Find a hall, stack in the amps, invite several hundred people, then up the volume with competitive energy. The result is Currents: Battle of the Bands.
From 4 to 9pm this Saturday 18 April, students from St Peters Anglican College, Carroll College, and Moruya High Schoolwill get to feel what happens when the lights hit and the crowd ignites for the annual high-school competition, at the Moruya RSL Hall.
Eurobodalla Council's youth officer Ashley Darby says the rivalry, trophy and bragging rights are just a hook.
"Really, this is about youth-led events, and giving young people a stage. About saying – here you are, now go show the world," she says.
Currents is an event for young people driven by young people, with the Eurobodalla Youth Committee leading the planning and delivery of this and other Youth Week 2026 events. Ms Darby says the level of leadership on display has been inspiring.
"They are very aware of their individual strengths, putting their hands up for specific roles and responsibilities. It makes them a strong team that can confidently pull of a big event like Battle of the Bands – which brings together more than 400 young people," Ms Darby says.
"From designing the event poster, selecting the performers, and assigning roles for the day, they're growing a gig people will vibe with."
As the amps cool, there's still plenty of Youth Week 2026 hands-on action to be had; from creative workshops and music-making to yoga and pottery.
"This year's Youth Week theme is 'Dream. Dare. Do.' and these other events give young people aged 12 to 24 ways to connect while trying something new. It's a program that ties neatly with Council's Youth Action Plan 2023-28, prioritising youth participation and wellbeing by providing support so they have a voice and can create their own thriving local culture," says Ms Darby.
