Shellharbour’s Youth Week celebrations officially kick off on Friday 12 April with an art exhibition at Blackbutt Youth Centre featuring works by local young people.

The event starts at 5.30pm and marks the beginning of a diverse calendar of events and holiday activities for young people aged 12 to 25 as part of NSW Youth Week.

The Shellharbour Youth Week Art Exhibition celebrates the city’s young people and their artistic expression, with artworks ranging from painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, projections and multi-media.

Pieces will be displayed across the Youth Week Art trail in Shellharbour City Centre between 12 and 18 April.

Shellharbour City Council’s Youth Week activities aim to support young people to live, grow and play, in line with the Shellharbour Youth Plan 2018-2021, endorsed by Council in late 2018.

Another key event will be the city’s first ever Shellharbour Youth Markets on Wednesday 17 April.

Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said the markets would give young people and budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills and contribute to the local economy, while promoting sustainability and youth culture.

“Council has received interest from a wide range of young people to hold stalls, so it should be a great evening for young people, their families and friends,” Cr Saliba said.

“There will be lots of arts, crafts, food and entertainment on the evening. I encourage everyone, young and old, to come along and support out city’s young people,” she said.

During Youth Week, Council is also offering the chance for skaters, scooter riders, BMX riders and anyone else to come and help light up the Shellharbour Skate Park on Thursday 18 April.

As the sun goes down, the lights and music will come on as Council lights up the Skate Park- for one night only. There will be snacks provided for all riders.

Youth Week has grown to be a celebration of young people in every state and territory across the country.

National Youth Week is jointly supported by the Australian Government, State and Territory Governments and Local Governments.

National Youth Week is an opportunity for young people to share ideas, attend live events, have their voices heard on issues of concern to them, showcase their talents, celebrate their contribution to the community, take part in competitions and have fun.

More information: Call Blackbutt Youth Centre on 42953820.

• https://youthweek.com.au/community-event/shellharbour-city-youth-markets/
• https://www.facebook.com/events/shellharbour-civic-centre/shellharbour-city-youth-market/628597154239039/

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008.