Kiama Sentral Youth Services at the Youth Cottage in Hindmarsh Park or the ‘Youthie’ Cottage held its regular Kiama Youth Showcase in Hindmarsh Park on Saturday August 19 from 12pm to 3 pm in partnership with Beyond Empathy, which is behind many local teen mental health initiatives.

Of note was the launch of realFm, a podcast series made by Kiama Youth celebrating hanging out, noticing life is a bit weird, and being a bit weird yourself. You can listen to realFM, especially a story about a puffer fish in a cup! Listen here to the first 3 episodes released on August 18. www.spreaker.com/s/y2n3TqAD3gAY

Also on the Orry Kelly stage were a number of local bands Jacob Lewis, Zerconium, Janis and Rhys Evans. Zerconium played some originals (pretty good on stage performance of EXHALE which might even be an original!) and metal/punk standards including Nirvana. Zerconium had some early Silverchair energy in their on stage performance.

On display also were some photographic stills made by local young people and a short film showcasing the services Sentral Youth Service provide especially its regular hang out which is a safe and inclusive space, and studio where young people can explore and record their own creative projects.

Sentral had its 30th anniversary celebrations in April featuring a reunion of old and current Sentral staff (an event which had a bit of Doctor Who vibe). It also provides drop in times just to hang out on Wednesday, 3-6pm and Friday, 3-6 pm for social hanging out, but also has professional support services when it’s time to talk about something serious and get some advice.