A cartoon workshop, a hoops lab, open mic night and a good old-fashioned disco are in the cards for this month's annual Youth Week program across Lake Macquarie.
From 16 to 26 April, people aged 12 to 24 can enjoy seven Lake Macquarie City Council sponsored grassroots events engineered by local youth.
This year's theme of 'Dream. Dare. Do' comes from 2026 NSW Youth Advisory Council member Hafsa, with a vision to "encourage creativity and courage, inspiring young people to dream big and take real steps to make those dreams happen".
Manager Community Partnerships Matt Holloway said Council's provision of grants to community organisations and educational institutions to celebrate Youth Week was a key cog in the Lake Macquarie Youth Strategy 2025-2029.
"We want young people to feel genuinely valued and listened to, and Youth Week gives them the space to share their ideas openly and without judgement," he said.
"Our young people are the changemakers of tomorrow; we respect their insights and the role they play in shaping our community."
Other Council sponsored Youth Week events for 2026 include a Morisset PCYC celebration including a spray paint workshop, disco and photo booth, 'Cops versus kids' games and a free dinner, as well as an Edgy Youth Space social day.
Young people can engage with the program by attending live events, showcasing their talents, taking part in competitions and, most importantly, having fun.
Lake Macquarie's 2026 Youth Week events are funded by the NSW Government.
Visit lakemac.com.au
