ACT Minister for Children and Young People Ms Joy Burch today launched National Youth Week (10-18 April), as part of the ACT’s annual Youth InterACT conference at the Ainslie Arts Centre.

 

The conference, attended by about 200 youths, provides an opportunity for young people to gather with their peers for workshops, presentations and discussions on a range of topics. Ms Burch said the week was Australia's largest celebration of young people.

 

“Thanks to major sponsors such as BeyondBlue —who have again signed on to support events across Australia — there is an increasing awareness of National Youth Week in the wider community,” Ms Burch said.

 

There are more than 40 events and activities taking place around Canberra during the week, including the National Youth Week Expo, the Gungahlin Youth Festival, ReconciliACT ‘Short Blacks’ Film Festival and the Canberra Centre wearable art competition. 

 

The week is about recognising and celebrating young people’s achievements and their contribution to the community — particularly through the Young Canberra Citizen awards which will be presented next week.

 

This year’s theme – Live it Now! – brings with it a message for young people to inspire and challenge one another, to share knowledge and ideas and to fully embrace their unique place in our community.

 

“Young Canberrans are passionate about their community and getting involved, and this is one of the key areas identified in the ACT Government’s recently launched Young People’s Plan.”

 

Ms Burch also announced the start of the ACT Government’s Disability Awareness Program, a joint venture between the Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services and the Department of Education and Training, which aims to increase disability awareness in schools.

 

 

Statement ends