Families looking for ways to keep children and teenagers entertained during the spring break have a packed calendar of activities across the New England, with free and low-cost events running in Inverell, Glen Innes, Gunnedah and Tamworth.
Here’s a guide to some of the events on offer.
Inverell: Free 3×3 basketball community day
The Inverell community is being invited to get active during the school holidays with a free 3×3 basketball event on Wednesday, October 7.
The event will run from 10am to 2.30pm at Inverell Basketball Stadium at the Inverell Showground on Tingha Road.
Delivered by Pathfinders, Inverell Basketball Association, Basketball NSW and Armajun Aboriginal Health Service, the day will include free 3×3 basketball, children’s activities, a barbecue lunch and lucky door prizes.
No basketball experience is required.
The event coincides with Mental Health Month, which this year carries the theme Together We Thrive and promotes connection as part of mental health and wellbeing.
Pathfinders spokesperson Chantelle Paull said the event was designed to bring the community together.
“We wanted to create a fun day where everyone can come along, have a go at basketball, enjoy a free lunch and connect with other people in the community.” said Paull.
“It’s about getting active, having fun and creating an opportunity for people to come together, regardless of their basketball experience.”
People wanting to take part in the 3×3 competition are encouraged to register through Basketball NSW.
Glen Innes: Youth Booth holiday program
Glen Innes Severn Council’s Youth Booth has a two-week school holiday program for young people aged 12 and over.
The program begins on Monday, September 28 with the Roll Up! Circus Challenge at the Indoor Sports Centre from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The event promises circus skills and challenges, with lunch provided.
On Tuesday, September 29, the program moves to a Centacare Skate Park Day from 11am to 2pm.
A Youth Booth edition of Kahoot will run from 1pm to 4pm on Wednesday, September 30, with healthy pizza provided, followed by Paint & Playlists from 1pm to 4pm on Thursday, October 1.
The Youth Booth will be closed on Monday, October 5 for the public holiday and Tuesday, October 6.
Game On! will take over the Indoor Sports Centre from noon to 3pm on Wednesday, October 7 and Thursday, October 8, giving young people the chance to play indoor sports. Lunch will be provided on both days.
The holiday program wraps up with a PJs and Popcorn Movie Day from 1pm to 4pm on Monday, October 12, with doner kebabs on the menu.
The Youth Booth returns to its regular program from 3pm to 5.30pm on Tuesday, October 13.
More information is available from Glen Innes Severn Council Youth Services on 0418 281 657 or at youth@gisc.nsw.gov.au.
Gunnedah: Crafts, movies and pool season
Gunnedah Shire Council has put together a program of activities ranging from library crafts to free movie screenings.
The Gunnedah Shire Library team will kick things off at Curlewis Community Hall at 2pm on Monday, September 28.
Free Singalong & Storytime and Book Buddies sessions will continue during the holidays, while children can make cardboard caterpillars, busy bees, woolly sheep and moving snails at 10.30am from Tuesday to Thursday.
Children aged seven to 12 can also take part in $3 Crafty Creations sessions, making spring dioramas, 3D turtles, beaded butterflies and peacock collages.
Bookings for library activities can be made on (02) 6740 2190.
Young people aged 12 to 24 can join the Gunnedah Youth Consultative Council for a workshop from 10am to 4pm on Wednesday, September 30 to help develop plans for a proposed youth festival in 2027.
Council’s Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said the workshop would help young people develop the proposal.
“The workshop will cover grant application processes and ideas for entertainment at the event and involve potential sponsors to enable our young people to practise their presentation skills,” she said.
“Young people interested in joining the YCC are very welcome but will need to register first.”
The workshop will be held at the Creative Arts Centre, with morning tea and lunch provided. Registration is available through council on (02) 6740 2100.
Free movie screenings for people aged 12 to 18 will also be held at The Civic Theatre in October, supported by the NSW Office for Youth.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day will screen at 12.40pm on Thursday, October 1, while The Devil Wears Prada 2 will screen at 12.40pm on Wednesday, October 7. Both are rated M.
Light refreshments will be available from 12.15pm before each screening.
Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Danny Hankinson said the free screenings would make the cinema more accessible during the holidays.
“These free screenings ensure every family has the opportunity to be part of the fun in our fantastic cinema, regardless of their budget,” he said.
“Don’t miss out – book your free tickets now and get ready for a big-screen adventure these school holidays.”
The Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex will also begin its summer season on Saturday, October 3.
Tamworth: Sharks, music and theatre
Tamworth’s Entertainment Venues have a busy holiday program spanning music, theatre and children’s entertainment.
Bell Shakespeare’s acclaimed production of Macbeth will be staged at the Capitol Theatre at 7.30pm on Saturday, September 26.
Grammy Award-winning US singer-songwriter Macy Gray will perform at Tamworth Town Hall at 7pm on Sunday, September 27.
Australian singer Kate Ceberano follows with her Australian Made Tour at the Town Hall at 7pm on Saturday, October 3.
Families can head underwater without leaving the theatre when Erth’s Shark Dive comes to the Capitol Theatre.
The immersive production uses prehistoric and modern marine creatures to combine theatre, education and interactive entertainment.
Performances will be held at 6pm on Tuesday, October 6 and at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 6pm on Wednesday, October 7.
Children’s music group The Quokkas will perform at the Tamworth Community Event Centre at 10am on Saturday, October 10.
Vika & Linda will round out the school holiday program at Tamworth Town Hall at 7.30pm that evening as part of their tour celebrating Where Do You Come From?
Entertainment Venues Manager Roz Pappalardo said the program was about providing regional audiences with a broad range of experiences.
“At Entertainment Venues, we believe regional audiences deserve the same opportunity to experience exceptional, ambitious and diverse work as audiences in capital cities.
“That means bringing internationally recognised artists, leading Australian theatre companies, contemporary circus, new Australian work and extraordinary experiences for children and families right here to Tamworth.
“So we invite, come on in, bring your friends and family. There’s a place here for you.”
Tickets and the full Entertainment Venues program are available through the venue website.
Travelling these holidays? Allow extra time
Families heading away during the break are being urged to plan ahead, with Transport for NSW expecting increased traffic during the school holidays and Labour Day long weekend.
Transport for NSW Executive Director Rob Austin said the combination of holidays, the long weekend and major events would put additional pressure on the road network.
“Spring is one of the busiest travel periods on our network as people head to the coast, the mountains or enjoy one of the many major events,” Austin said.
“We understand delays can be frustrating, but arriving safely is always more important than arriving quickly. Drive to the conditions, obey the speed limit, wear a seatbelt and make sure everyone gets home safely.”
Traffic is expected to build on Friday and Saturday as people leave Sydney, with another increase expected on Friday, October 2 and Monday, October 5.
Motorists can check conditions through Live Traffic NSW before travelling.
Quick guide
- Glen Innes: Youth Booth activities from September 28, including circus challenges, skate park activities, Kahoot, indoor sports and a movie day.
- Gunnedah: Library crafts, youth festival planning, free teen movies and the reopening of the Memorial Pool Complex.
- Inverell: Free 3×3 basketball community event, October 7, 10am to 2.30pm.
- Tamworth: Macbeth, Macy Gray, Kate Ceberano, Erth’s Shark Dive, The Quokkas and Vika & Linda across the holiday period.
Have we missed something? Let us know by emailing news@netimes.com.
Don’t miss any of the important stories from around the region. Subscribe to our email list.