CROWDS of people gathered in Boomerang Park, Raymond Terrace, to kickstart Youth Week in style.
On 17 April, the park hosted the Street Skills Festival, an event organised by Port Stephens Council to celebrate young people and help them find their own path for the future.
The festival saw the participation of dozens of local businesses and individuals, who shared their expertise for free.
There were practical tips about car maintenance with ReadyUp Skills, hair styling with Terrace Hair and Beauty and the Barber Social, a barbequing demonstration by Terrace Meats, spray painting with Up&Up, and unique activities such as cultural weaving and bongo playing.
There were also skating and scooter displays and competitions from Grundy’s Skateboarding.
Even for older participants, there was plenty of good food, good people, and good music.
Up&Up, who supervised the DJing, said they believe that youth and hip-hop culture can be used to connect communities.
Council’s Stephen McAlister, one of the event organisers, said the goal was to “try to upskill young people and let them know what’s out there.”
Alongside workshops, many stalls were available for youth counselling services such as career guidance, mental health support and assistance with TAFE pathways.
With Boomerang Park packed full of locals and visitors, the festival was clearly a great success.
Port Stephens Council shared that the event was funded by the NSW Office for Youth and “The Place Is Yours” initiative.
By Nico LOMBARDO
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