Youth Week 2025: I am_______________. (BRAVE, KIND, UNSTOPPABLE, etc.)

Published on 28 March 2025

An exciting program of 18 events over nine days from 9 – 17 April has been planned in partnership with 18 local services and community groups in Yamba, Iluka, Grafton, Lawrence, Maclean, Minnie Water, Glenreagh and South Grafton to celebrate our local young people across the Clarence Valley for the annual statewide Youth Week celebration.

“Our Youth Week just keeps getting bigger and this year we have some really exciting events being run across the region, with some returning favourites and some new being added to the calendar,” Clarence Valley Mayor Ray Smith said.

“Last year we had over 1600 young people and community come out and participate in the fun and we hope to see the same support this year.”

Clarence Valley Youth Week kicks off with two days of Touch Football with the Interschools Gala Days commencing on Wednesday 9 April for High School students and Thursday 10 April for Primary School students. The exciting event is led by Bulgarr Ngaru Aboriginal Medical Service in partnership with our local schools and other Clarence Youth Network members.

Other Youth Week highlights include Live ‘N’ Loud at the Grafton Library, Cane Harvest Festival Youth Market in Maclean, Basketball Tournament in South Grafton, Schools Out Pool Party in Grafton, Colour Fun Run in Maclean, Skate & Scooter Comp and Art in the Park at Yamba, ACON Salon Reading (18+ event) at the Grafton Library and PCYC Open Day in Grafton.

Mayor Smith said he is also delighted to have students from Clarence Valley Anglican School (CVAS) heavily involved in creating, planning, promoting and running one of our Youth Week events this year.

“The Youth Run for Mental Health will be held on Sunday 13 April, in Memorial Park Grafton and is the result of the hard work of nine students.

“These young people have been giving up their lunch time once a month to take part in Council’s Youth Voice Pilot Program, which involved workshops with Council’s Youth Officer to learn more about Council operations and to be involved in events and activities that impact their lives.”

Program participant Emily said that the group had decided to organise an event themed “Running for Youth, Running for You” to spark conversations on a topic that affects many young people.

“Mental health is something that needs to be spoken about to destigmatise it,” she said.

Youth Week 2024 crosses over with the seasonal School Holiday Program, with more activities happening across the community in week two. For more information on this program go to our Clarence Valley Youth Facebook page.

For more information on the different events visit Clarence Valley Youth on Facebook or call Allira Newton on 0428 420 908.

All Youth Week events are drug, alcohol and vape-free. Under 12s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.