Collaboration to showcase young talents

Published on 08 June 2023

Talented young people will take centre stage across the Port Fairy Winter Weekends thanks to a new collaboration between Council and the festival.

Council and the Festival will host a series of engaging and entertaining events for young people during the festival’s three weekends, kicking off with a showcase of local talent over the King’s Birthday launch weekend.

Mayor Cr Karen Foster said the activities aim to provide young individuals with a platform to showcase their talents, engage in creative activities, and encourage a sense of community spirit.

“Our goal is to empower young people, highlight their unique talents, and create opportunities for them to connect, learn and grow in a fun-filled and supportive environment" she said.

“This partnership with Winter Weekends Festival aligns perfectly with our vision and allows us to reach a wider audience, making a positive difference in the lives of young individuals.”

Youth events organised as part of the collaboration include:

• YOUNG MAKERS MARKET: A vibrant marketplace where young entrepreneurs will be showcasing their innovative products, handmade crafts, artwork, and other creative endeavors.
• MOYNE SESSIONS LIVE: A renowned platform for promoting local music and youth talent, MSL will feature an incredible lineup of talented young musicians and bands.
• OUR TOWN PROJECTED (a collaborative art initiative): The culmination of a Visual Arts Mentoring Program in 3D mapping and design, a breathtaking lighting projection event. The program aims to showcase the creative accomplishments of aspiring visual artists.
• FREE KIDS’ WORKSHOPS: Hands-on workshops including Toy Making with the Port Fairy Men’s Shed, Acro Yoga and Hula Time.
• NAIDOC WEEK ACTIVITIES: Includes art workshop with Tracey Roach, Welcome to Country and Cultural tour all taking place at Tower Hill.

Port Fairy Winter Weekends Coordinator Ali Kavanaugh said the cherished festival Weekends keeps on evolving year-on-year.

“One area of the festival that has grown this year, and will continue to grow, is our offering aimed at young people.,’ she said.

“Our festival is a warm, safe, and creative space.  We want everyone to enjoy an experience that really resonates with them, and the entire community. 

“We’ve got some incredibly beautiful and talented young people in this region, and we cannot wait for them to see, hear, make, create, sing, and move their way through this festival.”

Moyne Shire Council through its Youth Engagement Programs (Moyne NextGen! & Moyne Youth Arts Collective) is dedicated to empowering and supporting young individuals through various programs and initiatives.

With a mission to nurture talent, foster creativity, and build a strong sense of community, Council strives to create opportunities that inspire young people to reach their full potential.

These activities have been made possible through Council’s Youth Engagement programs and funded through the Victorian Government (Engage! & FReeZA programs).

The youth events will take place during the Port Fairy Winter Weekends Festival, which runs across three weekends on June 9 - 11, June 23 - 25 and July 7- 9. Specific dates, times, and locations for each event can be found at www.portfairywinterweekends.com.au