ACT Youth Week is on between 11 April and 21 April.

It’s a chance for young people in the ACT to share ideas and celebrate their achievements together.

Here is a selection of ways for you or the young people in your life to get involved.

Apply for a grant or scholarship

The Youth InterACT Grants and Scholarships support young people to develop and connect with each other.

The Youth InterACT Scholarships are for young people who have genuine ability and determination but don’t have the money to attend events or activities. They also help these young people to remain connected and engaged with their community.

Scholarships are open all year round. If you are, or know, a young person aged 12 to 25, this scholarship could go towards attending an otherwise unaffordable activity, event or course.

The Youth InterACT Grants support events, programs and projects to strengthen community connections, promote diversity and increase awareness of issues that affect young people.

Last year, Shellee Nikolaou applied for grant on behalf of the UCSSC Lake Ginninderra College Library, to purchase games equipment.

Shellee used this money to buy Dungeons and Dragons equipment such as guide books and miniatures. The students come to the school library once a week to immerse themselves as heroes in a tale of elves and dragons and a fantasy world, fated by the roll of the dice.

“While our students are playing Dungeons and Dragons, they are also learning lifelong skills, such as cooperation, collaboration, creativity, thinking skills and respect,” Shellee said.

“It is a game best played in person, where every player’s contribution matters. It gives students a break from their computers, as no screens are involved. They’re really keen to see the group continue!”

These grants are open for applications, so find out more and apply by 15 April.

ACT Youth Week Grants are also available. The grants to support young people or organisations to develop and implement Youth Week events that build connection and celebrate diversity.

The grant round for 2025 ACT Youth Week will open later this year.

^{UCSSC Lake Ginninderra College students and Dungeons and Dragons fans: Caleb, Hamish, Aidan, Tane, Jeremy and Oliver}

Join a Youth Week activity

Supported by the ACT Government’s Youth Week Grants, these events celebrate and foster connection between young people.

There are many activities on the Youth Week calendar.

CreativityCon Canberra, hosted by YWCA

Check out this STEAMM-focussed event featuring LEGO printmaking, youth-led market stalls (cash only), a clothes swap, and more.

Date: Tuesday 9 April
Time: 2pm to 6.30pm
Place: Mura Lanyon Youth and Community Centre, 22 Sidney Nolan Street, Conder
Cost: free
More info: facebook.com/YWCAClubhouse/

Kooky Olympics

Multicultural Hub Canberra’s Kooky Olympics are back again this year.

Join in on cultural games and challenges to win prizes, enjoy free food and drinks, or enjoy the chill-out space.

Date: Thursday 18 April
Time: 2.30pm to 5pm
Place: Gungahlin Town Square, Gozzard Street, Gungahlin
Cost: free
More info: mhub.org.au/

Sunset Festival 2024

Head to Woden for the Sunset Festival. Enjoy a live DJ set with DJ Mista Nige, free BBQ and pizza, and plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy.

Date: Friday 19 April
Time: 3pm to 6pm
Place: Eddison Park and Woden Skatepark, corner of Launceston Street and Yamba Drive, Phillip
Cost: free

12 Hour Theatre Project

Whether you want to take part or watch the performances, Canberra Youth Theatre’s 12 Hour Theatre Project is perfect for theatre buffs. Young artists aged 7 to 25 will come together to devise, rehearse, produce and perform a brand-new piece of theatre.

Date: Saturday 12 April
Time: 9am to 9pm for performers, 7pm to 8pm for the audience
Place: Gorman Arts Centre, Braddon
Cost: free to participate and attend as an audience member, registrations for both required
More info: canberrayouththeatre.com.au/community/12-hour-project/

African Youth Drum and Dance Workshop

If you’re a rhythm and movement enthusiast, head to the African Festival in the Park to join in on a free youth drumming session. Unleash your creativity, enhance your musical skills and connect with like-minded peers in a vibrant and supportive environment.

Date: Saturday 20 April
Time: 1pm
Place: Stage 88, Commonwealth Park
Cost: free
More info: call the Celebrations of African Australians Inc on 0434 848 132 or email canberra@celebrateafricanaustraliansact.org

Get in touch with your youth representatives

The ACT Youth Advisory Council meets regularly and contributes to consultations and provides advice on the needs of young people to committees, working groups and taskforces across ACT Government. They represent all of Canberra’s young people.

“The ACT Youth Advisory Council strongly believes young people should be meaningfully included in the decisions that affect us and our community now and into the future,” says the council’s Chair, Lily Harrison.

If you want to reach out to the council to ensure your voice is heard, email ACTYAC@act.gov.au

Find out more

If you’re looking for supports or services for young people, visit act.gov.au/community/youth

Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

Subscribe to Our CBR