From walking in the footsteps of a chief executive officer to participating in a skate competition, Ballarat will have a full calendar of events to celebrate National Youth Week.
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Councillor Des Hudson said the first week of school holidays was the ideal time to hold celebrations and expected a strong turnout of young people.
“The week really gives us an opportunity to showcase local youth and the wonderful job they’re doing,” he said.
“It can be very easy, because of the news cycle and what makes news, for people to get a very negative picture of youth.”
Cr Hudson said the majority of young people were well connected, engaged and making a significant difference to the community.
“Young people become motivated when they see other young people who are really having a go,” he said.
“It is that role modelling behaviour, young people are excellent teachers.”
The week of activities kicks off today with YMCA Ballarat appointing a young CEO to promote its belief in the power of inspired young people benefiting communities both locally and globally.
Carli Mitchell, 23, has been chosen to lead the organisation for the day and will be given the opportunity to meet key stakeholders and look at important issues.
“I can’t wait to learn about the role of the CEO and delve deeper into the organisation to gain a greater understanding of how the YMCA can make a difference in the local Ballarat community,” Ms Mitchell said.
Monday is set to bring delicious fun with the opportunity to cook up a Mexican-inspired feast with super chef Anjelica ‘Jelly’ Golebiowski.
Young people can learn everything they need to know from making tortillas to hosting a dinner party.
“I want to pass on my knowledge in a practical sense rather than trying to get them to be chefs, just how to cook cost-effective things at home that are easy, healthy and tasty,” Ms Golebiowski said.
“If you get a young person teaching a young person everybody wins because they are more inclined to listen.”
The events cover a diverse range of interests including yoga, arcade games, anime, roller skating, story collecting and business workshops.
National Youth Week runs until Saturday, April 8, with events aimed at local young people aged 12 to 25.
For more information visit ballaratyouth.eventbrite.com.au.
