and entrepreneurs, as well as live music and workshops.

Council will also host a screening of the new Wonka movie at a free outdoor cinema on Friday 19 April at Shellharbour Civic Centre from 5 pm. Food and beverage options will be available to purchase.

Shellharbour City Libraries is offering a series of activities over the April school holidays suitable for a range of ages. Find out more here.

Shellharbour Youth Services is also delivering a school holidays program – for details click here.

Kiama

Kiama Council’s SENTRAL Youth Services team is hosting a range of activities during this week, including fishing, gaming under the stars and an outdoor movie night.

The activities are open to those aged 12 to 24 years.

All the activities are free and include lunch, dinner and snacks, entry and activity fees and transport.

For more details and bookings click here.