Tamworth Regional Youth Council host Youth Fest at Bicentennial Park

The newly-formed council came up with the idea after members recognised there were limited events targeting young people in the shire on weekends. 

Tamworth Regional Council’s youth services coordinator Sammy Bowen said it was the first significant event for the Youth Council, which was formed in February to give the region’s youth a “real voice” to make a difference in the community.

“All members agreed there was a lack of fun and safe activities to do on a weekend,” Mrs Bowen said.

“Some have after-school jobs or sporting commitments during the week, but there wasn’t much to do of an afternoon of a weekend.”

The fun-filled event ran from 2pm to 6pm at Bicentennial Park, with giant dominoes, giant Jenga, painting, market stalls, a rock climbing wall, live painting from local artist Danny Stanley and food vendors offering something for everyone.

“The Youth Council organised a variety of activities around family fun and specifically targeting young people,” Mrs Bowen said.

“It was the inaugural event, and will depend on the council members next year (if it goes ahead again).

“But it was such a success that it’s very likely to happen again.”

Live music and entertainment also kept the atmosphere buzzing throughout the afternoon.

The Tamworth Regional Youth Council – comprising 15 members from McCarthy, Calrossy, Farrer, Peel and Tamworth High – meets once a month to discuss issues facing young people across the shire. At its inaugural meeting in April, members recognised “there was a real lack of safe under-18 activities in Tamworth”.

Youth Fest organisers collected gold coin donations to raise money for local mental health services, including Headspace and a new youth mental health project headed up by Hunter New England Health.