The dream of a group of young people to create an event to showcase the skills and talents of the youth in our area to the whole community is coming to a reality, with preparations for The Big Get Together already evident at Black Beach.

“We took that idea and we ran with the theme for NSW Youth Week 2021 ‘Together more than ever’ to make it a huge community celebration,” says SENTRAL’s Youth Services Coordinator, Melissa Andrews (SENTRAL is Kiama Council’s youth services arm).

“Coming out of COVID we noticed that young people were looking for ways to connect, but that this was happening across community not just with youth. This event is an opportunity to connect young people with the wider community and also highlight the fantastic contribution they make!”

Community members are encouraged to come along from 4pm to shop at the youth market stalls, check out the vintage cars on display, enjoy delicious food from local food truck vendors and enjoy music from local young musicians.

There will also be a public art project, under the guidance of local artists Samuel Hall and Courtney Beaton, to transform a couple of old utes into uplifting masterpieces.

A large movie screen is being set up on School Flat, first to show short films made by local young people, and then to end with a screen of Shrek.

The Stand Up #choosekindness short films were created by local young people in and around Kiama, as an anti-bullying project conceived and brought to life by a team of Illawarra youth; the headspace Wollongong Youth Reference Group.

“The project was funded by the Kiama community, who raised $10,000 by participating in a treadmill marathon organised by the local gym, OneFitness24/7,” says Ms Andrews.

It promises to be a great event, whatever your age.

The event has been put together with the support of Kiama and District Stronger Community, Destination Kiama and headspace Wollongong.

Saturday 17 October, Black Beach, 4-10pm

Short films start at 6.30pm; Shrek at 7pm

Tickets are free but it is recommended you book for the movie