Youth Week
SA Youth Week (SAYW) is a celebration of young people aged 12 - 25 years that recognises and showcases their ideas, talents, contributions and achievements to the community and state. The annual celebration for 2023 was held from 24 March - 2 April and included a wide range of projects and activities across the state.
South Australia’s Youth Week is proudly supported by the City of Adelaide.
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Young person spotlight
Meet Aston
Age: 21
What is your connection to the City of Adelaide?
I am a musician, so you can find me in the CBD busking and performing live for festivals and community events or attending my friends gigs! As for work, I am a content creator & community builder for HUB at CCYP. I also have a passion for positive social change and frequently connect, ideate and collaborate with fellow activists and organisations on Kaurna Country!
What is your favourite place to visit in the City?
I love visiting the Torrens River whenever I get the chance, It is a great way to escape some of the concrete jungle and just unwind during a busy day!
Do you volunteer? If so, what do you do and why?
Yes! I'd say I volunteer in somewhat of an unconventional way, helping out various different organisations whose work & vision align with areas which I am passionate about seeing change in (LGBTQIA+ & First Nations issues, People experiencing Homelessness, etc.).
What dream do you have for your future self?
I am still learning what I love and I believe that is a constant journey, so I don't have a definitive career in mind, just following what brings me joy in the present moment; I just hope I continue to do this as I grow older. In terms of travelling, I'd first love to explore more of our beautiful Country, then eventually the world (no idea where to start though!).
What would you like to see for the future of Adelaide?
The future of Kaurna Country (Adelaide) will require a lot of outside-the-box thinking, which I believe Gen Z will have no problem with! People tend to forget that they are guests on this beautiful Country, moving forward it will be vitally important to provide more First Nations people with the support to become decision makers in positions of power to create necessary change. I envision a vibrant, affirming and colourful city, filled with nature and a world of opportunity.
Meet Rearna
Age: 24
What is your connection to the City of Adelaide?
I volunteer in the city as well as visit the city for fun (going to events, hanging out at Rundle mall with family and friends ) and am involved in projects at Youth Inc. (an awesome alternative school for young people aged 17-24). I have been able to be involved in so many projects and opportunities and have met so many amazing people.
What is your favourite place to visit in the City?
My favourite place to visit in the city would have to be the botanic gardens. I just love the natural beauty of the place, and the calmness it brings. I love to visit the River Torrens for this reason too.
Do you volunteer? If so, what do you do and why?
I currently volunteer at Anglicare’s Magdalene centre in emergency relief. I also volunteer for the constellation project, which is a social lab that aims to end homelessness. My team is working to change the age in which young people leave the out of home care and youth justice system from age of 18 to when the young person is ready.
I volunteer because I want to support in making changes to current systems and policies. I also love to connect with people, and if I can make someone’s day better and make sure they’re okay when they are experiencing hard times then that means the world to me. I am so thankful for the support that these organisations provide to people experiencing homelessness. No one should have to experience homelessness, as having a safe place to call home is a human right.
What dream do you have for your future self?
The dream that I have for my near future self is to have my social enterprise, Homefree Gifts up and fully running. Super excited for this. I also dream of travelling to experience different cultures and learn more about our world.
What would you like to see for the future of Adelaide?
I dream of a world where everyone has the comfort and safety of a home. I envision a city where there is lots of natural greenery all along the streets, where the indoors are essentially outdoors. My absolute dream would be a co-creation place where people can all come together to connect, be creative and engage in many different workshops.
The AdLib Hour - Studying Adelaide
Hear stories from International Students within our community who have shared their journey, struggles, and hopes and dreams for the future.
More information, resources and events
- SA Youth Week - Youth Action Plan | Strong Futures - Department of Human Services
- Physical activity - how to get active when you are busy - Better Health Channel
- Get in to life to keep your headspace healthy - Headspace
- Headspace Adelaide | Facebook - Headspace
- Headspace Adelaide (@headspaceadelaide) | Instagram - Headspace
- The Smashed Avocado - YACSA, Youth Affairs Council of South Australia