Ballarat's youth leaders are hosting an all-ages inclusive community event in November promoting community connectedness for individual health and well-being.
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The Central Highlands Youth Advisory Board is inviting young people and all members of the community to their event Spring In The Park on November 16.
The free entry, all-ages inclusive event at Victoria Park will feature live performances by Melbourne musician Ruby Gill and Ballarat artists Meraki Minds, Floc, Gangz and Roy Darby. There will also be food trucks, market stalls and fun activities for all ages.
Watch this official clip from Meraki Minds below.
Youth Advisory Board (YAB) members Chloe Waddell, 22, and Chloe Rae, 17, have worked hard throughout the past 10 months with a team of young people to organise the event.
It is an opportunity for the community to engage and get out and about, without cost or discrimination, and just have fun.
- Chloe Waddell, Youth Advisory Board member
Ms Waddell said the YAB the event has been designed as an opportunity to promote community engagement for people of all ages and showcase the contribution of young people to community.
"It is an opportunity for the community to engage and get out and about, without cost or discrimination, and just have fun," she said.
"It is good for mental and physical health to get out in community, meet people and have social connections.
"We think it is important for young people to be well-connected, to showcase their skills, and to be able to make a positive impact in our area... At this event there is something for everyone."
The YAB has identified mental and physical health, youth justice and inclusiveness for LGBTIQ young people and young people living with a disability in regional and rural areas as focus issues for the advocacy.
Fourteen members on the YAB aged 16 to 25 have been meeting monthly since the group was formed in August 2018.
Highlands LLEN Youth Advisory Board co-ordinator Pearl Goodwin-Burns said the group was looking to recruit more members next year.
"We hope this event will be a good opportunity for the community to see what the YAB does. That might brew some interest in other young people to join too," she said.
"Young people have so much to offer their community and I'm so glad to see such an overwhelmingly positive response for a youth event like Spring in the Park."
Watch this official clip from Melbourne artist Ruby Gill below.
Ms Rae said she joined the YAB because she wanted to be a part of young people making change in Ballarat.
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She said playing a major role in organising Spring In The Park had developed her skills and interest in event management and marketing.
Spring In The Park is supported by the the Victorian Government via the Community Safety Networks, Bendigo Bank, The Push Inc via the Victorian Government Community Support Fund and Highlands LLEN.
The YAB has also partnered with the Ballarat Youth Council, Headspace and Girl Space to deliver the event.
It will run from 2pm to 6pm at Victoria Park on Saturday November 16. All are welcome.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
