Young people across Glen Innes Severn are taking the lead in shaping this year’s Youth Week, with a program designed by youth, for youth set to roll out across April.
Youth Week 2026 in NSW runs from 9 to 17 April, with local events scheduled throughout the period and across the month.
The 2026 program, delivered by The Youth Booth, has been developed through a series of engagement sessions where local young people worked alongside youth workers to design events that reflect their interests, creativity and ideas.
Built around this year’s theme “Dream > Dare > Do”, the program features a mix of high-energy activities, creative workshops and social events aimed at encouraging participation and connection.
Mayor Margot Davis said the youth-led approach is what makes the program stand out.
“What makes this program special is that it’s been shaped by young people themselves,” Cr Davis said.
“Youth Week is a chance to recognise their ideas, creativity and leadership, and to support them to bring those ideas to life in their own community.”
One of the major highlights is the “Dare – Skate. Create. Celebrate” Skatepark Festival, which will bring together young people for a day of skateboarding workshops, a rock-climbing wall and youth service information stalls. The event is designed to create a welcoming space where participants can try new activities and connect with local services.
In partnership with JobLink Plus, the festival will also feature a “Design Your Own Helmet” workshop, combining creativity with practical safety messaging in a hands-on environment.
Another key event, “Pixels and Popcorn”, will offer a youth-led cinema experience, pairing a movie screening with a Mario Kart competition to create a relaxed and social atmosphere.
The program also includes “My Culture, My Pride”, a First Nations youth-led workshop where participants will design digital artwork reflecting their identity and culture, which will then be printed onto winter hoodies. The initiative aims to celebrate culture while strengthening connection and understanding within the community.
The Youth Week program builds on The Youth Booth’s recognition as a finalist in the 2025 Local Government Week Awards, highlighting the strength of its youth engagement approach.
Activities will take place throughout April, with events designed to be inclusive, accessible and reflective of the diverse interests of young people in the region.
The program is supported by the NSW Government through the Youth Week Grants Program, alongside Glen Innes Severn Council, reinforcing a broader commitment to empowering young people and supporting community-led initiatives.
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